Works

I wrote some Religious Verses the other day, not good ones; but very like the Methodist Hymns, & would do nicely for them to sing. I will give them to Mr Shepherd, he will like them the better for not knowing (as I do) that they are imitated from the famous Sonnet of Des Barreaux—beginning Grand Dieu &c

1.

Repenting, trembling, Lo! I come,
Prepare Oh righteous Lord my Doom;
This Heart form’d firm by thy Decree,
Has lov’d another more than Thee.

2.

Spoyl’d of my native Strength I stand,
Like Sampson by a Foreign Hand;
While Passions with Philistine Sway,
Put out those Eyes that shun the Day.

3.

Oh then t’appease Creation’s King,
What Gifts ? what Incense shall I bring?
Shall I with Life my Sins atone?
Alas! not Life itself’s my own.

4.

My Saviour’s precious Blood,—’tis there
I find sole Refuge from Despair;
’Twas for these Sins the purple Tide
Flow’d freely from his Sacred Side:

5.

His Wounds receive the dreadful Dart,
His Blood protects my trembling heart;
Then let the Bolt descend from Heav’n,
It lights upon a Spot forgiven.—