1 How vast is the tribute I owe
Of gratitude, homage, and praise
To the giver of all I possess,
The life and the length of my days!
2 When the sorrows I boded were come,
I pour'd out my sighs and my tears;
And to him, who alone can relieve,
My soul breath'd her vows and her pray'rs.
3 When my heart throbb'd with pain and alarm,
When paleness my cheek overspread,
When sickness pervaded my frame;--
Then my soul on my Maker was staid.
4 When death's awful image was nigh,
And no mortal was able to save;
Thou didst brighten the valley of death,
And illumine the gloom of the grave.
5 In mercy thy presence dispels
the shades of calamity's night,
And turns the sad scene of despair
to a morning of joy and delight.
6 Great source of my comforts restor'd!
Thou healer and balm of my woes!
Thou hope an desire of my soul!
On thy mercy I'll ever repose.
7 How boundless the gratitude due
To thee, O thou God of my praise!
The fountain of all I possess,
The life and the light of my days!
Source: Hymns, Selected and Original: for public and private worship (1st ed.) #678