Almighty One! I bend in dust before Thee,
Even so veil'd cherubs bend;-
In calm and still devotion I adore Thee,
All-wise, all-present Friend!
Thou to the earth its emerald robes hast given,
Or curtained it in snow;
And the bright sun, and the soft moon in heaven,
Before Thy presence bow.
Thou in Thy wisdom spread'st the map of nature,
That map so fair and bright;
Reared'st the arch of heaven-on every creature
Pouring its streams of light.
Thou feed'st with dew the early spring-rose glowing,
Quickenest the teeming sea;
Thine is the storm thro' the dark forest blowing,
Thine, heaven's soft harmony.
Thine is the beam on ocean's bosom glancing,
Thine is the thunder cloud,
Thine are the lamps that light our steps, advancing
To the tomb's solitude.
Thou speakest-and all nature's pregnant bosom
Heaves with Thy mighty breath;
Thou frownest-man, even like a frost-nipp'd blossom,
Drops in the lap of death.
A thousand worlds which roll around us brightly,
Thee in their orbits bless;
Ten thousand suns which shine above us nightly,
Proclaim Thy righteousness.
Thou did'st create the world-'twas Thy own mandate
That woke it unto day;
And the same power that measur'd, weigh'd, and spann'd it,
Shall bid that world decay.
Thou Power sublime! whose throne is firmly seated
On stars and glowing suns;
O could I praise Thee-could my soul elated
Waft Thee seraphic tones;
Had I the lyres of angels-could I bring Thee
An offering worthy Thee,
In what bright notes of glory would I sing Thee,
Blest notes of ecstasy!
Here is my song, a voice of mortal weakness
Just breathing from my breast;
A mingled song, of worthlessness and meekness
And feeble hope, at best.
In heaven that voice, up to Thy throne ascending,
Should speak as angels speak,
And joy and confidence and glory blending,
Thy seat of light should seek.
Eternity! Eternity!-how solemn,
How terrible the sound!
Here, leaning on Thy promises-a column
Of strength-may I be found.
O let my heart be ever Thine, while beating,
As when 'twill cease to beat;
Be Thou my portion-till that awful meeting,
When I my God shall greet.