Deep down in every human heart
By storms of passion stirred,
The springs of purer impulse start—
A pleading voice is heard.
It whispers sweet in childhood's years,
And firmly speaks in youth,
When what we lose is worth our tears,
But not our love of truth.
This voice rebukes the harsh resolve
When manhood's pride is high;
And day by day, while days revolve,
It teaches age to die.
This voice, O God, that pleads within,
Incline our hearts to hear.
Till in Thy sight, made free from sin,
Through Christ, we all appear.