A Hymn to God the Father - A poem by John Donne

When I first read this poem by John Donne, I was reminded of the glorious truth of Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Donne may be highlighting the tension between Romans chapters 7&8, where Paul laments his failure to keep God’s Word, but at the end of chapter 7, he declares that it is Christ Jesus who can deliver him from his body of death. It is only through the gospel that man can be cured from the fear of death and judgment. Gospel assurance is the gateway to peace and serenity! Enjoy Donne’s reflection below:

Wilt thou forgive that sin where I 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 wallow'd in, a score?

                When thou hast done, thou hast not done,

                        For I have more.

I have a sin of fear, that when I have 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;

                        I fear no more.