MY gracious Lord, I own Thy right To every service I can pay, And call it my supreme delight To hear Thy dictates and obey.
What is my being but for Thee, Its sure support, its noblest end? Thy ever-smiling face to see, And serve the cause of such a Friend.
I would not breathe for worldly joy, Or to increase my worldly good; Nor future days or powers employ To spread a sounding name abroad.
’Tis to my Saviour I would live, To Him Who for my ransom died; Nor could untainted Eden give Such bliss as blossoms at His side.
His work advancing age shall bless, When youthful vigour is no more; And my last hour of life confess His love has animating power.
Philip Doddridge, 1702-51