880 Teach me, like thee, in various nature wise, P THE UNIVERSAL PRAYER. DEO OPT. MAX. FATHER of all! in every age, Thou Great First Cause, least understood, To know but this, that thou art good, Yet gave me, in this dark estate, And binding nature fast in fate, What conscience dictates to be done, Or warns me not to do; This, teach me more than hell to shun; What blessings thy free bounty gives, For God is paid when man receives; Yet not to earth's contracted span 10 20 Let not this weak, unknowing hand If I am right, thy grace impart, 30 If I am wrong, oh teach my heart Save me alike from foolish pride, Teach me to feel another's woe, That mercy I to others show, Mean though I am, not wholly so, O, lead me wheresoe'er I go, Through this day's life or death! This day, be bread and peace my lot: Thou know'st if best bestow'd or not, To thee, whose temple is all space; 40 50 |