Religious verses

Introduction by Hester Thrale

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.—

Written by Hester Lynch Thrale.
Thraliana entry dated 19 November 1783. Hester Thrale's spelling, grammar and capitalisation, some of which may not conform to today's standards, are reproduced faithfully throughout.