Decrees and Providence of God.
1 Let the whole race of creatures lie
Abased before the Lord:
Whate'er his mighty hand has formed
He governs with a word.
2 Ten thousand ages ere the skies
Were into motion brought,
All the long years and worlds to come
Stood present to his thought.
3 Trusting thy wisdom, God of love,
We would not wish to know
What, in the book of thy decrees,
Awaits us here below
4 Be this alone our fervent prayer,--
Whate'er our lot shall be,
Or joys, or sorrows, may they form
Our souls for heaven and thee.