Prayer

Great God! I ask thee for no meaner pelf

Than that I may not disappoint myself;

That in my action I may soar as high

As I can now discern with this clear eye;

And next in value, which thy kindness lends,

That I may greatly disappoint my friends,

Howe’er they think or hope it that may be,

They may not dream how thou’st distinguished me;

That my weak hand may equal my firm faith,

And my life practice more than my tongue saith;

That my low conduct may not show,

Nor my relenting lines,