1.
O Thou Great Being! what Thou art
Surpasses me to know;
Yet sure I am, that known to Thee
Are all Thy works below.
2.
The creature here before Thee stands,
All wretched and distrest;
Yet sure those ills that wring my soul
Obey Thy high behest.
3.
Sure Thou, Almighty, canst not act
From cruelty or wrath!
O, free my weary eyes from tears,
Or close them fast in death!
4.
But, if I must afflicted be
To suit some wise design,
Then man my soul with firm resolve
To bear and not repine!

O You Great Being! what You are
Surpasses me to know;
Yet sure I am, that known to You
Are all Your works below.

The creature here before You stands,
All wretched and distressed;
Yet sure those ills that wring my soul
Obey Your high behest.

Sure You, Almighty, can not act
From cruelty or wrath!
O, free my weary eyes from tears,
Or close them fast in death!

But, if I must afflicted be
To suit some wise design,
Then man my soul with firm resolve
To bear and not repine!