Classic Poem

I.

Great God, to thee my evening song
With humble gratitude I raise;
O let thy mercy tune my tongue,
And fill my heart with lively praise.

II.

Mercy, that rich unbounded store,
Does my unnumbered wants relieve;
Among thy daily craving poor,
On thy all-bounteous hand I live.

III.

My days unclouded, as they pass,
And every gently rolling hour,
Are monuments of wonderous grace,
And witness to thy love and power.

IV.

Thy love and power, (celestial guard)
Preserve me from surrounding harms:
Can danger reach me, while the Lord
Extends his kind protecting arms?

V.

My numerous wants are known to thee,
Ere my slow wishes can arise;
Thy goodness measureless and free,
Is ready still with full supplies.

VI.

And yet this thoughtless, wretched heart,
Too oft regardless of thy love,
Ungrateful, can from thee depart,
And fond of trifles vainly rove.

VII.

When calm reflection finds a place,
How vile this wretched heart appears!
O let thy all-subduing grace
Melt it in penitential tears.

VIII.

Seal my forgiveness in the blood
Of Jesus: his dear name alone
I plead for pardon, gracious God,
And kind acceptance at thy throne.

IX.

Let this blest hope my eyelids close,
With sleep refresh my feeble frame;
Safe in thy care may I repose,
And wake with praises to thy name.