GOD’S ENDLESS MERCIES

 

GOD’S ENDLESS MERCIES

God’s mercies are endless. They are the greatest attributes of heaven. We become entitled to them as soon as we are born and remain so in all the stages of our life. If we also become merciful, we shall become equal to the gods. The Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616) said: Among the attributes of God, although they are equal, mercy shines with even more brilliance than justice.

            What follows is a very famous poem When all thy mercies, O my God written by the English essayist and poet Joseph Addison (1672-1719). It is in praise of God. The language is so simple and thoughts are so clear that they do not need any interpretation.

“1.When all thy mercies, O my God,

my rising soul surveys,

transported with the view, I’m lost

in wonder, love, and praise.

 

2. Unnumbered comforts to my soul

Thy tender care bestowed,

Before my infant heart conceived

From whom those comforts flowed.

 

3. When the slippery paths of youth

With heedless steps I ran,

Thine arm unseen conveyed me safe,

And led me up to man.

 

4. Ten thousand thousand precious gifts

My daily thanks employ,

And not the least a cheerful heart

Which tastes those gifts with joy.

 

5. Through every period of my life

Thy goodness I’ll pursue,

And after death in distant worlds

The glorious theme renew.

 

6. Through all eternity to thee,

A joyful song I’ll raise;

For O, eternity’s too short

To utter all thy praise. “

                                                                        *******

G.R.Kanwal

12 November 2024