Versos English Philip Doddridge Practical Reflections on the State of our Fathers. Zechariah i. 5

English poem

Practical Reflections on the State of our Fathers. Zechariah i. 5

by (1773–1832)

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How swift the Torrent rolls, That bears us to the Sea! The Tide, that bears our thoughtless Souls To vast Eternity!

Our Fathers, where are they, With all they call'd their own? Their Joys and Griefs, and Hopes and Cares, And Wealth and Honour gone.

But Joy or Grief succeeds Beyond our mortal Thought, While the poor Remnant of their Dust Lies in the Grave forgot.

There, where the Fathers lie, Must all the Children dwell; Nor other Heritage possess But such a gloomy Cell.

GOD of our Fathers, hear, Thou everlasting Friend! While we, as on Life's utmost Verge , Our Souls to Thee commend.

Of all the pious Dead May we the Footsteps trace, Till with them in the Land of Light We dwell before thy Face.