Where, then, shall Hope and Fear their
objects find?
Must dull suspense corrupt the stagnant
mind?
Must helpless man, in ignorance sedate,
Roll darkling down the torrent of his
fate?
Must no dislike alarm, no wishes rise?
No cries invoke the mercies of the skies?
Inquirer cease; petitions yet remain
Which Heaven may hear, nor deem religion
vain;
Still raise for good the supplicating
voice,
But leave to Heaven the measure and the
choice
Safe in His power whose eyes discern afar
The secret ambush of a specious prayer.
Implore His aid, in His decisions rest,
Secure whate’er He gives—He
gives the best.
Yet when the scene of sacred presence
fires,
And strong devotion to the skies aspires,
Pour forth thy fervours for a healthful
mind,
Obedient passions and a will resign’d;
For Love, which scarce collective men
can fill;
For Patience, sovereign o’er transmuted
ill;
For Faith, that panting for a happier
seat,
Counts Death kind nature’s signal
of retreat.
These goods for man the laws of Heaven
ordain,
These goods He grants who grants the power
to gain;
With these Celestial Wisdom calms the
mind,
And makes the happiness she does not find.