The Works of Mr. Henry Needler

SIR
, I have been of late so afflicted with a Pain in my Head, (which still continues, tho' not so violent as it was,) that I was utterly uncapable of making my Returns as usual; which Failure therefore I hope you will excuse. I have nothing now to present you with, but a short Hymn, which I writ during my Illness.

I

Why art thou thus with Grief opprest,
My destitute, afflicted Soul?
What anxious Fears disturb thy Rest,
And all thy brighter Thoughts controul?

II

Let chearful Hope, with dawning Light,
Dispel each black and gloomy Care;
And from thy Breast, with sudden Flight,
Drive far the Form of foul Despair.

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III

Lift up thine Eyes. Above, behold!
Eternal Goodness sits inthron'd:
Tho' Sorrow for a Night may hold,
With springing Joy the Morning's crown'd.

IV

Let not the Weight of present Ill
To impious Doubts thy Thoughts incline.
Trust in th' Almighty's Favour still;
On Him with humble Hope recline.

V

To all thy Pray'rs and secret Sighs
He will not ever Deaf remain:
He will ere-long, with pitying Eyes,
Look down, and heal thy piercing Pain.

VI

He, when as yet thou Nothing wert,
By his own high Perfections mov'd,
To Thee a Being did impart,
And with a Father's Kindness lov'd.

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VII

The Fulness of his Joy Supreme
Could not by Men receive Increase;
His gracious End in making them,
Was to bestow diffusive Bliss.

I am, SIR, Your sincere humble Servant, H. Needler.

University of Virginia Library

To Mr. D.

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