The hymn “Depth of Mercy” was written by Charles Wesley, a renowned hymn writer. However, like many of his hymns, “Depth of Mercy” itself is not very well-known. If you haven’t heard this hymn before, you’re in for a real treat.

The content of this hymn is definitely not the most joyful, but it accurately reflects the attitude we should have toward God. We are guilty sinners; He is a holy, righteous Judge. Yet He chose to pay the price for our sins and to extend mercy to us.

There’s an interesting story that accompanies this hymn, and I hope it proves just how powerful a song can be:

An actress in England was passing by a house when she heard singing coming from within. She paused to listen and was so impressed by the song that she later bought a copy of a book that contained it. She read the hymn many times over until, finally, she trusted Jesus Christ to save her from her sins.

She told her theater manager that she wouldn’t be performing on stage anymore, but he pleaded with her to take the lead role in an upcoming play. Finally, she agreed.

On the night of the play, the curtains rose, and the orchestra played the introduction to the song that the actress was supposed to sing. But she only stood there, as though in deep thought. The band was surprised and played the introduction over again a second and third time.

At last, the actress stepped forward and began to sing: “Depth of mercy! Can there be/Mercy still reserved for me?” Though some in the audience scoffed, many others were impressed by her deep emotion. That evening on stage was only the beginning, and the actress later quit the theater for good and married a minister, her life having been changed forever by the song.

Below are the lyrics for “Depth of Mercy,” and you can click here to listen to the tune. There are several other tunes that often accompany this song, but this is the one I am most familiar with.

Depth of Mercy

Depth of mercy! Can there be
Mercy still reserved for me?
Can my God His wrath forbear,
Me, the chief of sinners, spare?

I have long withstood His grace,
Long provoked Him to His face,
Would not hearken to His calls,
Grieved Him by a thousand falls.

I my master have denied,
I afresh have crucified,
And profaned His hallowed name,
Put Him to an open shame.

I have spilt His precious blood,
Trampled on the Son of God,
Filled with pangs unspeakable,
I, who yet am not in hell!

Lo! I still walk on the ground:
Lo! an advocate is found:
Hasten not to cut him down,
Let this barren soul alone.

Jesus speaks, and pleads His blood!
He disarms the wrath of God;
Now my Father’s mercies move,
Justice lingers into love.

Kindled His relentings are,
Me He now delights to spare,
Cries, How shall I give thee up?
Lets the lifted thunder drop.

Whence to me this waste of love?
Ask my advocate above!
See the cause in Jesus’ face,
Now before the throne of grace.

There for me the Savior stands,
Shows His wounds and spreads His hands.
God is love! I know, I feel;
Jesus weeps and loves me still.

Jesus, answer from above,
Is not all Thy nature love?
Wilt Thou not the wrong forget,
Permit me to kiss Thy feet?

If I rightly read Thy heart,
If Thou all compassion art,
Bow Thine ear, in mercy bow,
Pardon and accept me now.

Pity from Thine eye let fall,
By a look my soul recall;
Now the stone to flesh convert,
Cast a look, and break my heart.

Now incline me to repent,
Let me now my sins lament,
Now my foul revolt deplore,
Weep, believe, and sin no more.

Comment below your Hymn of the Month suggestions!