Volume 5 — Original Asperges Me. by Richard Storrs Willis.

I Prostrate at thy altar kneeling, Not a thought or fault concealing, Hear me cry with inmost feeling, Domine, asperges me! Ah! What sins I come confessing, Since I last received thy blessing! Yet with all this guilt oppressing, Still I pled asperges me! II Sins of thought, of word, of action, Many a righteous law's infraction, Many an hour of wild distraction— Domine, asperges me! Oft I think can Christ forgive me— With such guilt can he receive me? What if my fond heart deceive me— Dare I plead asperges me! III Come I must, for thou dost bid me! Ne'er for coming hast thou chid me! From my guilt, ah! quickly rid me— Domine, asperges me! That my heavy heart grow lighter. That my love for thee burn brighter, That my soul than snow grow whiter, Domine, asperges me!