My Name Is Jacob

I

Nay, I cannot let thee go
Till a blessing thou bestow:
Do not turn away thy face,
Mine’s an urgent, pressing case.

II

Dost thou ask me who I am?
Ah, my Lord, thou know’st my name!
Yet the question gives a plea
To support my suit with thee.

III

Thou didst once a wretch behold,
In rebellion blindly bold,
Scorn thy grace, thy power defy,
That poor rebel, Lord, was I.

IV

Once a sinner near despair
Sought thy mercy-seat by prayer;
Mercy heard and set him free⁠—
Lord, that mercy came to me.

V

Many years have pass’d since then,
Many changes I have seen,
Yet have been upheld till now;
Who could hold me up but thou?

VI

Thou hast help’d in every need,
This emboldens me to plead;
After so much mercy past,
Canst thou let me sink at last?

VII

No⁠—I must maintain my hold;
’Tis thy goodness makes me bold;
I can no denial take,
When I plead for Jesu’s sake.