While Thee I seek, protecting Power

While Thee I seek, protecting Power. Helen Maria Williams* (1759-1827). This was from Williams’s Poems (1786), in which it was entitled ‘Hymn’:  While thee I seek, protecting Power! Be my vain wishes still'd; And may this consecrated hour With better hopes be fill'd. Thy love the powers of thought bestow'd, To thee my thoughts would soar; Thy mercy o'er my life has flow'd- That mercy I adore. In each event of life, how clear, Thy ruling hand I see; Each blessing to my soul more dear, Because conferr'd by thee.  In every joy that crowns my days, In every pain I bear, My heart shall find delight in praise, Or seek relief in prayer. When gladness wings my favour'd hour, Thy love my...