Prayer, in the Prospect of Death
O Thou unknown, Almighty CauseOf all my hope and fear!In whose dread presence, ere an hour,Perhaps I must appear!
If I have wander’d in those pathsOf life I ought to shun,As something, loudly, in my breast,Remonstrates I have done;
Thou know’st that Thou hast formed meWith passions wild and strong;And list’ning to their witching voiceHas often led me wrong.
Where human weakness has come short,Or frailty stept aside,Do Thou, All-Good—for such Thou art—In shades of darkness hide.
Where with intention I have err’d,No other plea I have,But, Thou art good; and Goodness stillDelighteth to forgive.