Classic Poem

AUGUST , 1785.

O God , the giver of all joy,
Whose gifts no mortal can destroy,
Accept my grateful lays:
My tongue did almost ask for death,
But thou did'st spare my lab'ring breath,
To sing thy future praise.

I live! my God be prais'd, I live,
And do most thankfully receive,
The bounty of my life:
I live, still longer to improve,
The fondest husband's tender love,
To the most happy wife.

I live within my arms to clasp,
My infant with endearing grasp,
And feel my fondness grow:
O God endow her with thy grace,
And heav'nly gifts, to hold a place
Among thy Saints below.

May she in duty, as she ought,
By thy unerring precepts taught,
To us a blessing prove:
And thus prepar'd for greater joys,
May she, with thine elect arise
To taste the joys above.