A Lovely Gem That Turned From Darkest Coal

XCIII A wretched bond which all my life had borne My sin I love and own, alas owns me Deceitful heart that love these chains and thorns Unsacred ties that binds, how may I flee? Then suddenly at dawn my dungeon breaks Fresh wounds I see on pierced hands stretched down From darkness he my poor, dead soul did take That from my temples fell sin’s hollow crown. Down deep within the chambers of my soul From my disgraceful state, a prize he found Like lovely gem that turned from darkest coal A true desire to praise with sweetest sound Much rather would I from some good retreat Till sin is bitter, Christ will not be sweet