Hymns for the Amusement of Children (1791)/Gratitude



HYMN XXII. GRATITUDE.

I upon the first creation Clap'd my wings with loud applause, Cherub of the highest station, Praising, blessing, without pause.

I in Eden's bloomy bowers Was the heav'nly gard'ner's pride, Sweet of sweets, and flow'r of flowers With the scented tinctures dy'd.

Hear, ye little children, hear me, I am God's delightful voice; They who sweetly still revere me, Still shall make the wisest choice.

Hear me not like Adam trembling, When I walk'd in Eden's grove; And the host of heav'n assembling, From the spot the traitor drove.

Hear me rather as the lover Of mankind, restor'd and free; By the Word ye shall recover More than that ye lost by Me.

I'm the Phoenix of the singers That in upper Eden dwell; Hearing me Euphrates lingers, As my wond'rous tale I tell.

'Tis the story of the Graces, Mercies without end or sum; And the sketches and the traces Of ten thousand more to come.

List, my children, list within you, Dread not ye the tempter's rod; Christ our gratitude shall win you, Wean'd from earth, and led to God.