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84 1 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.

2 His eyes, on Bathsheba once fix d, With poison fill d his soul ; He ventured on adult ry next, And murder crown d the whole.

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

4 When sin deceives it hardens too ; For though he vainly sought To hide his crimes from public view, Of C4od he little thought.

5 He neither would nor could repent, No true compunction felt, Till C4od in mercy Nathan sent, His stubborn heart to melt.

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

7 &quot; Thou art the man,&quot; the prophet said : That word his slumber broke ; And when he own d his sin and pray d, The Lord forgiveness spoke.

8 Let those who think they stand, beware, For David stood before : Nor let the fallen soul despair, For Mercy can restore.