University of Virginia Library

507.

[Thee, Lord, I joyfully confess]

Is it not lawful for me to do what I will, &c. —xx. 15.

Thee, Lord, I joyfully confess
The sole disposer of Thine own,
If equal or superior grace
Thou freely hast to others shown:
Their gifts with a malignant eye,
An envious wish I cannot see;
But humbly on Thy death rely
For all the good it bought for me.
If those who after me are come
Be honour'd and preferr'd before,
I will not to complain presume,
But humbled at Thy feet adore:
I dare not in Thy presence plead
My labours or my sufferings pass'd,
Happy if, while I bow my head,
My soul is scarcely saved at last.