Since All the Downward Tracts of Time

Since all the downward tracts of time
God’s watchful eye surveys,
O who so wise to choose our lot
Or to appoint our ways?

Good when He gives, supremely good,
Nor less when He denies;
E’en crosses from His sovereign hand
Are blessings in disguise.

Why should we doubt a Father’s love,
So constant and so kind?
To His unerring, gracious will
Be every wish resigned.

Author: James Hervey

Year: 1746

This hymn is taken from James Hervey's 'Meditations and Contemplations' (1746-47). It is sometimes attributed to others in later hymnals or altered by compilers, but Hervey is the original author.