As some tall cliff that lifts its awful form, PROVIDENCE. A HYMN. BY ADDISON. The Lord my pasture shall prepare, When in the sultry glebe I faint, Though in the paths of death I tread, My stedfast heart shall fear no ill, Though in a bare and rugged way, GRATITUDE. BY THE SAME. When all thy mercies, O my God! My rising soul surveys; Transported with the view, I'm lost In wonder, love, and praise ! O! how shall words with equal warmth The gratitude declare, But thou canst read it there. Thy providence my life sustain'd, Aud all my wants redrest, When in the silent womb I lay, And hung upon the breast. To all my weak complaints and cries Thy mercy lent an ear, To form themselves in prayer. Unnumber'd comforts to my soul Thy tender care bestow'd, Before my infant heart conceiv'd From whom those comforts flow'd. When in the slipp'ry paths of youth With heedless steps I ran, And led me up to man. Through hidden dangers, toils, and deaths, It gently clear'd my way, And through the pleasing snares of vice, More to be fear'd than they. When worn with sickness, oft has thou my face, And when in sins and sorrow sunk, Reviv'd my soul with grace. Thy bounteous hand with worldly bliss Has made my cup run o'er, And in a kind and faithful friend Has doubled all my store. Ten thousand thousand precious gifts My daily thanks employ, That tastes those gifts with joy. Through every period of my life Thy goodness I'll pursue; The glorious theme renew. When nature fails, and day and night Divide thy works no more, My ever-grateful heart, O Lord! Thy mercy shall adore. Through all eternity to thee, A joyful song I'll raise, But, oh! eternity's too short To utter all thy praise. CREATION. BY THE SAME. Tue lofty pillars of the sky, Th' unwearied sun, from day to day, THE WISH. BY MERRICK. How short is life's uncertain space! Alas! how quickly done! How very hard to run! |