Hymn LVIII. For a Prisoner condemned.
[_]
I have often observed that prisoners condemned,
for want of good counsell, have Ill spent the short
time assigned them to live: otherwhile in a desperate
Jollitie; and otherwhile in excessive discomfort;
therefore, this
Hymn is offered as a help to
settle, and prepare their mindes for death.
Sing this as, VVe praise thee God
.
[1]
Now, I perceive a God there is
That searcheth out my wayes;
And that when ere I do amisse,
His eye the same survayes.
Yea, now, I know, he knows that thing
Which I thought known of none:
And, can to light those actions bring,
Which are in darknesse done.
2
As thou, oh Lord! hast found me out,
So, let me finde out thee:
That, of thy grace, I may not doubt,
Though gracelesse yet I be.
And, to the Crosse, though I was brought,
Ere I my guilt could rue;
Since, now, thy mercy, is besought,
To me, thy Mercy shew:
[3]
Touch thou my heart with true remorse,
For what, I have misdone:
That, it may truly hate the Course,
Which I till now have run.
And, let, oh Lord! some recompence
From thy free hand, be daign'd;
To all, who have, by my offence,
Wrong, losse, or grief, sustain'd.
4
Let not the horror of my fact,
My guiltie Soul oppresse;
Nor fear, nor hope, my minde distract;
Nor sorrow, me oppresse.
But, let me with, true penitence,
Before thy throne repaire;
Emploring grace, for my offence,
With fasting, and with pray'r.
5
And, though the Sinners way, I trod,
Whilst I had freedome here;
Let, unto me, in death, oh God!
The Gate of Life, appear;
That, when the Law shall stop my breath,
As Justice doth decree,
I, through the dreadfull shades of Death,
May finde, a path to thee.
