A Prayer for Mrs. Vigor, When Her Son Was in the Small-Pox

Jesus, regard a mother's sighs!
Her Isaac on the altar lies,
Her loved and only son;
As struggling in the toils of death
He lies, — as gasping out his breath,
His last expiring groan!

With pity mark her silent tears.
Her pious prayers, and tender fears
To' oppose Thy sovereign will;
Her wish with meekness to submit,
And weep, afflicted, at Thy feet.
Till Thou Thy mind reveal.
Obedient to the word Divine,
She would her more than Hfe resign;
If Thou her son demand,
Forbid on earth his longer stay,
And take him from the evil day
To that celestial land.
If Thou hast work prepared for him,
Thou canst, almighty to redeem.
Both soul and body save;
Canst stop the spirit in its flight.
Arrest him at the gates of light,
And snatch him from the grave.
Now, Lord, a gracious token give.
And let us with the parent grieve,
Resign'd to Thy decree,
Calmly, like her, expect to prove
The appointments of almighty I-ove,
And leave our all to Thee.
Thy love must send whate'er is best:
Grant or deny her fond request;
O give her back her son,
Or to Thy mercy's arms receive.
And bid him in Thy glory live
Partaker of Thy throne.