Words: Joseph Addison, in The Spectator (London, England), September 20, 1712. The hymn followed an essay on “Greatness” as a source of pleasure to the imagination, with special reference to the ocean; it was introduced with:Words: Joseph Addison, in The Spectator (London, England), September 20, 1712. The hymn followed an essay on “Greatness” as a source of pleasure to the imagination, with special reference to the ocean; it was introduced with:
Great painters do not only give us Landskips of Gardens, Groves, and Meadows, but very often employ their Pencils on Sea-Pieces. I could wish you would follow their example. If this small Sketch may deserve a Place among your Works, I shall accompany it with a Divine ode, made by a Gentleman upon the Conclusion of his Travels.
Music: “Praetorius,” Harmoniae Hymnorum Scholae Gorlicensis, 1599
 Play MIDI | Link to obtain musical score info |
How are Thy servants blest, O Lord!
How sure is their defense!
Eternal wisdom is their guide,
Their help Omnipotence.
From all our griefs and fears, O Lord,
Thy mercy sets us free;
While in the confidence of prayer
Our hearts take hold on Thee.
In midst of dangers, fears and death,
Thy goodness we adore;
We praise Thee for Thy mercies past,
And humbly hope for more
Our life, while Thou preservest life,
A sacrifice shall be;
And death, when death shall be our lot,
Shall join our souls to Thee.