The Goodness Of God.

THE GOODNESS OF GOD.

IMMENSE! eternal, mighty Lord! Dreadful thou wouldst appear; Thy power with trembling awe ador'd, If justice were severe.

But animated goodness beams On our transported view; Mild justice fills our grateful themes With love and wonder too.

Not that thro' ages still the same, Thy being takes its course; Not that thy hand thro' nature's frame, Impels with equal force:

Not that thro' worlds and boundless space, Is thine immense domain; Not that thy knowledge all can trace, And wisdom all ordain:

But that thy goodness shall endure, Long as thyself shalt last; That with thy power it rests secure, Wide as thy reign is placed.

Omniscient to discern the best, The fittest means to choose; Of wisdom to contrive possest, And boundless good diffuse.

With distant awe we view thy power; Thy wisdom we admire; But 'tis the goodness we adore, Must love and hope inspire!