A Meditation in Retirement

O That my Mind was center'd where it ought, Entirely freed from all distracted Thought, Vain wandring Thoughts, that crowd within my Breast, Do oft obstruct my Soul from solid Rest; And like to vagrant Clouds obscure the Mind, Which should to serious Watching be inclin'd: Ah! rise thou Son of Righteousness, thy Light. Can soon dispel the Gloominess of Night: Appear, appear, let thy victorious Ray, And long'd for Presence, still renew the Day: Whereby my slumbering Eyes may wake and see The dawning Morning of Felicity, Still more and more break forth to perfect Day, Whose heavenly Light guides in the blessed Way, That leads to thy renowned holy Hill; Where true Obedience to thy sacred Will, Makes glad the Hearts of thy redeemed Ones, Who know the Comfort of adopted Sons, And can sing Praises to that glorious Hand, Which rais'd 'em up, and taught them how to stand, To walk and run the pleasant Paths of Peace, Rejoicing in true Joys that never cease.