1 If solid happiness we prize,
Within our breasts this jewel lies;
And they are fools who roam.
The world has little to bestow:
From our own selves our joys must flow;
Our bliss begins at home.
2 We'll therefore relish with content
Whate'er kind providence has sent,
Nor aim beyond our pow'r:
And if our store of wealth be small,
With thankful heart improve it all,
Nor waste the present hour.
3 To be resign'd, when ills betide,
Patient, when favours are denied,
And pleas'd with favours giv'n:
This is the wise, the virtuous part:
This is that incense f the heart,
Whose fragrance reaches heav'n.
4 Thus thro' life's changing scenes we'll go,
Its checker'd paths of joy and woe
With cautious steps we'll tread;
Quit its vain scenes without a tear;
Without a trouble or a fear,
And mingle with the dead:
5 While conscience, like a faithful friend,
Shall thro' the gloomy vale attend,
And cheer our dying breath;
Shall, when all other comforts cease,
Like a kind angel, whisper peace,
And smooth the bed of death.
Source: A Collection of Hymns and A Liturgy: for the use of Evangelical Lutheran Churches; to which are added prayers for families and individuals #330
Cotton, Nathaniel, M.D., born in 1707, and educated for the medical profession at Leyden. Giving his attention more especially to brain diseases, he first assisted a physician, who devoted his attention to the insane, at Dunstable; and they erected a large Asylum at St. Albans. In 1763 the poet Cowper became one of his patients, and, on his recovery, conceived a warm attachment for his medical friend. Dr. Cotton died at St Albans, Aug. 2, 1788. Several of his hymns appeared from 1760 onwards in Dr. Dodd's Christian's Magazine, some signed "Dr. Cotton, St. Albans," some “N.," and some without signature. His poetical works were published posthumously:— Various Pieces in Verse and Prose, 2 vols., Lond., Dodsley, 1791; and Visions in Verse,… Go to person page >
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