How wisely God hath hedged life's path below

How wisely God hath hedged life's path below
To keep our erring footsteps lest they wander,
By what we want to teach us what we owe, —
By what we owe to make affection fonder:
Assured that we must bid farewell to bliss
Were He extreme to mark what's done amiss,
Our souls, provoked by lesser ills, to such
Should yield the pardon we require so much,
Forbearing others every hour we live,
Seeking forgiveness, call'd on to forgive.

Forgiveness, — purchased and most precious gem
Amid the jewels of God's diadem;
Yet not too rich here sometimes to be met,
By grace Divine in sainted spirits set.