Author of life and bliss

1 Author of life and bliss!
Thy goodness I adore.
O give me strength to speak thy praise,
And grace to love thee more!

2 First for this world, so fair,
My daily thanks shall rise;
For ev'ry comfort, ev'ry joy,
Thy bounteous hand supplies.

3 But yet a nobler cause
Demands my warmest love.
Can words describe the wond'rous gift
Descending from above?

4 The Savior dwelt on earth;
He died, that we might live;
Endur'd the sorrows of the cross,
Immortal hope to give.

5 Ah who can tell the scorn,
The dear Redeemer bore?
Or who describe the mental grief,
Which his blest bosom tore?

6 Low in the grave he lay,
While darkness veil'd the skies.
But lo!--he bursts the bands of death;
To glory see him rise!

7 Father! this work is thine;
For us thou gav'st thy Son.
O may we all devoted be,
And live to thee alone!

Source: A Collection of Hymns and Prayers, for Public and Private Worship #91