Joseph Lathrop (1731–1820)

WHEN I lift up my wond’ring eyes,

And view the grand and spacious skies,

“There is a God!” my thoughts exclaim,

Who built this vast stupendous frame.

The sun by day with glorious light,

The moon with softer rays by night,

Each rolling planet, glowing star,

Wisdom and power divine declare.

The lightning’s blaze, the thunder’s roar,

The clouds, which wat’ry blessings pour,

The winter’s frost, the summer’s heat,

This pleasing, awful truth repeat.

The forest and the grassy mead,

Where wild beasts roam, or tame ones feed,

Corn, springing from the lifeless clod,

Confess the agency of God.

My body form’d with nicest art,

My heaving lungs, and beating heart,

My limbs, obsequious to my will,

Show forth my Maker’s power and skill.

The various passions of the mind,

The powers of reason more refined,

Bold fancy’s flight, each lively sense

Prove a supreme intelligence.

A God so great and always near,

Shall be the object of my fear;

His goodness, wisdom, truth, and love,

Shall my best passions ever move.

My care shall be, his sacred will

To understand and to fulfil:

His service shall my life employ,

His favor is my highest joy.