Poem A Wish

We have not preserved entirely on this blog the poem by Beddome found in a  notebook at the Angus Library and headed A Wish. It is from about 1742 it seems (the year he proposed to Anne Steele).

Lord, in my soul implant thy fear:
Let faith, and hope, and love be there.
Preserve me from prevailing vice
When Satan tempts or lusts entice.
Of friendship's sweets may I partake,
Nor be forsaken, or forsake.
Let moderate plenty crown my board,
And God for all be still adored.
Let the companion of my youth
Be one of innocence and truth;
Let modest charms adorn her face,
And give her thy superior grace.
By heavenly art first make her thine,
Then make her willing to be mine.
My dwelling-place let Bourton be,
There let me live, and live to thee.