Classic Poem

Oh God! my sins are manifold, against my life they cry,
And all my guilty deeds foregone, up to thy 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, oh King! and be the proud to righteous ruin driven!
" Forgive! " an awful answer came, " as thou would'st be forgiven! "

Seven times, Oh Lord! I pardoned them, seven times they sinned again;
They practice still to work me wo, they triumph in my pain;
But let them dread my vengeance now, to just resentment driven!
" Forgive! " the voice of thunder spake, " or never be forgiven! "