John 16:27: As soon as suffering saints require

As soon as suffering saints require
That Jesus may their foes forgive,
He satisfies His own desire,
He bids the persecutors live,
And lo the vilest wretch and worst
Find mercy and salvation first.

What but the power which wakes the dead
Could reach a stubborn gaoler's heart,
In cruelty and rapine bred,
Who took the ancient murderer's part?
Could make a harden'd ruffian feel,
And shake him o'er the mouth of hell?
2737. He drew out his sword) and would have killed, &c. — xvi 27.
Urged by his old infernal lord,
ho fear'd to lose his lawful prey,
He draws the self-destroyer's sword
Body and soul at once to slay,
Nor knows the End of sin and fear,
His true eternal Life was near.