Devotion

Happy the mind where true devotion glows!
Immortal flame, enkindled from above,
It upward rises, and to God alone,
Its sacred source, its everlasting centre,
Aspiring, trembling, points; attraction sweet,
And powerful, though unseen, directs its aim.
But ah! too oft its force abated sinks,
Damp'd with the gloomy fogs of sin and fear:
The last faint spark scarce glimm'ring to the sight,
And near expiring seems, till wak'd to life
By that all-powerful word which gave it birth.
But thus inspir'd, devotion flames anew,
And bears the soul above those heavy clouds,
Which frequent rise and clog its feeble wings.
Unfetter'd thus, when thought expatiates free,
What sweet inticements nature's charms afford
To her Creator's praise, whose hand bestows
Unnumber'd gifts, in fair variety
Dispens'd, where'er the gazing eye can reach,
Or pleasing meditation lead the thought.
Life and its joys depend upon his smile;
Blest with his smile, the soul can see his hand
In every varying scene, and taste his love
In every good his bounteous hand bestows.
Inspir'd by him, the mind enraptur'd views
His bright perfections in his wond'rous works,
The wise, the powerful, and the gracious God!
Wide o'er the fruitful fields and verdant meads
His bounty smiles! amid the blooming flowers
Almighty skill appears, the breezy gale
Wafts on its wing, his goodness in their sweets!
On the clear winding rill his goodness flows!
Descends in kindly showers to bless the earth,
Or silent falls in soft refreshing dews!
In yon bright orb, the source of light and heat,
His glory shines with dazzling fervid ray!
And mildly beams in every twinkling star!
In all the God appears! the father smiles!
Omnipotent and wise, and good, and kind!
His works all beauteous! all harmonious join!
And charm the eye, and entertain the soul;
Bid silent wonder mingle with delight,
And flow in adoration, love, and praise.