English poem
A SONG OF PRAISE AND THANKS GIVING, Composed for THOSE who have RECOVERED of the pestilential Infection, in…
by Samuel Stearns (1741–1810)
Let us praise GOD, who reigns on high, The universal King, Who rais'd the arches of the sky, And formed ev'ry thing.
Who gave the human species birth, And pass'd a firm decree, That all the sons of men on earth Should grief and trouble see.
He hath afflicted us with pain, Whilst thousands all around Have by his pestilence been slain, And level'd with the ground!
But in a time of deep distress, He rais'd us up again; And we within his wilderness As monuments remain!
We give thee thanks, Almighty GOD, That it was not our doom, To be cast by thy chast'ning rod Into the silent tomb!
Assist us, by thy quick'ning grace, To number so our days, That we ourselves in every place May walk in wisdom's ways.
May we to thee due homage pay, Do good to all mankind, Thy written laws always obey, Live to thy will resign'd.
And when we die, may we arise Where thy good saints are blest, In realms of joy, above the skies, With happiness and rest!