19. A Prayer in the Prospect of Death

O THOU unknown, Almighty Cause Of all my hope and fear! In whose dread presence, ere an hour, Perhaps I must appear!

If I have wander’d in those paths Of life I ought to shun, As something, loudly, in my breast, Remonstrates I have done;

Thou know’st that Thou hast formed me With passions wild and strong; And list’ning to their witching voice Has often led me wrong.

Where human weakness has come short, Or frailty stept aside, Do Thou, All-Good-for such Thou art— In 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.