When I survey life’s varied scene

When I survey life's varied scene Anne Steele, 1760 When I survey life's varied scene, Amid the darkest hours, Sweet rays of comfort shine between, And thorns are mixed with flowers. Lord teach me to adore Your hand, From whence my comforts flow; And let me in this desert land, A glimpse of Heaven know. Is health and ease my happy share? O may I bless my God; Your kindness, let my songs declare, And spread Your praise abroad. While such delightful gifts as these, Are kindly dealt to me, Let all my hours of health and ease, Be devoted Lord to Thee. When present sufferings pain my heart, Or future terrors rise, And light and hope almost depart, From these dejected eyes. Your powerful Word supports my hope, Sweet cordial of the mind! And bears my fainting spirit up, And bids me wait resigned. And O, whatever of earthly bliss, Your sovereign hand denies, Accepted at Your throne of grace, Let this petition rise: "Give me a calm, a thankful heart, From every murmur free; The blessings of Your grace impart, And let me live to Thee." "Let the sweet hope that You are mine, My path of life attend; Your presence through my journey shine, And bless its happy end."