p. 1 | FORGIVENESS by Bishop Heber

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 24, 1859

FORGIVENESS.

By Bishop Heber

O God! my sins are manifold, Against my life they cry; And all my guilty deeds, forgone, Up to the temple fly. Wilt thou release my trembling soul That to despair is driven? "Forgive," a blessed voice replied, "And thou shalt be forgiven."

My foemen Lord are fierce and fell; They spurn me in their pride; They render evil for my good; My patience they deride. Arise my King and be the proud In righteous ruin driven!— "Forgive," the awful answer came, "As thou wouldst be forgiven."

Seven times O Lord I've pardoned them, Seven times they've sinned again. They practice still to work me woe, And triumph in my pain; But let them dread my vengeance now To just resentment driven! "Forgive," the voice in thunder spake, "Or never be forgiven."