While I Keep Silence, and Conceal

While I keep si­lence

and con­ceal

My hea­vy guilt with­in my heart

What tor­ments doth my con­science feel!

What ago­nies of in­ward smart!

I spread my sins be­fore the Lord

And all my sec­ret faults con­fess;

Thy Gos­pel speaks a par­don­ing word

Thine Ho­ly Spir­it seals the grace.

For this shall ev­ery hum­ble soul

Make swift ad­dress­es to Thy seat;

When floods of huge temp­ta­tions roll

There shall they find a blest re­treat.

How safe be­neath Thy wings I lie

When days grow dark and storms ap­pear!

And when I walk

Thy watch­ful eye

Shall guide me safe from ev­ery snare.