free-verse19 lines

Lines.

"They will not frame their doings to turn unto their God.

Hosea, 5:4."

I would frame all my doings to please thee, my God!

'Tis from thee all my mercies proceed;

I would frame all my doings to serve thee, my God!

For thy service is freedom indeed.

I would frame all my doings to please thee, my God!

But how feeble my best efforts are;

Ah! how needful for me is thy chastening rod,

And a proof of thy fatherly care.

I would frame all my doings to serve thee, my God!

But my goodness extends not to thee;

And when on well doing I'm fully intent,

Alas! evil is present with me.

My Creator, Preserver, Redeemer and King,

I would tax all my powers to obey;

But to Him let me look for the help that I need,

Who is the life, the light, and the way.

Weston, Jan. 21, 1853.