The Penitent: Written in 1712

I've Sinn'd too long to hope for Mercy, yet There is a God as Merciful as Great. My Sins are great and numerous as those Numerous Atoms which do the World compose. Help me dear JESU! Look down upon me from thy blest Abode, Dear JESU help, help dear Incarnate God! Were I again to retrograde my Days, And tread once more the World's mysterious Maze, The Subject of my Thoughts shou'd always be On my Great God, and Deep Eternity: I'd live not to my self but unto HIM; And whatsoe'er I said, my God shou'd be the Theme. For such a Life as this, I might be sure of Endless Bliss, And boldly claim my promis'd Paradise. Grim Death with all his Terrours shou'd not frighten me,, I wou'd not ask to live, I'd sooner court to be Free from the Chains of dull Mortality. Then shou'd I wish for that once blessed Day For my Great God to call me hence away; To hear my Heavenly Redeemer call, Come Thou Blessed—thy Sins are pardon'd all. Then, then I'd bless my Fate, that 'twas my Fate to die, With Joy unspeakable I wou'd receive my Doom, And Glorious I, Wing'd by my Faith, wou'd mount Elysium.