Since disappointment and despair

The vainness of al hopes declare

Since toss'd upon this restless main

I strive 'gainst wind and waves in vain

The more I struggle for the shore

Misfortunes overwhelm the more

Then since I struggle to maintain

And strive alas to live in vain

I'll hope no more--since prov'd and tried

The feeble light she once supplied

Resembled but a taper's ray

That only burns to die away

And leave one lost in endless night

(My follies but exposed to sight)

Then come misfortunes as you will

Oppressions sink we lower still

Haste keen despair and urge my doom

And all that haunt the wretched come

Fate from my heart all fears expunge

I stand resolv'd to take the plunge

Oh thou great Being who resides

Far above where yon ether glides

Whose power almighty piercing eye

Marks all on earth in air and sky

Who oft (such care we ought to praise)

This sand-grain call'd a world surveys

Nor deems unworthy of thy care

Vain men as worthless as we are

Wh ooft with liberal hands bestows

Thy guiding mercy here below

And while our sins so multiply

Like mountains heap'd before thee lie

So loath - so tempted to chastize

And then to bless us in disguise

To disappoint our restless schemes

Our airy hopes and foolish dreams

Is but to prove the empty shew

Or painting happiness below

Oh thou that hears the wretched call

Thou universal friend to all...