As some tall cliff that lifts its awful form, Swells from the vale, and midway leaves the storm, Though round its breast the rolling clouds are spread, Eternal sunshine settles on its head. PROVIDENCE. A HYMN. BY ADDISON. THE Lord my pasture shall prepare, When in the sultry glebe I faint, verdant landscape flow. 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 rising soul surveys; my God! Transported with the view, I'm lost O! how shall words with equal warmth The gratitude declare, That glows within my ravish'd heart! Thy providence my life sustain'd, And all my wants redrest, When in the silent womb I lay, And hung upon the breast. To all my weak complaints and cries Ere yet my feeble thoughts had learnt Unnumber'd comforts to my soul From whom those comforts flow'd. When in the slipp'ry paths of youth With heedless steps I ran, 'Thine arm, unseen, convey'd me safe, 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 With health renew'd my face, And when in sins and sorrow sunk, Reviv'd my soul with grace. Thy bounteous hand with worldly bliss Has doubled all my store. Ten thousand thousand precious gifts My daily thanks employ, Nor is the least a cheerful heart, That tastes those gifts with joy. Through every period of my life 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, CREATION. BY THE SAME. THE lofty pillars of the sky, And spacious concave rais'd on high, Spangled with stars, a shining frame, Their great original proclaim; 'Th' unwearied sun, from day to day, The moon takes up the wondrous tale, Whilst all the stars that round her burn, And spread the truth from pole to pole. For ever singing as they shine, THE WISH. BY MERRICK. 'How short is life's uncertain space! Alas! how quickly done! How swift the wild precarious chace! And yet how difficult the race, How very hard to run! |