English poem
The Unknown GOD. Acts xvii. 23
by Philip Doddridge (1773–1832)
Thou, mighty LORD, art GOD alone, A King of Majesty unknown; And all thy dazling Glories rise Beyond the Reach of Angels Eyes.
Yet thro' this Earth thy Works proclaim Some Notice of thy rev'rend Name; And, where thy gracious Gospel shines, We read it in the fairest Lines.
But O! how few of Adam's Race Have learn'd thy Nature and thy Ways! While thousands, ev'n in Lands of Light, Are buried in Egyptian Night.
They tread thy Courts, thy Word they hear, And to thy solemn Rites draw near; Yet, tho' Salvation seems so nigh, Because they know not GOD, they die.
Send thy victorious Gospel forth Wide from these Regions of the North; And thro' thy Churches Grace impart To write thy Name on ev'ry Heart.
More by Philip Doddridge
- The Stupidity of Israel, and of Britain lamented. Isaiah vi. 9-12
- The timorous Saint encouraged by the Assurance of the divine Presence and Help. Isaiah xli. 10
- The transitory Nature of the World, an Argument for christian Moderation. 1 Cor. vii. 29, 30, 31
- The ungodly warned of their final Appearance. 1 Pet. iv. -18
- The Vanity of worldly Schemes inferred from the Unceriainty of Life. James iv. 13, 14, 15
- The wandering Sheep recovered. Psalm cxix. 176
- The Waters of the Sanctuary healing the dead Sea . Ezek. xlvii. 8, 9
- The weeping Seed-Time, and joyful Harvest. Psalm cxxvi. 5, 6