University of Virginia Library

XLIX.

[At this solemn turn of fate]

At this solemn turn of fate,
Looking for my painful hour,
Lord, on Thee I meekly wait,
Wait to prove Thy gracious power:
From the eye of man conceal'd,
Lo, to Thee, my God, alone
I my soul and body yield;
Let Thy will on both be done.
Here I give myself to prayer,
Commune with my heart and Thee,
Learn to cast on God my care,
Long Thy saving health to see:

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Might I Thy salvation feel,
Might I Abba, Father, cry,
Ready then for all Thy will,
Meet I were to live, or die.
O for love and pity sake,
Look on Thy unconscious child,
Cast my sins behind Thy back,
Tell me Thou art reconciled,
Let me in Thy strength rejoice,
Let me feel my sins forgiven,
Answer to the Shepherd's voice,
Know my name enroll'd in heaven.
Now explain Thy whole design,
From my earliest infancy
Why didst Thou my will incline,
Draw my simple heart to Thee?
Wherefore did I haunt the shade,
Sad, disconsolate, alone,
Ever of Thy frown afraid,
Wretched for a God unknown?
Show me what I wanted then,
Give me what I still require,
Fairer than the sons of men,
Me with Thy pure love inspire;
Thou my long-sought happiness,
Sum of my desires Thou art,
Breathe the Spirit of Thy grace,
Breathe Thyself into my heart.