When they did greet me father, sudden awe
       &nbspWeigh'd down my spirit: I retired and knelt
       &nbspSeeking the throne of grace, but inly felt
No heavenly visitation upwards draw
My feeble mind, nor cheering ray impart.
       &nbspAh me! before the Eternal Sire I brought
       &nbspTh' unquiet silence of confuséd thought
And shapeless feelings: my o'erwhelméd heart
Trembled, and vacant tears stream'd down my face.
And now once more, O Lord! to thee I bend,
       &nbspLover of souls! and groan for future grace,
That ere my babe youth's perilous maze have trod,
       &nbspThy overshadowing Spirit may descend,
       &nbspAnd he be born again, a child of God.