May I be taught by her wise hand To know and rightly understand That I to Thee alone may cleave, According to Thy will may live. And give to me ability, To truth may I still open be, That sour of sweet I never make, Nor darkness for the light may take. To Thy word give desire and love, And true to duty may I prove; To pious souls join'd may I be, Take counsel with them constantly. And may I gladly every man, By deed and counsel when I can, To guide and succour ready be, In truth and in sincerity. So that in ev'rything I do, In Thy love I may ever grow; For who to wisdom doth not give Himself, unlov'd by Thee must live. FOR SUCCESS AND BLESSING IN ALL CHRISTIAN WORKS AND PURPOSES. My God! my works and all I do, Rest only on Thy will, I know, Thy blessing prospers ever, When Thou dost guide, we persevere In right ways, erring never. It standeth not in human might That man's devices issue right, His way with gladness endeth: God's counsel only prospers sure, 'Tis He success who sendeth. Man often thinks in haughty mood That this or that is for his good, Yet widely he mistaketh; He often thinketh that is ill Whereof the Lord choice maketh. But wise men e'en who joyfully Begin a good work, frequently Reach no good termination; They build a castle firm and strong, But sand is the foundation. How many in their fancy stray High over mountain peaks away, Ere they bethink them ever; Down to the ground they fall, and vain Has been their strong endeavour. Dear Father! therefore, who the crown And sceptre bear'st on Heav'n's throne, Who from the clouds dost lighten, Regard my words, and hear my cry, From Thy seat my soul brighten! Vouchsafe to me the noble light That from Thy countenance so bright On pious souls aye breaketh, And where the pow'r of wisdom true Through Thine own pow'r awaketh. Give understanding from on high, That I henceforward may rely Upon mine own will never. Be Thou my counsel, that I may Fulfil the good, Lord! ever. Prove all things well, whate'er is good Give to me, but what flesh and blood Doth choose, withhold it ever. The highest good, the fairest part, Thy glory is and favour. Sun of my soul! my chief delight! Whate'er is pleasing in Thy sight, Oh! may I choose and do it; And what's displeasing unto Thee, May I, O Lord! eschew it. Is it from Thee? my work then bless; Is it of man? withhold success, And change what I'm resolving. Dost Thou not work? 'twill come to nought, In failure soon involving.