This sonnet follows the rhyme scheme ABAB BCBC CDCD EE (i.e., a Spenserian Sonnet). It’s set up at its ends like a chiasm: The first six lines are answered in reverse order by the last six lines, with the middle lines as a core. — Anna Hahn
How Jesus speaks His comfort unto me!
For when my conscience cannot find repose,
And sins o’ertake me and I cannot see,
And “There is no salvation!” taunt my foes,
The weakness of my flesh my Savior knows.
For He has sent a shepherd in his stead,
Through whom His peace and pardon He bestows
And hears confessed the sins for which He bled.
Then Jesus lays His hands upon my head:
My flesh no more can disbelieve His Word,
For “I forgive you” unto me He said.
These very eyes have seen, these ears have heard.
My conscience is at rest, and I rejoice
That through my shepherd speaks my Shepherd’s voice!
