Sanctification
Obedience
331
5, 5, 8, 8, 5, 5
Jesus, still lead on
Till our rest be won;
And although the way be cheerless,
We will follow calm and fearless.
Guide us by Thy hand
To our fatherland.
2. If the way be drear,
If the Foe be near,
Let no faithless fears o’ertake us;
Let not faith and hope forsake us;
For through many a woe
To our home we go.
3. When we seek relief
From a long-felt grief;
When temptations come alluring,
Make us patient and enduring;
Show us that bright shore
Where we weep no more.
4. Jesus, still lead on
Till our rest be won.
Heavenly Leader, still direct us,
Still support, control, protect us,
Till we safely stand
In our fatherland.
L. v. Zinzendorf, 1721; Jane Borthwick, tr., 1853.
332
L. M.
God of my life, whose gracious power
Through various deaths my soul hath led;
Or turned aside the fatal hour,
Or lifted up my sinking head:
2. In all my ways Thy hand I own,
Thy ruling providence I see.
O help me still my course to run
And still direct my path to Thee.
3. Whither, O whither should I fly
But to my loving Savior’s breast?
Secure within Thine arms to lie
And safe beneath Thy wings to rest!
4. I have no skill the snare to shun;
But Thou, O Christ, my Wisdom art!
I ever into ruin run;
But Thou art greater than my heart.
5. Foolish and impotent and blind,
Lead me a way I have not known;
Bring me where I my heaven may find,
The heaven of loving Thee alone.
6. Enlarge my heart to make Thee room;
Enter and in me ever stay.
The crooked then shall straight become;
The darkness shall be lost in day.
Charles Wesley, 1740.
333
8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 7, 7, 8, 7, 7
Let us ever walk with Jesus,
Follow His example pure,
Flee the world, that would deceive us
And to sin our soul allure.
Ever in His footsteps treading,
Body here, yet soul above,
Full of faith and hope and love,
Let us do the Father’s bidding.
Faithful Lord, abide with me;
Savior, lead, I follow Thee.
2. Let us suffer here with Jesus,
To His image e’er conform;
Heaven’s glory soon will please us,
Sunshine follow on the storm.
Having sown in tears, in gladness
We shall reap. With patient cheer
Let us hope and, void of fear,
Bide the turning of our sadness.
Christ, I suffer here with Thee,
There, oh, share Thy joy with me!
3. Let us also die with Jesus.
His death from the second death,
From our soul’s destruction, frees us,
Quickens us with life’s glad breath.
Let us mortify, while living,
Flesh and blood and die to sin;
And the grave that shuts us in
Shall but prove the gate to heaven.
Jesus, here I die to Thee,
There to live eternally.
4. Let us also live with Jesus;
Since He’s risen from the dead,
Must the conquered grave release us.
Jesus, Thou art now our Head,
We Thy body’s cherished members.
Where Thou livest, live shall we;
Own us evermore to be,
Dearest Friend, Thy loved brethren.
Jesus, here I live to Thee,
Yonder, too, eternally.
S. v. Birken, 1652; J. A. Rimbach, tr., a.
334
8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 8
Come, follow Me, the Savior spake,
All in My way abiding;
Deny yourselves, the world forsake,
Obey My call and guiding;
O bear the cross, whate’er betide,
Take My example for your guide.
2. I am the Light, I light the way,
A virtuous life displaying;
Who comes to Me and follows, aye,
I lead from his dark straying.
I am the Way, and well I show
How men should sojourn here below.
3. My heart in lowliness abounds,
My soul with love is glowing,
And from My mouth are words and sounds
Of meekness overflowing.
My heart, My mind, My strength, My all
To God I yield, on Him I call.
4. I teach you to avoid and flee
What harms your soul’s salvation,
Your heart to purify and free
From sin’s abomination.
Your Rock and Fortress e’er am I
And lead you to the life on high.
5. But if too hot you find the fray,
I, at your side, stand ready;
I fight Myself, I lead the way,
At all times firm and steady.
A coward he who will not heed
When the chief Captain takes the lead.
6. Who seeks to find his soul’s welfare
Without Me, he shall lose it;
But who to lose it may appear,
In God shall introduce it.
Who bears no cross nor follows hard,
Deserves not Me nor My reward.
7. Then let us follow our dear Lord,
And bear the cross appointed
And, bravely cleaving to His Word,
In suffering be undaunted.
Who has not stood the battle’s strain
The crown of life shall ne’er obtain.
J. Scheffler, 1668; C. W. Schaeffer, tr., a.
335
8, 7, 8 l
Jesus, I my cross have taken,
All to leave and follow Thee;
Destitute, despised, forsaken,
Thou from hence my All shalt be.
Perish every fond ambition,
All I’ve sought or hoped or known;
Yet how rich is my condition!
God and heaven are still my own.
2. Let the world despise and leave me,
They have left my Savior too;
Human hearts and looks deceive me,
Thou art not, like them, untrue.
And while Thou shalt smile upon me,
God of wisdom, love, and might,
Foes may hate and friends may shun me;
Show Thy face, and all is bright.
3. Go, then, earthly fame and treasure!
Come, disaster, scorn, and pain!
In Thy service, pain is pleasure;
With Thy favor, loss is gain.
I have called Thee Abba, Father!
I have stayed my heart on Thee;
Storms may howl, and clouds may gather,
All must work for good to me.
4. Man may trouble and distress me,
’Twill but drive me to Thy breast;
Life with trials hard may press me,
Heaven will bring me sweeter rest.
Oh, ’tis not in grief to harm me
While Thy love is left to me!
Oh, ’twere not in joy to charm me
Were that joy unmixed with Thee.
5. Take, my soul, thy full salvation;
Rise o’er sin and fear and care,
Joy to find in every station,
Something still to do or bear.
Think what Spirit dwells within thee,
What a Father’s smile is thine,
What a Savior died to win thee,—
Child of heaven, shouldst thou repine?
6. Haste, then, on from grace to glory,
Armed by faith and winged by prayer;
Heaven’s eternal day’s before thee,
God’s own hand shall guide thee there.
Soon shall close thy earthly mission,
Swift shall pass thy pilgrim days,
Hope soon change to glad fruition,
Faith to sight and prayer to praise.
H. F. Lyte, 1824.
336
8, 7, 8 l
Holy Father! Thou hast taught me
I should live to Thee alone;
Year by year Thy hand hath brought me
On through dangers oft unknown.
When I wandered, Thou hast found me;
When I doubted, sent me light;
Still Thine arm has been around me,
All my paths were in Thy sight.
2. In the world will foes assail me,
Crafty, stronger far than I;
And the strife will never fail me,
Well I know, before I die.
