I.

ATHER of our feeble race,

FATHER

Wise, beneficent, and kind, Spread o'er nature's ample face

Flows thy goodness unconfined. Musing in the silent grove

Or the busy walks of men, Still we trace thy wondrous love Claiming large returns again.

2.

Lord, what offering shall we bring,
At thine altars when we bow?
Hearts, the pure unsullied spring

Whence the kind affections flow;
Soft compassion's feeling soul,

By the melting eye expressed; Sympathy, at whose control

Sorrow leaves the wounded breast:

3.

Willing hands to lead the blind,

Bind the wounded, feed the poor;
Love, embracing all our kind;

Charity, with liberal store.
Teach us, O thou heavenly King,
Thus to show our grateful mind,
Thus the accepted offering bring,
Love to thee and all mankind.

JOHN TAYLOR, 1750-1826.