ERE time began, ere age to age had thrilled,
I waited in His storehouse, as He willed.
He gave me being; but, my years fulfilled,
I shall be summoned back before the King.
Thou gavest me a light my path to guide,
To prove my heart’s recesses still untried;
And as I went, Thy voice in warning cried:
‘Child! fear thou Him who is thy God and King!’
Erring, I wandered in the wilderness,
In passion’s grave nigh sinking, powerless;