Therefore, Lord, I come, believing
Thou canst give the power I need,
Through the prayer of faith receiving
Strength, the Spirit’s strength, indeed.
3. I would trust in Thy protecting,
Wholly rest upon Thine arm,
Follow wholly Thy directing,
Thou mine only Guard from harm!
Keep me from mine own undoing,
Help me turn to Thee when tried;
Still my footsteps, Father, viewing,
Keep me ever at Thy side.
J. M. Neale, 1842, a.
337
6, 4, 6, 4, 6, 6, 6, 4
Savior, I follow on,
Guided by Thee,
Seeing not yet the hand
That leadeth me.
Hushed be my heart and still,
Fear I no further ill,
Only to meet Thy will
My will shall be.
2. Riven the rock for me
Thirst to relieve,
Manna from heaven falls
Fresh every eve;
Never a want severe
Causeth my eye a tear
But Thou dost whisper near,
“Only believe!”
3. Often to Marah’s brink
Have I been brought;
Shrinking the cup to drink,
Help I have sought;
And with the prayer’s ascent
Jesus the branch hath rent,
Quickly relief hath sent,
Sweetening the draught.
4. Savior, I long to walk
Closer with Thee;
Led by Thy guiding hand,
Ever to be
Constantly near Thy side,
Quickened and purified,
Living for Him who died
Freely for me.
C. S. Robinson, 1862.
338
S. M. 8 l
O Thou who wouldst not have
One wretched sinner die,
Who diedst Thyself my soul to save
From endless misery,
Teach me my course to run,
While yet I sojourn here,
That when Thou comest on Thy throne
I may with joy appear.
2. Thou art Thyself the Way,
Thyself in me reveal;
So shall I pass my life’s short day
Obedient to Thy will;
So shall I love my God
Because He first loved me,
And praise Thee in Thy bright abode
Through all eternity.
Charles Wesley, 1749, a.
339
8, 8, 6, 8, 8, 6 (C. P. M.)
May we Thy precepts, Lord, fulfil
And do on earth our Father’s will
As angels do above;
Still walk in Christ, the living Way,
With all Thy children and obey
The law of Christian love.
2. So may we join Thy name to bless,
Thy grace adore, Thy power confess,
From sin and strife to flee.
One is our calling, one our name,
The end of all our hopes the same,
A crown of life with Thee.
3. Spirit of Life, of Love and Peace,
Unite our hearts, our joy increase,
Thy gracious help supply.
To each of us the blessing give
In Christian fellowship to live,
In joyful hope to die.
Edward Osler, 1836, a.
340
8, 7, 8, 7, 4, 7
Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but Thou art mighty,
Hold me with Thy powerful hand:
Bread of heaven,
Feed me till I want no more!
2. Open now the crystal fountain
Whence the healing streams do flow,
Let the fiery, cloudy pillar
Lead me all my journey through:
Strong Deliverer,
Be Thou still my Strength and Shield!
3. When I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fears subside;
Death of death and hell’s Destruction,
Land me safe on Canaan’s side:
Songs of praises
I will ever give to Thee.
Wm. Williams, 1745; P. Williams, tr., 1771.
341
S. M.
The man is ever blest
Who shuns the sinners’ ways,
Among their counsels never stands,
Nor takes the scorners’ place;
2. But makes the Law of God
His study and delight
Amid the labors of the day
And watches of the night.
3. He like a tree shall thrive,
With waters near the root;
Fresh as the leaf his name shall live,
His works are heavenly fruit.
4. Not so th’ ungodly race,
They no such blessings find;
Their hopes shall flee like empty chaff
Before the driving wind.
5. How will they bear to stand
Before that judgment-seat
Where all the saints at Christ’s right hand
In full assembly meet?
6. He knows and He approves
The way the righteous go;
But sinners and their works shall meet
A dreadful overthrow.
Isaac Watts, 1719.
342
C. M.
O that the Lord would guide my ways
To keep His statutes still!
O that my God would grant me grace
To know and do His will!
2. Order my footsteps by Thy Word
And make my heart sincere;
Let sin have no dominion, Lord,
But keep my conscience clear.
3. Assist my soul, too apt to stray,
A stricter watch to keep;
And should I e’er forget Thy way,
Restore Thy wandering sheep.
4. Make me to walk in Thy commands,—
’Tis a delightful road,—
Nor let my head or heart or hands
Offend against my God.
Isaac Watts, 1719, a.
343
7, 8, 7, 8, 8, 8
God, from all eternity
In Thy Son Thou didst elect me;
Therefore, Father, graciously
In my course to heaven direct me;
Send to me Thy Holy Spirit
That His gifts I may inherit.
2. Though alive, I’m dead in sin,
To all good things lost by nature;
Holy Ghost, change me within,
Make of me a new-born creature;
For the flesh deserves damnation
And can never gain salvation.
3. Drive away the gloomy night
Of my sinful meditation;
Quench all thoughts that are not right,
Reason hold in limitation;
Grant that I from Thee with yearning
Wisdom always may be learning.
4. All desires and thoughts of mine,
From my youth, are only evil;
Save me by Thy power divine
From myself and from the devil;
Give me strength in ample measure,
Both to will and do Thy pleasure.
5. Such a heart create in me,
That in Thee, O God, believing,
At the base iniquity
Of my sins I may be grieving;
And when hours of woe betide me,
In the wounds of Jesus hide me.
6. As a branchlet in the Vine,
In my blessed Lord, implant me;
Ever of my Head divine
To remain a member grant me;
Oh, let Him, my Lord and Savior,
Be my Life and Love forever!
7. Faith and hope and charity
Graciously, O Father, give me;
Be my Guardian constantly
That no devil e’er may grieve me;
Grant me humbleness and gladness,
Peace and patience in my sadness.
8. Help me speak what’s right and just,
And keep silence on occasion;
Help me pray, Lord, as I must;
Help me bear my tribulation;
Help me die and let my spirit
Everlasting life inherit.
C. Neumann, 1680; A. Crull, tr.
344
6, 7, 6, 7, 6, 6, 6, 6
How can I thank Thee, Lord,
For all Thy loving-kindness?
Thou hast so long a time
Had patience with my blindness
When dead in many sins
And trespasses I lay,
And kindled, holy God,
Thine anger every day.
2. Lord, Thou hast shown to me
Divine commiseration:
I persevered in sin,
But Thou in great compassion;
I did resist Thee, Lord,
Deferring to repent;
Thou didst defer Thy wrath
And instant punishment.
3. It is Thy work alone
That now I am converted,
Thy power o’er Satan’s work
In me Thou hast asserted;
Thy mercy, that doth reach
Unto the clouds, O Lord,
Did break my stony heart
By Thine almighty Word.
