Hymn CCLXXIII. Common Metre. The Discipline of God's Providence

When I review the crooked ways, Through which my feet have trod; I find incessant cause to bless And love my guardian GOD.

Through all the labyrinth of life, My folly he pursu'd; My wandering heart to quick return, How tenderly he woo'd!

I rarely plann'd, but cause I found My plan's defeat to bless; Oft I lamented an event Which turn'd to my success.

When labouring under fancy'd ill, My spirits to sustain; He kindly cur'd with wholesome draughts Of unaffected pain.

Sometimes he brought me near to death, And pointing to the grave, Made terror whisper kind advice, And taught the tomb to save.

To raise my thoughts beyond where worlds As spangles o'er us shine; One day he gave, and made the next My soul's delight resign.

From what seem'd horror and despair, The richest harvest rose; And gave me in the will divine, An absolute repose.