Ben Jonson’s speaker prays with a broken heart, calling it his “best part” — an honest confession that only in humility can he truly be open to God. He actually asks for the divine “rod,” that firm correction, because he’s learned through experience that without God’s stern hand he’d wander off and forget both himself and his maker. There’s a bitter self-knowledge here: sin feels sweet, and our minds, “ill-bent,” won’t turn back until punishment hits. The mood is heavy with remorse, but not despairing. The speaker marvels that God gave a Son to rescue a slave made from nothing — and yet he admits he still rebels, taking that sacrifice lightly. Still, the final lines shift toward a quiet resolve. He’ll come to God before he’s lost entirely, anchoring his hope beneath Christ’s cross. It’s an intimate, restless prayer that traces a path from guilt to trembling trust.
A Hymn to God the Father — Summary
Hear me, O God! A broken heart Is my best part. Use still thy rod, That I may prove Therein thy Love.
If thou hadst not Been stern to me, But left me free, I had forgot Myself and thee.
For sin's so sweet, As minds ill-bent Rarely repent, Until they meet Their punishment.
Who more can crave Than thou hast done? That gav'st a Son, To free a slave, First made of nought; With all since bought.
Sin, Death, and Hell His glorious name Quite overcame, Yet I rebel And slight the same.
But I'll come in Before my loss Me farther toss, As sure to win Under His cross.