4. Though able to offend
Thee, Lord, by sin and failing,
Still to regain Thy grace
My strength was unavailing.
Though I could fall from grace
And choose the way of sin,
I had no strength to rise,
A new life to begin.
5. But Thou hast raised me up
And with divine compassion
Hast shown me, Lord, the way
That leadeth to salvation.
I thank Thee, Lord, that now
My former sins I hate
And freely—not from fear—
Dead works abominate.
6. That I may not backslide,
But life in heaven inherit,
Grant me, while here I live,
O Lord, Thy Holy Spirit
That He may give me strength
In mine infirmity
And e’er renew my heart
To serve Thee willingly.
7. O guide and lead me, Lord,
While here below I wander;
Grant that I follow Thee,
My Guide and my Commander.
For if I lead myself,
I soon am led astray;
But if Thou leadest me,
I do my duty aye.
8. O Father, God of Love,
Hear now my supplication!
Lord Jesus, Son of God,
O grant me Thy salvation!
And Thou, O Holy Ghost,
Always abide with me
That I may serve Thee here
And there eternally!
G. Gesenius, c. 1647; A. Crull, tr.
Consecration
345
9, 8, 9, 8, 8, 8
Soul, what return has God, thy Savior,
For all He gives thee day by day?
O hast thou in thy gift a favor
That can delight and please Him?—say!
The best of offerings He requires;
Give Him thy heart with its desires.
2. Give God His own if aught thou’rt giving;
Say, soul, to whom belongs thy heart?
Can Satan, he who hates the living,
Or any creature claim a part?—
To Thee alone I will assign,
O Lord, my heart and all that’s mine.
3. Accept the gift which Thou requirest,
The first-fruits of my heart, O God!
The offerings Thou so much desirest,
For which Thy Son paid with His blood.
To Thee alone I now resign
My heart, to be forever Thine.
4. Whom should I give my heart’s affection
But Thee, who givest Thine to faith?
Thy fervent love is my protection;
Lord, Thou hast loved me unto death.
My heart with Thine shall ever be
One heart throughout eternity.
C. F. Lochner, c. 1673.
346
6, 7, 6, 7, 6, 6, 6, 6
O God, Thou faithful God,
Thou Fount that ever flowest,
Without whom nothing is,
Who all good gifts bestowest,
A pure and healthy frame
O give me and within
A conscience free from blame,
A soul unhurt by sin.
2. And grant me, Lord, to do,
With ready heart and willing,
Whate’er Thou shalt command,
My calling here fulfilling;
To do it when I ought,
With all my strength; and bless
The work I thus have wrought,
For Thou must give success.
3. O let me never speak
What bounds of truth exceedeth;
Grant that no idle word
From out my mouth proceedeth;
And grant, when in my place
I must and ought to speak,
My words due power and grace,
Nor let me wound the weak.
4. If dangers gather round,
Still keep me calm and fearless;
Help me to bear the cross
When life is dark and cheerless;
Let me subdue my foe
By words and actions kind;
When counsel I would know,
Good counsel let me find.
5. And let me with all men,
As far as in me lieth,
In peace and friendship live;
And if Thy gift supplieth
Me wealth and honor fair,
Then this refuse me not,
That naught be mingled there
Of goods unjustly got.
6. And if a longer life
Be here on earth decreed me,
And Thou through many a strife
To age at last wilt lead me,
Thy patience in me shed,
Avert all sin and shame,
And crown my hoary head
With pure, untarnished fame.
7. Let me depart this life
Confiding in my Savior;
Do Thou my soul receive,
That it may live forever;
And let my body have
A quiet resting-place
Beside a Christian’s grave;
And let it sleep in peace.
8. And on that solemn day
When all the dead are waking,
Stretch o’er my grave Thy hand,
Thyself my slumbers breaking;
Then let me hear Thy voice,
Change Thou this earthly frame,
And bid me aye rejoice
With those who love Thy name.
J. Heermann, 1630.
347
6, 7, 6, 7, 6, 6, 6, 6
O God, forsake me not!
Thy gracious presence lend me;
Lead Thou Thy helpless child,
Thy Holy Spirit send me
That I my course may run.
Be Thou my Light, my Lot,
My Staff, my Rock, my Shield,—
O God, forsake me not!
2. O God, forsake me not!
Take not Thy Spirit from me
And suffer not the might
Of sin to overcome me;
Increase my feeble faith,
Which Thou Thyself hast wrought;
Be Thou my Strength and Power,—
O God, forsake me not!
3. O God, forsake me not!
Lord, hear my supplication!
In every evil hour
Help me o’ercome temptation;
And when the Prince of hell
My conscience seeks to blot,
Be Thou not far from me,—
O God, forsake me not!
4. O God, forsake me not!
Thy mercy I’m addressing;
O Father, God of Love,
Grant me Thy heavenly blessing
To do the duty which
To me Thou didst allot,
To do what pleaseth Thee,—
O God, forsake me not!
5. O God, forsake me not!
Lord, I am Thine forever.
Grant me true faith in Thee;
Grant that I leave Thee never;
Grant me a blessed end
When my good fight is fought,
Help me in life and death,—
O God, forsake me not!
S. Franck, † 1725; A. Crull, tr.
348
L. M. 6 l
O Love, who formedst me to wear
The image of Thy Godhead here;
Who soughtest me with tender care
Through all my wand’rings wild and drear,—
O Love, I give myself to Thee,
Thine ever, only Thine, to be.
2. O Love, who ere life’s earliest dawn
On me Thy choice hast gently laid;
O Love, who here as man wast born
And like to us in all things made,—
O Love, I give myself to Thee,
Thine ever, only Thine, to be.
3. O Love, who once in time wast slain,
Pierced through and through with bitter woe;
O Love, who, wrestling thus, didst gain
That we eternal joy might know,—
O Love, I give myself to Thee,
Thine ever, only Thine, to be.
4. O Love, of whom in truth and light,
The Word and Spirit, life and power,
Whose heart was bared to them that smite,
To shield us in our trial hour,—
O Love, I give myself to Thee,
Thine ever, only Thine, to be.
5. O Love, who thus hast bound me fast
Beneath that gentle yoke of Thine;
Love, who hast conquered me at last,
Enrapturing this heart of mine,—
O Love, I give myself to Thee,
Thine ever, only Thine, to be.
6. O Love, who lovest me for aye,
Who for my soul dost ever plead;
O Love, who didst my ransom pay,
Who for me e’er dost intercede,—
O Love, I give myself to Thee,
Thine ever, only Thine, to be.
7. O Love, who once shalt bid me rise
From out this dying life of ours;
O Love, who once above yon skies
Shalt set me in the fadeless bowers,—
O Love, I give myself to Thee,
Thine ever, only Thine, to be.
