Praise be unto my gracious Lord

1 Praise be unto my gracious Lord!
Who heard my humble mourn,
Whose providence was my safeguard,
And caus'd my safe return.

2 Beset with dangers all around,
And threats of overthrow;
But still a way for me was found,
That brought me safely through.

3 Whilst numbers of my fellow-men
Were hasten'd to the tomb,
And never will return again
To their respective home.

4 This proves the cause of great distress,
To those they left behind:
Their main support for temp'ral bliss,
No more on earth they find.

5 What better, Lord, am I than they!
Why was it not my case?
To die abroad and stay away,
From this my home and place.

6 I was preserved by thy care,
But O! I know not why?
For I am vile as other are,
Like they, deserve to die.

7 My God, how thankful should I be,
For all thy hand has wrought;
Great are thy mercies unto me,
But I deserve them not.

8 Therefore I praise thee so much more,
All praise to thee I give!
I will engage my utmost pow'r,
And thank thee while I live.

Source: Church Hymn Book: consisting of newly composed hymns with the addition of hymns and psalms, from other authors, carefully adapted for the use of public worship, and many other occasions (1st ed.) #CCCXXVII