Omnipotent Being!
Thy glory filleth the universe.
When we lift up our eyes above,
and behold the firmament studded with numberless worlds,
each sustained in its sphere by an inexplicable force,
we marvel at thy look around us,
and ponder on the formation of countless beings,
from the huge elephant to the minutest animalcula,
all symmetrically framed,
all gifted with the power of vitality,
we wonder at thy wisdom.

When we survey the ground
and observe how a few scattered grains,
yield abundance of fruit for man and cattle,
we are astounded at thy Providence;
but when we regard ourselves
and think of the station we hold in the creation,
of the faculties which enable us
to maintain ourselves elevated
above all animate creatures,
of the sublime knowledge thou hast taught us
to illumine our reason, and guide it upwards,
then, sentiments of love,
of reverence and gratitude
fill our shirt, for, “what is man
that thou hast taken cognizance of him,
and made him little lower than angels,
and crowned him with honor and excellency.” (Psalms 8:5-6)
Can his noblest act add ought to thy greatness,
or his enormities tarnish thy glory?
No, for thou art immutable and eternal,
but, Thou dost assign for him a place so lofty,
that he might strive after truth,
and by imitating thy attributes,
identify himself with that Unity
which is the soul of the universe.
Oh! let therefore thy intelligent creatures
sing thy praise with unison of hearts.

Yes, O Father!
we have convened in thy holy house,
to thank thee,
for the air we breathe,
for the food that sustains our lives,
for the imperishable spirit Thou hast infused within us.

Our hearts O Lord!
overflow with gratitude to thee,
because of the support Thou hast vouchsafed to our institutions,
of the vindication Thou hast made of our national honor,
and of the invisible power by which Thou hast thwarted
the intentions of the ungodly.

But above all, our thanks are due to thee,
for having granted us to be born under that law,
which instructs us in our duties towards ourselves
and our fellow-beings.
May the principles of charity and love
embodied in that law,
be ever developed in the political code
of this generous country.
May we, its citizens, never forswear our trust,
but maintain it in its entirety,
despite the impediments
that may obstruct our course.

Grant O God!
that a confederacy of all the inhabitants of the world,
may be established to thy everlasting glory,
for, then there shall be but one flock,
and Thou shall be their Shepherd.
Grant that all the nations of the earth,
may like us, acknowledge thy bounty,
and sing to thy holy name, for,
“Thou art a good God,
and praise becometh thee.” (Psalms 33:1)
Amen.