ODE VIII

[By Brother DUNCKERLEY]

ALMIGHTY Sire! our heavenly king,
Before whose sacred name we bend,
Accept the praises which we sing,
And to our humble prayer attend!

All hail, great architect divine!
This universal frame is thine.

Thou who did'st Persia's king command,
A proclamation to extend,
That Israel's sons might quit his land,
Their holy temple to attend.

That sacred place where three in one,
Compris'd thy comprehensive name;
And where the bright meridian sun
Was soon thy glory to proclaim.

Thy watchful eye, a length, of time,
The wondrous circle did attend
The glory and the power be thine,
Which shall from age to age descend.

On thy omnipotence we rest,
Secure of thy protection here;
And hope hereafter to be blest,
When we have left this world of care.

Grant us, great God, thy powerful aid,
To guide us through this vale of tears;
For where thy goodness is display'd,
Peace soothes the mind, and pleasure cheers.

Inspire us with thy grace divine,
Thy sacred law our guide shall be
To every good our hearts incline,
From every evil keep us free.

All hail! &c.

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