Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, DEVOTIONAL VERSES, by WILLIAM BROWNE (1591-1643)


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

DEVOTIONAL VERSES, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Behold, o god, in rivers of my tears
Last Line: To live with thee; sweet jesus, say amen.
Alternate Author Name(s): Browne, William Of Tavistock
Subject(s): Worship


BEHOLD, O God, in rivers of my tears
I come to thee: bow down thy blessed ears
To hear me wretch, and let thine eyes which sleep
Did never close, behold a sinner weep:
Let not, O God, my God, my faults, though great
And numberless, between thy mercy's seat
And my poor soul be thrown! since we are taught
Thou, Lord, remember'st thine if thou be sought.
I come not, Lord, with any other merit
Than what I by my Saviour Christ inherit:
Be then his wounds my balm; his stripes my bliss;
My crown his thorns; my death be lost in his.
And thou, my blest Redeemer, Saviour, God,
Quit my accompts, withhold the vengeful rod.
O beg for me! my hopes on thee are set;
And Christ forgive, as well as pay the debt.
The living fount, the life, the way, I know,
And but to thee, O whither should I go?
All other helps are vain: grant thine to me,
For in thy cross my saving health must be.
O hearken then what I with faith implore,
Lest sin and death sink me for evermore.Lastly, O God, my ways direct and guide;
In death defend me, that I never slide;
And at the doom let me be raised then,
To live with thee; sweet Jesus, say Amen.





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