PRAYER FOR A MURDERER, AT HIS EXECUTION, APRIL 19, 1779.
Jesus, was ever love like Thine!
Jesus, remember Calvary!
Who didst Thy precious life resign,
Who didst, expiring on the tree,
Pity the men that nail'd Thee there,
And save them by Thy dying prayer.
A ruffian drench'd in guiltless blood
Thine utmost strength of grace requires:
From all the righteous wrath of God,
From inextinguishable fires,
Redeem him at this dreadful hour,
Thou infinite in saving power!
The one unpardonable sin,
Great God, if he hath never done,
We ask that blood to wash him clean
Which did for murderers atone;
Wash'd in that blood his soul require,
And save him—save him—as by fire!
