John Bowring

1792-1872 / England

God The Chief Good

Lord! to live, to die to Thee,
Ever, ever to be Thine;
Now and for eternity;
Father! Friend! to call Thee mine,
And when death shall overtake me,
Calmly to repose me there
Till Thy awful voice awake me,-
Hear the wish and grant the prayer!
If that prayer may soar to Thee,
Not for wealth, nor power, nor pride,
Lord! shall my petition be:
I would turn my thoughts aside
From the dreams so vain and idle,
Which too long have driven me on;
Every wish and passion bridle,
Fixing them on Thee alone.
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