J. Scheffler, 1657; C. Winkworth, tr., a., 1858.
349
9, 8, 9, 8, 8, 6
Thee will I love, my Strength, my Tower,
Thee will I love, my Hope, my Joy,
Thee will I love with all my power,
With ardor time shall ne’er destroy.
Thee will I love, O Light Divine,
So long as life is mine.
2. Thee will I love, my Life, my Savior,
Who art my best and truest Friend;
Thee will I love and praise forever,
For never shall Thy kindness end;
Thee will I love with all my heart,
For Thou my Bridegroom art.
3. Alas! that I so late have known Thee,
Who art the Fairest and the Best,
Nor sooner for my Lord could own Thee,
Our highest Good, our only Rest!
Now bitter shame and grief I prove
O’er this my tardy love.
4. I wandered long in willing blindness;
I sought Thee, but I found Thee not;
For still I shunned Thy beams of kindness,
The creature-light filled all my thought.
And if at last I see Thee now,
’Twas Thou to me didst bow!
5. I thank Thee, Jesus, Sun from heaven,
Whose shining hath brought light to me;
I thank Thee, who hast richly given
All that could make me glad and free;
I thank Thee that my soul is healed
By what Thy lips revealed.
6. O keep me watchful, then, and humble
And suffer me no more to stray;
Uphold me when my feet would stumble,
Nor let me loiter by the way;
Fill all my nature with Thy light,
O Radiance strong and bright!
7. O teach me, Lord, to love Thee truly
With soul and body, head and heart,
And grant me grace that I may duly
Practise fore’er love’s sacred art;
Grant that my every thought may be
Directed e’er to Thee.
8. Thee will I love, my Crown of gladness,
Thee will I love, my God and Lord,
Amid the darkest depths of sadness,
Not for the hope of high reward,
For Thine own sake, O Light Divine,
So long as life is mine.
J. Scheffler, 1657; C. Winkworth, tr., a., 1863.
350
L. M.
Renew me, O eternal Light,
And let my heart and soul be bright,
Illumined with the light of grace,
That issues from Thy holy face.
2. Destroy in me the lust of sin,
From all impureness make me clean;
O grant me power and strength, my God,
To strive against my flesh and blood.
3. Create in me a new heart, Lord,
That gladly I obey Thy Word
And naught but what Thou wilt, desire;
With such new life my soul inspire.
4. Grant that I only Thee may love
And seek those things which are above,
Till I behold Thee face to face,
O Light eternal, through Thy grace.
J. F. Ruopp, 1704; A. Crull, tr.
351
6, 6, 4, 6, 6, 6, 4
My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray;
Take all my guilt away;
O let me from this day
Be wholly Thine!
2. May Thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire.
As Thou hast died for me,
Oh, may my love to Thee
Pure, warm, and changeless be,
A living fire!
3. While life’s dark maze I tread
And griefs around me spread,
Be Thou my Guide.
Bid darkness turn to day,
Wipe sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray
From Thee aside.
4. When ends life’s transient dream,
When death’s cold, sullen stream
Shall o’er me roll,
Blest Savior, then, in love,
Fear and distrust remove;
Oh, bear me safe above,
A ransomed soul!
Ray Palmer, 1830.
352
6s 6 l
Thy life was giv’n for me,
Thy blood, O Lord, was shed,
That I might ransomed be
And quickened from the dead.
Thy life was giv’n for me:
What have I giv’n for Thee?
2. Thy Father’s home of light.
Thy rainbow-circled throne,
Were left for earthly night,
For wanderings sad and lone.
Yea, all was left for me:
Have I left aught for Thee?
3. And Thou hast brought to me,
Down from Thy home above,
Salvation full and free,
Thy pardon and Thy love.
Great gifts Thou broughtest me:
What have I brought to Thee?
4. Oh, let my life be given,
My years for Thee be spent,
World’s fetters all be riven,
And pain with joy be blent!
Thou gavest Thyself for me;
I give myself to Thee.
F. R. Havergal, 1858, abr. and a.
353
6, 4, 6, 4, 6, 6, 6, 4
Savior, Thy dying love
Thou gavest me;
Nor should I aught withhold,
Dear Lord, from Thee.
In love my soul would bow,
My heart fulfil its vow,
Some off’ring bring Thee now,
Something for Thee.
2. O’er the blest mercy-seat,
Pleading for me,
My feeble faith looks up,
Jesus, to Thee.
Help me the cross to bear,
Thy wondrous love declare,
Some song to raise or pray’r,
Something for Thee.
3. Give me a faithful heart—
Likeness to Thee—
That each departing day
Henceforth may see
Some work of love begun,
Some deed of kindness done,
Some wand’rer sought and won,
Something for Thee.
4. All that I am and have—
Thy gifts so free—
In joy, in grief, through life,
Dear Lord, for Thee!
And when Thy face I see,
My ransomed soul shall be
Through all eternity
Something for Thee.
S. D. Phelps, 1867.
354
C. M.
O for a faith that will not shrink,
Though pressed by many a foe;
That will not tremble on the brink
Of poverty or woe;
2. That will not murmur nor complain
Beneath the chastening rod,
But in the hour of grief or pain
Can lean upon its God;
3. A faith that shines more bright and clear
When tempests rage without;
That, when in danger, knows no fear,
In darkness feels no doubt;
4. That bears unmoved the world’s dread frown
Nor heeds its scornful smile;
That sin’s wild ocean cannot drown,
Nor Satan’s arts beguile;
5. A faith that keeps the narrow way
Till life’s last hour is fled
And with a pure and heavenly ray
Lights up a dying bed.
6. Lord, give us such a faith as this,
And then, whate’er may come,
We’ll taste, e’en here, the hallowed bliss
Of an eternal home.
W. H. Bathhurst, 1830, a.
355
7s
Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.
2. Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love;
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee.
3. Take my voice and let me sing
Always, only, for my King;
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee.
4. Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold;
Take my intellect and use
Every power as Thou shalt choose.
5. Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine;
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne.
6. Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure-store;
Take myself, and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee.
F. R. Havergal, 1874.
356
7, 7, 7, 5
Jesus, Shepherd of the sheep,
Who Thy Father’s flock dost keep,
Safe we wake and safe we sleep
Guarded still by Thee.
2. In Thy promise firm we stand,
None can pluck us from Thy hand,
Speak—we hear—at Thy command
We will follow Thee.
3. By Thy blood our souls were bought,
By Thy life salvation wrought,
By Thy light our feet are taught,
Lord, to follow Thee.
4. Father, draw us to Thy Son;
We with joy will follow on
Till the work of grace is done
And, from sin set free,
5. We, in robes of glory dressed,
Join th’ assembly of the blest,
Gathered to eternal rest
In the fold with Thee.
