A Prayer on the Prospect of Death.
O Thou unknown, Almighty cause
Of all my hope and fear!
In whose dread presence in an hour
Perhaps I must appear!
If I have wandered in those paths
Of life I ought to shun,
As something loudly in my breast
Remonstrates I have done,
Thou knew’st that thou hast framed me
With passions wild and strong,
And listening to their winning voice
Has often led me wrong.
Where human weakness has run short,
Or frailty stept aside,
Do thou, All Good, for such thou art,
The shades of darkness hide.
Where with intention I have err’d,
No other plea I have
But thou art good, and goodness still
Delighteth to forgive.