Occasioned by a Recovery from a tedious Illness

Father Divine, Eternal One! While Heav'n pure homage pays, From this dark point, beneath the sun, Accept a mortal's praise. Yet what's the praise my breath can give; What's all that I can say, But that the God in whom I live Has giv'n me health to-day? The theme my voice in vain assays, Then let my life pursue; Let what I am record thy praise, Express'd in what I do. Thee more than all—and as myself, Oh teach me man to love: Be this my fame, my glory, wealth, My bliss below—above! Nor let my love to man be vain, My love to God be blind; Of thee some knowledge let me gain, Some blessing give mankind. Thro' ev'ry change my life may know, My ebbing, flowing tides, Firm be my faith, that all below, Love, join'd with wisdom, guides. That e'en thy justice tends to bless, Tho' little understood; That partial evils love express, And work the gen'ral good. But frail, alas! this mortal clay, This reasoning mind how frail! Let strength be equal to my day, Nor height nor depth prevail. When o'er my roof affliction low'rs, Sustain my sinking heart; In all my gay, unguarded hours, Oh keep my better part! And when this tott'ring fabric falls, Assist my soul to soar, Where full possession never palls, To know and love thee more.