I was a groveling creature once

1 I was a groveling creature once,
And basely cleaved to earth;
I wanted wisdom to renounce
The clod that gave me birth.

2 But God hath spoke from heaven above,
And blest a guilty worm;
Hath given the wings of joy and love
To seek an Angel's form.

3 With these to Pisgah's top I fly,
And there delighted stand;
I hear the promise from on high,
And view the glorious land.

4 Blest Lord of all the vast domain,
This promise is to me;
The length, the breadth, and all the plain,
And more than faith can see.

5 Though comforting this gracious pledge,
To thee for help I call,
For still I stand on Pisgah's edge:
O save me lest I fall!

6 Though much exalted by the Lord,
My strength is not my own;
O let me tremble at his word,
Then none shall cast me down.

The Hartford Selection of Hymns from the most approved authors, 1799