Classic Poem

Thou, who all Souls, all Consciences dost sway,
To thee I look dismay'd!
To thy Protection I commit my way.
Thou, who my life did'st aide,
Still in my weakness canst thy strength display.

A fiery Pillar in dark nights to me,
And with thy light direct,
In scorching Days a cloudy Pillar be;
And with thy shade protect.
O let me find both Sun, and Shield in Thee.

My life I was not by perverseness wrought
To hazard thus t'expose:
But Reason, Honour, and Religion taught,
To guard my self from those,
Whose impious force to wrest them from me sought.

Let not the just Resolves, I have endu'd
With outward strength, abate
A Conscience where no wrong did e're intrude:
Be my Associate,
In my Desertions greatest Solitude.

My Fort of Reason let me not betray,
Trusted to keep for Thee.
From thy Salvation that I never stray,
My constant Conduct be.
If Thee I please, Peace shall my Foes allay.