Pure in itself, without a flaw,
It dims in our too-worldly clasp.
3 We handle it with unwashed hands;
We stain it with unhallowed breath;
We gloss it with device of man’s,
And hide thine image underneath.
4 Forgive the sacrilege, and take
From off our souls th’ unworthy stain;
And show us, for thy Son’s dear sake
Thy pure and perfect law again.