University of Virginia Library

680.

[Just such a wretch am I]

In the time of his distress did he trespass yet, &c. —xxviii. 22.

Just such a wretch am I,
Who underneath the rod
Sin on self-harden'd, and defy
The utmost wrath of God:

217

The deeper in distress,
The farther I rebel,
As bent to claim for my own place
The hottest place in hell.
'Tis not in pain to move
This most obdurate heart;
Only the power of bleeding love
Can stone to flesh convert,
Bid my rebellions end,
And wash the Ethiop white,
And change a foul incarnate fiend
Into a child of light.