Henry Cook, 1868.
Giving
357
8, 8, 8, 4
O Lord of heaven and earth and sea,
To Thee all praise and glory be;
How shall we show our love to Thee,
Who givest all?
2. Thou didst not spare Thine only Son,
But gav’st Him for a world undone,
And freely with that Blessed One
Thou givest all.
3. Thou giv’st the Spirit’s holy dower,
Spirit of Life and Love and Power,
And dost His sevenfold graces shower
Upon us all.
4. For souls redeemed, for sins forgiven,
For means of grace and hopes of heaven,
What can to Thee, O Lord, be given,
Who givest all?
5. We lose what on ourselves we spend;
We have, as treasure without end,
Whatever, Lord, to Thee we lend,
Who givest all.
6. Whatever, Lord, we lend to Thee
Repaid a thousandfold will be;
Then gladly will we give to Thee,
Who givest all.
C. Wordsworth, abr., 1863.
358
8, 7, 8 l
Lord of Glory, Thou hast bought us
With Thy life-blood as the price,
Never grudging for the lost ones
That tremendous sacrifice;
And with that hast freely given
Blessings countless as the sand,
To th’ unthankful and the evil
With Thine own unsparing hand.
2. Grant us hearts, dear Lord, to yield Thee,
Gladly, freely, of Thine own;
With the sunshine of Thy goodness
Melt our thankless hearts of stone,
Till our cold and selfish natures,
Warmed by Thee, at length believe
That more happy and more blessed
’Tis to give than to receive.
3. Wondrous honor hast Thou given
To our humblest charity
In Thine own mysterious sentence,
“Ye have done it unto Me.”
Can it be, O gracious Master,
Thou dost deign for alms to sue,
Saying by Thy poor and needy,
“Give as I have given to you”?
4. Lord of Glory, who hast bought us
With Thy life-blood as the price,
Never grudging for the lost ones
That tremendous sacrifice,
Give us faith to trust Thee boldly,
Hope, to stay our souls on Thee;
But oh! best of all Thy graces,
Give us Thine own charity.
E. S. Alderson, 1868, abr.
359
C. M.
Lord, lead the way the Savior went,
By lane and cell obscure,
And let love’s treasures still be spent,
Like His, upon the poor.
2. Like Him through scenes of deep distress,
Who bore the world’s sad weight,
We, in their crowded loneliness,
Would seek the desolate.
3. For Thou hast placed us side by side
In this wide world of ill,
And that Thy followers may be tried,
The poor are with us still.
4. Mean are all offerings we can make,
But Thou hast taught us, Lord,
If given for the Savior’s sake,
They lose not their reward.
W. Crosswell, 1831.
360
L. M.
Almighty Father, heav’n and earth
With lavish wealth before Thee bow;
Those treasures owe to Thee their birth,
Creator, Ruler, Giver, Thou.
2. The wealth of earth, of sky, of sea,
The gold, the silver, sparkling gem,
The waving corn, the bending tree,
Are Thine; to us Thou lendest them.
3. To Thee, as early morning’s dew,
Our praises, alms, and prayer shall rise,
As rose, when joyous earth was new,
Faith’s patriarchal sacrifice.
4. We, Lord, would lay, at Thy behest,
The costliest offerings on Thy shrine;
But when we give, and give our best,
We only give Thee what is Thine.
5. O Father, whence all blessings come,
O Son, Dispenser of God’s store,
O Spirit, bear our offerings home;
Lord, make them Thine forevermore.
E. A. Dayman, 1868.
361
S. M.
We give Thee but Thine own,
Whate’er the gift may be;
All that we have is Thine alone,
A trust, O Lord, from Thee.
2. May we Thy bounties thus
As stewards true receive
And gladly, as Thou blessest us,
To Thee our first-fruits give!
3. To comfort and to bless,
To find a balm for woe,
To tend the lone and fatherless—
Is angels’ work below.
4. The captive to release,
To God the lost to bring,
To teach the way of life and peace—
It is a Christlike thing.
5. And we believe Thy Word,
Though dim our faith may be.
Whate’er for Thine we do, O Lord,
We do it unto Thee.
W. W. How, 1858, abr.
362
8, 8, 8, 6
O God of mercy, God of might,
In love and pity infinite,
Teach us, as ever in Thy sight,
To live our life to Thee.
2. And Thou, who cam’st on earth to die
That fallen man might live thereby,
O hear us, for to Thee we cry,
In hope, O Lord, to Thee.
3. Teach us the lesson Thou hast taught,
To feel for those Thy blood hath bought,
That every word and deed and thought
May work a work for Thee.
4. For all are brethren, far and wide,
Since Thou, O Lord, for all hast died;
Then teach us, whatsoe’er betide,
To love them all in Thee.
5. In sickness, sorrow, want, or care,
Whate’er it be, ’tis ours to share;
May we, where help is needed, there
Give help as unto Thee!
6. And may Thy Holy Spirit move
All those who live to live in love,
Till Thou shalt greet in heaven above
All those who give to Thee.
G. Thring, 1879.
Trust
363
8, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7
All depends on our possessing
God’s free love and grace and blessing,
Though all earthly wealth depart;
He who God for his hath taken
Mid the changing world unshaken
Keeps a free, heroic heart.
2. He who hitherto hath fed me
And to many a joy hath led me
Is and ever shall be mine;
He who did so gently school me,
He who still doth guide and rule me,
Will not leave me now to pine.
3. Shall I weary me with fretting
O’er vain trifles and regretting
Things that never can remain?
I will strive but that to win me
Which can shed true rest within me,
Rest the world must seek in vain.
4. When my heart with longing sickens,
Hope again my courage quickens,
For my wish shall be fulfilled.
If it please His will most tender,
Soul and body I surrender
Unto Him on whom I build.
5. Well He knows how best to grant me
All the longing hopes that haunt me;
All things have their proper day.
I would dictate to Him never;
As God wills, so be it ever;
When He wills, I will obey.
6. If on earth He bids me linger,
He will guide me with His finger
Through the years that now look dim.
All that earth has fleets and changes,
As a river onward ranges,
But I rest in peace on Him.
Anon., 1673; C. Winkworth, tr., a., 1858.
364
C. M.
O God of Jacob, by whose hand
Thy people still are fed;
Who through this weary pilgrimage
Hast all our fathers led;
2. To Thee our humble vows we raise,
To Thee address our prayer
And in Thy kind and faithful breast
Deposit all our care.
3. Through each perplexing path of life
Our wandering footsteps guide;
Give us each day our daily bread
And raiment fit provide.
4. O spread Thy covering wings around
Till all our wanderings cease
And at our Father’s loved abode
Our souls arrive in peace.
