Levi Frisbie (1784–1822)

WHILE nature welcomes in the day,

My heart its earliest vows would pay

To Him whose care hath kindly kept

My life from danger while I slept.

His genial rays the sun renews;

How bright the scene with glittering dews!

The blushing flowers more beauteous bloom,

And breathe more rich their sweet perfume.

So may the Sun of righteousness

With kindliest beams my bosom bless,

Warm into life each heavenly seed,

To bud and bear some generous deed.

So may the dews of grace distil

And gently soften all my will,

So may my morning sacrifice

To heaven a grateful incense rise.

Wilt Thou this day my footsteps guide,

And kindly all I need provide,

With strength divine my bosom arm

Against temptation’s powerful charm.

Where’er I am, oh may I feel

That God is all around me still,

That all I say, or do, or mean;

By his all-searching eye is seen.

Oh may each day my heart improve,

Increase my faith, my hope, my love,

And thus its shades around me close

More wise and holy than I rose.