Great God, we sing that mighty hand

Great God, we sing that mighty hand. Philip Doddridge* (1702-1751). Published posthumously as no. 257 in Hymns Founded on Various Texts in the Holy Scriptures (Salop, 1755), edited by Job Orton, under the heading ‘Help obtained of GOD’. It is based on Acts 26: 22. Like several of Doddridge’s hymns, it bears a sub-title: ‘For New-Year’s-Day’. It conveys thanksgiving for past blessings and quiet trust in a covenant God who will provide for the future, and ends with confident hope in a happy after-life: Great God, we sing that mighty Hand,By which supported still we stand:The op’ning Year thy Mercy shews;That Mercy crowns it, till it close. By Day, by Night, at Home, Abroad,Still we are...