5. To Thee, as to our covenant God,
We’ll our whole selves resign
And thankful own that all we are,
And all we have, is Thine.
Philip Doddridge, 1737, a.
365
8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 7, 4, 6, 8
Lord, hear the voice of my complaint,
To Thee I now commend me,
Let not my heart and hope grow faint,
But deign Thy grace to send me.
True faith from Thee, my God, I seek,
The faith that loves Thee solely,
Keeps me lowly
And prompt to aid the weak,
And mark each word that Thou dost speak.
2. Yet more from Thee I dare to claim,
Whose goodness is unbounded;
O let me ne’er be put to shame,
My hope be ne’er confounded,
But e’en in death still find Thee true,
And in that hour, else lonely,
Trust Thee only,
Not aught that I can do;
For such false trust I sore should rue.
3. O grant that from my very heart
My foes be all forgiven;
Forgive my sins and heal their smart
And grant new life from heaven.
Thy Word, that blessed food, bestow,
Which best the soul can nourish;
Make it flourish
Through all the storms of woe
That else my faith might overthrow.
4. Then be the world my foe or friend,
Keep me to her a stranger,
Thy steadfast follower to the end,
Through pleasure and through danger;
From Thee alone comes such high grace,
No works of ours obtain it
Or can gain it;
Our pride hath here no place—
This Thy free promise we embrace.
5. Help me, for I am weak; I fight,
Yet scarce can battle longer;
I cling but to Thy grace and might,
’Tis Thou canst make me stronger;
When sore temptations are my lot
And tempests round me lower,
Break the power:
So, through deliverance wrought,
I know that Thou forsak’st me not.
J. Agricola, 1531; C. Winkworth, 1863, a.
366
8, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7, 8, 8, 8, 8, 4, 8, 8
O Lord, I love Thee from my heart;
I pray Thee, ne’er from me depart,
With tender mercy cheer me;
I scorn the richest earthly lot,
E’en heaven and earth attract me not,
If only Thou be near me.
Yea, though my heart be like to break,
Thou shalt my Trust that naught can shake,
My Portion and my Comfort be,
Who by Thy blood hast purchased me,
Lord Jesus Christ!
My God and Lord, my God and Lord!
Forsake me not who trust Thy Word.
2. Yea, Lord, ’twas Thy free bounty gave
My body, soul, and what I have
In this poor life of labor;
O grant that I may through Thy grace
Use all my powers to show Thy praise
And serve and help my neighbor.
From all false doctrine keep me, Lord,
From Satan’s lies and malice ward,
In every cross uphold Thou me
That I may bear it patiently.
Lord Jesus Christ!
My God and Lord, my God and Lord!
In death Thy comfort still afford.
3. Ah! Lord, let Thy dear angels come
At my last end to bear me home,
That I may die unfearing;
And in its narrow chamber keep
My body safe in painless sleep
Until Thy reappearing;
And then from death awaken me
That these mine eyes with joy may see,
O Son of God, Thy glorious face,
My Savior and my Fount of grace.
Lord Jesus Christ!
My prayer attend, my prayer attend,
And I will praise Thee without end.
M. Schalling, c. 1567.
367
C. M.
The Lord’s my Shepherd, I’ll not want;
He makes me down to lie
In pastures green; He leadeth me
The quiet waters by.
2. My soul He doth restore again
And me to walk doth make
Within the path of righteousness,
E’en for His own name’s sake.
3. Yea, though I walk in death’s dark vale,
Yet will I fear no ill;
For Thou art with me, and Thy rod
And staff me comfort still.
4. My table Thou hast furnishèd
In presence of my foes,
My head Thou dost with oil anoint,
And my cup overflows.
5. Goodness and mercy, all my life,
Shall surely follow me;
And in God’s house forevermore
My dwelling-place shall be.
F. Rous, 1643.
368
C. M.
When I can read my title clear
To mansions in the skies,
I bid farewell to every fear
And wipe my weeping eyes.
2. Should earth against my soul engage
And hellish darts be hurled,
Then I can smile at Satan’s rage
And face a frowning world.
3. Let cares like a wild deluge come
And storms of sorrow fall,
May I but safely reach my home,
My God, my heaven, my all!
4. There shall I bathe my weary soul
In seas of heavenly rest
And not a wave of trouble roll
Across my peaceful breast.
Isaac Watts, 1707.
369
S. M.
My spirit on Thy care,
Blest Savior, I recline;
Thou wilt not leave me to despair,
For Thou art Love divine.
2. In Thee I place my trust,
On Thee I calmly rest;
I know Thee good, I know Thee just,
And count Thy choice the best.
3. Whate’er events betide,
Thy will they all perform;
Safe in Thy breast my head I hide
Nor fear the coming storm.
4. Let good or ill befall,
It must be good for me;
Secure of having Thee in all,
Of having all in Thee.
H. F. Lyte, 1834.
370
8, 5, 8, 3
I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,
Trusting only Thee;
Trusting Thee for full salvation,
Great and free.
2. I am trusting Thee for pardon,
At Thy feet I bow;
For Thy grace and tender mercy,
Trusting now.
3. I am trusting Thee for cleansing
In the crimson flood;
Trusting Thee to make me holy
By Thy blood.
4. I am trusting Thee to guide me;
Thou alone shalt lead,
Every day and hour supplying
All my need.
5. I am trusting Thee for power,
Thine can never fail;
Words which Thou Thyself shalt give me
Must prevail.
6. I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,
Never let me fall;
I am trusting Thee forever
And for all.
F. R. Havergal, 1874.
371
7, 6, 8 l
To Thee, O dear, dear Savior,
My spirit turns for rest,
My peace is in Thy favor,
My pillow on Thy breast;
Though all the world deceive me,
I know that I am Thine,
And Thou wilt never leave me,
O blessed Savior mine.
2. In Thee my trust abideth,
On Thee my hope relies,
O Thou whose love provideth
For all beneath the skies;
O Thou whose mercy found me,
From bondage set me free,
And then forever bound me
With threefold cords to Thee.
3. My grief is in the dulness
With which this sluggish heart
Doth open to the fulness
Of all Thou wouldst impart;
My joy is in Thy beauty
Of holiness divine,
My comfort in the duty
That binds my life in Thine.
4. Alas, that I should ever
Have failed in love to Thee,
The only One who never
Forgot or slighted me!
Oh, for a heart to love Thee
More truly as I ought
And nothing place above Thee
In deed or word or thought!
5. Oh, for that choicest blessing
Of living in Thy love
And thus on earth possessing
The peace of heaven above!
Oh, for the bliss that by it
The soul securely knows
The holy calm and quiet
Of faith’s serene repose!
