Submission to Afflictive Providences

Verse 1

Naked as from the earth we came And crept to life at first, We to the earth return again And mingle with our dust.

Verse 2

The dear delights we here enjoy And fondly call our own Are but short favors borrowed now, To be repaid anon.

Verse 3

'Tis God who lifts our comforts high Or sinks them in the grave. He gives, and (blessed be his name) He takes but what he gave.

Verse 4

Peace, all our angry passions, then; Let each rebellious sigh Be silent at his sovereign will, And every murmur die.

Verse 5

If smiling mercy crowns our lives, Its praises shall be spread, And we’ll adore the justice too That strikes our comforts dead.