'Well, at length I plainly see' (hymn) written by John Berridge

Based on Psalm 39: 5 - 7


Well, at length I plainly see

Every man is vanity;

In his best and brightest form,

But a shadow or a worm.


Such a shade I am in view,

Empty, dark and fleeting too;

Such a worm of nothing worth,

Crawling out and in the earth.


[Very foolish, very base,

Notwithstanding Jesus' grace.

Murmuring oft for gospel-bread,

Growing wanton when full fed.]


[Brisk and dull in half an hour,

Hot and cold, and sweet and sour;

Sometimes grave at Jesus' school,

Sometimes light, and play the fool.]


What a motley wretch am I!

Full of inconsistency!

Sure the plague is in my heart,

Else I could not act this part.


Let me come unto my Lord,

Self-condemned and abhorred;

Take the sinner's safe retreat,

Lie and blush at Jesus' feet.


[If my heart is broken well,

God shall surely with me dwell;

Yet amazed I will be,

How the Lord should dwell with me.]

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