Search me O God, my actions try,

And let my life appear

As seen by thine all-searching eye;

To mine my ways make clear.

 

Search all my sense and know my heart,

Who only canst make known,

And let the deep, the hidden part,

To me be fully shown.

 

Throw light into the darkened cells

Where passion reigns within;

Quicken my conscience till it feels

The loathsomeness of sin.

 

Search all my thoughts, the secret springs,

The motives that control,

The chambers where polluted things

Hold empire o’er the soul.

 

Search, till thy fiery glance has cast

Its holy light through all,

And I by grace am brought at last

Before thy face to fall.

 

Frank Bottome (1823-94).