88

Because I Knew Not When
Words: Sarah Williams, 1868, alt
Music:   George W. Chadwick, 1893

Because I knew not when my life was good
And when there was a light upon my path
But turned my soul perversely to the dark,
O Lord, I do repent.

Because I held upon my selfish road
And left my brother wounded by the way
And called ambition duty and pressed on,
O Lord, I do repent.

Because I spent the strength Thou gavest me
In struggle which Thou never didst ordain
And have imperfect life to offer Thee,
O Lord, I do repent.

Because I was impatient, would not wait,
And thrust my willful hand across Thy threads
And marred the pattern drawn out for my life,
O Lord, I do repent.