To keep Thy laws my will is bent,

But fails in the accomplishment:

E’en when I follow good, I find

Some stain of evil lurks behind.

Lord, on Thy child compassion take,

Blot out my sins for Jesu’s sake;

That thus my spirit more and more

With free ascent to heaven may soar.

The foolish worldly mind expel,

Sole Lord within my mansion dwell;