How David, when by sin deceived

DAVID's fall by John Newton


 * How David, when by sin deceived,
 * From bad to worse went on!
 * For when the Holy Spirit's grieved,
 * Our strength and guard are gone.


 * His eye on Bathsheba once fixed,
 * With poison filled his soul;
 * He ventured on adult'ry next,
 * And murder crowned the whole.


 * So from a spark of fire at first,
 * That has not been descried;
 * A dreadful flame has often burst,
 * And ravaged far and wide.


 * When sin deceives it hardens too,
 * For though he vainly fought
 * To hide his crimes from public view,
 * Of God he little thought.


 * He neither would, or could repent,
 * No true compunction felt;
 * 'Till God in mercy Nathan sent,
 * His stubborn heart to melt.


 * The parable held forth a fact,
 * Designed his case to show;
 * But though the picture was exact,
 * Himself he did not know.


 * "Thou art the man," the prophet said,
 * That word his slumber broke;
 * And when he owned his sin, and prayed,
 * The LORD forgiveness spoke.


 * Let those who think they stand beware,
 * For David stood before;
 * Nor let the fallen soul despair,
 * For mercy can restore.