Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONNET by JACQUES VALLEE DESBARREAUX

First Line: GREAT GOD, THY JUDGMENTS RIGHTEOUS I DECLARE
Last Line: BY BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST NOT COVERED O'ER?

GREAT God, Thy judgments righteous I declare,
That Thou to mercy ever art inclined;
But I have sinned so much, Thy goodness ne'er
Can pardon, lest Thy justice be resigned.

Yes, O my God, my sins so grievous are,
Thy choice is but what penalty to find;
To grant me bliss would Thine own right impair;
E'en by Thy goodness is my death designed.

Then for Thy glory's sake perform Thy will,
Blame e'en the tears that from mine eyes distil;
Strike, blast, delay not, war by war requite.

Though doomed, Thy righteous wrath I still adore;
But where the spot on which Thy bolt can light
By blood of Jesus Christ not covered o'er?



Home: PoetryExplorer.net