J. S. B. Monsell, 1863.
372
8, 8, 6, 8, 8, 6 (C. P. M.)
Where’er I go, whate’er my task,
The counsel of my God I ask,
Who ruleth all things right;
Unless He give both thought and deed,
The utmost pains can ne’er succeed,
And vain must be man’s might.
2. For what can all my toil avail?
My care, my watching,—all must fail
Unless my God is there.
Then let Him order all for me
As in His will He shall decree;
On Him I cast my care.
3. For naught can come, as naught has been,
But what my Father has foreseen
And what shall work my good.
Whate’er He gives me I will take,
Whate’er He chooses I will make
My choice with thankful mood.
4. I lean upon His mighty arm,
Which shieldeth me from every harm
And all calamity.
If in His precepts I shall live,
Whate’er is useful He will give;
And naught can injure me.
5. But only may He of His grace
The record of my guilt efface
And wipe out all my debt;
Though I have sinned, He will not straight
Pronounce His judgment, He will wait,
Have patience with me yet.
6. I travel to a distant land
To serve the post wherein I stand,
Which He hath bid me fill;
And He will bless me with His light
That I may serve His world aright
And make me know His will.
7. And though through desert wilds I fare,
Yet Jesus Christ is with me there,
The Lord Himself is near;
In all my dangers He will come,
And He who kept me safe at home
Can keep me safely here.
8. Yes, He will speed me on my way
And point me where to go and stay
And help me still and lead;
Let me in health and safety live
And time and wind and weather give
And whatsoe’er I need.
9. His holy angel being near,
My enemies I need not fear,
For He protects me well;
I owe it to my faithful Guide,
Who never yet hath left my side,
That I in peace may dwell.
10. When late at night my sleep I take,
When early in the morn I wake,
At rest, or on my way,
In hours of weakness or in bonds,
When, vexed with fears, my heart desponds,
God’s Word is e’er my stay.
11. Since, then, my course is traced by Him,
I will not fear that future dim,
But go, whate’er befall,
Well knowing naught awaits me there
Too hard for me through Him to bear;
With Him I’ll conquer all.
12. To Him myself I wholly give,
At His command I die or live,
I trust His love and power;
And if to-morrow or to-day
His summons come, I will obey,
He knows the proper hour.
13. But if it please that Love most kind,
And if this voice within my mind
Be whispering not in vain,
I yet shall praise my God ere long
In many a sweet and joyful song
When in my home again.
14. To those I love will He be near,
With His consoling light appear,
Who is my Shield and theirs;
And He will grant beyond our thought
What they and I alike have sought
With tears and fervent prayers.
Paul Fleming, 1642; C. Winkworth, tr., 1858, a.
373
S. M.
Jesus, my Truth, my Way,
My sure unerring Light,
On Thee my feeble soul I stay,
Which Thou wilt lead aright.
2. My Wisdom and my Guide,
My Counselor Thou art;
O let me never leave Thy side
Nor from Thy paths depart!
3. Thou seest my feebleness;
Jesus, be Thou my Power,
My Help and Refuge in distress,
My Fortress and my Tower.
4. Give me to trust in Thee;
Be Thou my sure Abode;
My Horn and Rock and Buckler be,
My Savior and my God.
5. Myself I cannot save,
Myself I cannot keep;
But strength in Thee I surely have,
Whose eyelids never sleep.
6. My soul to Thee alone
Now, therefore, I commend.
Thou, Jesus, having loved Thine own,
Wilt love me to the end!
Charles Wesley, 1749.
374
S. M.
The Lord my Shepherd is,
I shall be well supplied:
Since He is mine and I am His,
What can I want beside?
2. He leads me to the place
Where heavenly pasture grows,
Where living waters gently pass
And full salvation flows.
3. If e’er I go astray,
He doth my soul reclaim
And guides me in His own right way
For His most holy name.
4. While He affords His aid,
I cannot yield to fear;
Though I should walk through death’s dark shade,
My Shepherd’s with me there.
5. The bounties of Thy love
Shall crown my following days;
Nor from Thy house will I remove
Nor cease to speak Thy praise.
Isaac Watts, 1719.
375
11s 4 l
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
Who unto the Savior for refuge have fled?
2. In every condition,—in sickness, in health,
In poverty’s vale or abounding in wealth,
At home and abroad, on the land, on the sea,—
As thy days may demand, shall thy strength ever be.
3. Fear not, I am with Thee, oh, be not dismayed;
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.
4. When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
For I will be with thee thy troubles to bless
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.
5. When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply;
The flames shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.
6. E’en down to old age all My people shall prove
My sovereign, eternal, unchangeable love;
And when hoary hairs shall their temples adorn,
Like lambs they shall still in My bosom be borne.
7. The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose
I will not, I will not, desert to His foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never, forsake!
Keen, 1787.
Warfare
376
L. M.
Fight the good fight with all thy might;
Christ is thy Strength and Christ thy Right.
Lay hold on life, and it shall be
Thy joy and crown eternally.
2. Run the straight race through God’s good grace,
Lift up thine eyes and seek His face;
Life with its way before us lies,
Christ is the Path and Christ the Prize.
3. Cast care aside; upon thy Guide
Lean, and His mercy will provide;
Lean, and the trusting soul shall prove
Christ is its Life and Christ its Love.
4. Faint not, nor fear, His arms are near;
He changeth not, and thou art dear;
Only believe, and thou shalt see
That Christ is all in all to thee.
J. S. B. Monsell, 1863.
377
7, 6, 8 l
Stand up!—stand up for Jesus!
Ye soldiers of the Cross;
Lift high His royal banner,
It must not suffer loss.
From victory unto victory
His army shall He lead,
Till every foe is vanquished
And Christ is Lord indeed.
2. Stand up!—stand up for Jesus!
The trumpet call obey;
Forth to the mighty conflict
In this His glorious day.
Ye that are men, now serve Him
Against unnumbered foes;
Let courage rise with danger
And strength to strength oppose.
3. Stand up!—stand up for Jesus!
Stand in His strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you,
Ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the Gospel armor,
Each piece put on with prayer;
Where duty calls or danger,
Be never wanting there.
4. Stand up!—stand up for Jesus!
The strife will not be long;
This day the noise of battle,
The next, the victor’s song.
To him that overcometh,
A crown of life shall be;
He with the King of Glory
Shall reign eternally.
G. Duffield, 1858.
378
C. M.
Am I a soldier of the Cross,
A follower of the Lamb?
And shall I fear to own His cause
Or blush to speak His name?
2. Must I be carried to the skies
On flowery beds of ease
While others fought to win the prize
And sailed through bloody seas?
3. Are there no foes for me to face?
Must I not stem the flood?
