C.D. Warner, et al., comp.
The Library of the World’s Best Literature. An Anthology in Thirty Volumes. 1917.

Helen Maria Williams (1762–1827)

WHILST thee I seek, protecting Power,

Be my vain wishes stilled!

And may this consecrated hour

With better hopes be filled.

Thy love the power of thought bestowed;

To thee my thoughts would soar:

Thy mercy o’er my life has flowed;

That mercy I adore.

In each event of life, how clear

Thy ruling hand I see!

Each blessing to my soul more dear,

Because conferred by thee.

In every joy that crowns my days,

In every pain I bear,

My heart shall find delight in praise,

Or seek relief in prayer.

When gladness wings my favored hour,

Thy love my thoughts shall fill;

Resigned, when storms of sorrow lower,

My soul shall meet thy will.

My lifted eye without a tear

The gathering storms shall see:

My steadfast heart shall know no fear;

That heart shall rest on thee.