[Were I to measure Earth and  sea] 

Were I to measure Earth and sea

   And roam from Pole to Pole

In search of happiness and Peace

   And Comfort for my soul;

Were boundless Wealth and honours gain’d                    

   And every Good below,

Vain were the search, the honours vain,

   Nor wealth could peace bestow.

’Tis thou alone Almighty Lord

   Canst happiness impart;                                             

The gracious smile, thy sovereign Word,

   Can cheer a drooping heart.

When sharp distress and conscious care

   Invade the troubled breast,

Thy grace preserves from black despair                                 

   And gives the Spirit rest.

In Life thro’ every varying Scene

   The Lord has power to bless,

Then let me always trust alone

In him for Happiness.

Text: Timothy Whelan, gen. ed., Nonconformist Women Writers, 8 vols. (London: Pickering & Chatto, 2011), vol. 4, p. 137; MS, Steele Collection, STE 10/2, Angus Library, Regent’s Park College, Oxford.