"Wilt Thou Forgive"

The First Sunday of Lent

I'm going to teach this hymn (which is new to me) to our children this week. The words are by John Donne (1573-1631); music harmonized by J.S. Bach (1685-1750).

I had to read through these words a few times, but there is such comfort and truth there.

[The link to the music here has a wrong note which is a little disconcerting, but I can't find a better rendition. Sorry. The painting above is of a young J.S. Bach.]

"Wilt Thou Forgive"

Wilt Thou forgive that sin, by man begun,
Which was my sin though it were done before?
Wilt Thou forgive that sin, through which I run,
And do run still, though still I do deplore?
When Thou hast done, Thou hast not done,
For I have more.

Wilt Thou forgive that sin which I have won
Others to sin, and made my sin their door?
Wilt Thou forgive that sin which I did shun
A year or two, but wallowed in a score?
When Thou hast done, Thou hast not done,
For I have more.

I have a sin of fear, that when I’ve spun
My last thread, I shall perish on the shore;
But swear by Thyself, that at my death Thy Son
Shall shine, as He shines now and heretofore:
And, having done that, Thou hast done: