1 O Thou, the first, the greatest friend
Of all the human race!
Whose strong right hand has ever been
Their stay and dwelling place!

2 Before the mountains heaved their heads
Beneath Thy forming hand;
Before this ponderous globe itself
Arose at Thy command;

3 That power which raised, and still upholds
This universal frame,
From countless, unbeginning time,
Was ever still the same.

4 Those mighty periods of years,
Which seem to us so vast,
Appear no more before Thy sight,
Than yesterday that’s past.

5 Thou giv’st the word: Thy creature, man,
Is to existence brought;
Again Thou say’st, Ye sons of men,
Return ye into nought!

6 Thou layest them, with all their cares,
In everlasting sleep;
As with a flood Thou tak’st them off
With overwhelming sweep.

7 They flourish like the morning flower,
In beauty’s pride arrayed;
But long ere night cut down it lies
All withered and decayed.