My rising soul surveys; Transported with the view, I'm lost In wonder, love, and praise. O how shall words with equal warmth The gratitude declare That glows within my ravish'd heart! But Thou canst read it there. Thy providence my life sustain'd, And all my wants redrest, When in the silent womb I lay, Or hung upon the breast. To all my weak complaints and cries Thy mercy lent an ear, Ere yet my feeble thoughts had learnt To form themselves in prayer. Unnumber'd comforts to my soul Thy tender care bestow'd, Before my infant heart conceived From Whom those comforts flow'd. When in the slippery paths of youth With heedless steps I ran, Thine arm unseen convey'd me safe, And led me up to man; Through hidden dangers, toils, and deaths, It gently clear'd my way, And through the pleasing snares of vice, More to be fear'd than they. When worn with sickness, oft hast Thou With health renew'd my face; And when in sins and sorrows sunk, Revived my soul with grace. Thy bounteous hand with worldly bliss Has made my cup run o'er, And in a kind and faithful friend Has doubled all my store. Ten thousand thousand precious gifts My daily thanks employ; Nor is the least a cheerful heart That tastes those gifts with joy. Through every period of my life, Thy goodness I'll pursue; And after death, in distant worlds, The glorious theme renew. When nature fails, and day and night Divide Thy works no more, My ever-grateful heart, O LORD, Thy mercy shall adore. Through all eternity, to Thee A joyful song I'll raise; For, oh! eternity's too short To utter all Thy praise. |