Is this vile world a friend to grace,
To help me on to God?
4. Sure I must fight if I would reign;
Increase my courage, Lord!
I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain,
Supported by Thy Word.
5. Thy saints, in all this glorious war,
Shall conquer, though they die;
They see the triumph from afar
With faith’s discerning eye.
6. When that illustrious day shall rise
And all Thine armies shine
In robes of victory through the skies,
The glory shall be Thine.
Isaac Watts, 1709, a.
379
S. M.
My soul, be on thy guard;
Ten thousand foes arise,
And hosts of sin are pressing hard
To draw thee from the skies.
2. O watch and fight and pray,
The battle ne’er give o’er;
Renew it boldly every day
And help divine implore.
3. Ne’er think the victory won,
Nor lay thine armor down;
Thine arduous work will not be done
Till thou receive thy crown.
4. Fight on, my soul, till death
Shall bring thee to thy God;
He’ll take thee at thy parting breath
To His divine abode.
George Heath, 1781.
380
S. M.
Soldiers of Christ, arise
And put your armor on;
Strong in the strength which God supplies
Through His eternal Son.
2. Strong in the Lord of hosts
And in His mighty power.
Who in the strength of Jesus trusts
Is more than conqueror.
3. Stand, then, in His great might,
With all His strength endued;
But take, to arm you for the fight,
The panoply of God:
4. That, having all things done
And all your conflicts past,
Ye may o’ercome through Christ alone
And stand entire at last.
5. From strength to strength go on,
Wrestle and fight and pray;
Tread all the powers of darkness down
And win the well-fought day.
6. Still let the Spirit cry
In all His soldiers, “Come,”
Till Christ the Lord descends from high
And takes the conquerors home.
Charles Wesley, 1749.
381
7, 6, 7, 6, 6, 6, 6
Rise, my soul, to watch and pray,
From thy sleep awake thee,
Lest at last the evil day
Suddenly o’ertake thee;
For the Foe, Well we know,
Oft his harvest reapeth
While the Christian sleepeth.
2. But first rouse thee and awake
From secure indiff’rence;
Else will follow in its wake
Woe without deliv’rance.
O beware! Soul, take care!
Death in sins might find thee
Ere thou look behind thee.
3. Wake and watch, or else thy night
Christ can ne’er enlighten;
Far off still will seem the light
That thy path should brighten;
God demands Eyes and hands
Open for the offers
He so richly proffers.
4. Watch against the devil’s snares
Lest asleep he find thee;
For, indeed, no pains he spares
To deceive and blind thee;
Satan’s prey Oft are they
Who are soundly sleeping
And no good watch keeping.
5. Watch against the world that frowns
Darkly to dismay thee;
Watch when she thy wishes crowns,
Smiling to betray thee;
Watch and see Thou art free
From false friends that charm thee
While they seek to harm thee.
6. Watch against thyself, my soul;
See thou do not stifle
Grace that should thy thoughts control
Nor with mercy trifle.
Pride and sin Lurk within
All thy hopes to scatter;
List not when they flatter.
7. But while watching, also see
That thou pray unceasing;
For the Lord must make thee free,
Strength and faith increasing,
So to do Service true.
Let not sloth enslave thee;
Pray, and He will save thee.
8. Yea, indeed, He bids us pray,
Promising to hear us,
E’er to be our Staff and Stay,
Ever to be near us.
Ere we plead Will He heed,
Strengthen, keep, defend us,
And deliv’rance send us.
9. Courage, then, for all things must
Work for good and bless us,
If we but in prayerful trust
To His Son address us;
For He will Richly fill
And His Spirit send us,
Who to Him commend us.
10. Therefore let us watch and pray
Ever without ceasing,
For we know with every day
Dangers are increasing,
And the end Doth impend;
When the trumpet calleth,
Earth in ruins falleth.
J. B. Freystein, 1704.
382
S. M.
Ye servants of the Lord,
Each in his office wait,
Observant of His heavenly Word
And watchful at His gate.
2. Let all your lamps be bright
And trim the golden flame;
Gird up your loins, as in His sight,
For awful is His name.
3. Watch! ’tis your Lord’s command;
And while we speak, He’s near.
Mark the first signal of His hand
And ready all appear.
4. O happy servant he
In such a posture found!
He shall his Lord with rapture see
And be with honor crowned.
Philip Doddridge, 1755.
Resignation
383
8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7
Lord, as Thou wilt, deal Thou with me,
No other wish I cherish;
In life and death I cling to Thee,
O Lord, let me not perish!
Let but Thy grace ne’er from me part,
Else as Thou wilt; grant patient heart:
Thy will the best is ever.
2. Grant honor, truth, prosperity,
And love Thy Word to ponder;
False doctrines, Lord, keep far from me
And grant both here and yonder
What serves my everlasting bliss;
Preserve me from unrighteousness
In all my life and doings.
3. When at Thy summons I must leave
This world of sin and sadness,
Grant me Thy grace, Lord, not to grieve,
But to depart with gladness.
My spirit I commend to Thee;
O Lord, a blessed end give me
Through Jesus Christ;—yea. Amen.
C. Melissander, 1574.
384
6s 8 l
Thy way, not mine, O Lord,
However dark it be!
Lead me by Thine own hand,
Choose out my path for me.
I dare not choose my lot;
I would not if I might.
Choose Thou for me, my God,
So shall I walk aright.
2. The kingdom that I seek
Is Thine; so let the way
That leads to it be Thine,
Else I must surely stray.
Take Thou my cup and it
With joy or sorrow fill,
As best to Thee may seem;
Choose Thou my good and ill.
3. Choose Thou for me my friends,
My sickness or my health;
Choose Thou my cares for me,
My poverty or wealth.
Not mine, not mine, the choice,
In things or great or small;
Be Thou my Guide, my Strength,
My Wisdom and my All.
H. Bonar, 1857.
385
6, 7, 6, 7, 6, 6, 6, 6
What is the world to me
And all its vaunted pleasure
When Thou, and Thou alone,
Lord Jesus, art my Treasure!
Thou only, dearest Lord,
My soul’s Delight shalt be;
Thou art my Peace, my Rest,—
What is the world to me!
2. The world is like the smoke,
A fleeting exhalation,
A shadow faint and dim,
Of very short duration.
My Jesus doth abide,
Though all things fade and flee;
My everlasting Rock,—
What is the world to me!
3. The world strives to be praised
And honored by the mighty
Nor will at all reflect
How frail they are and flighty.
But what I glory in
Above all things is He,
My Jesus, He alone,—
What is the world to me!
4. The world seeks after wealth,
And unto Mammon offers
Its all, content if gold
Is hoarded in its coffers.
I know a higher good,
Which e’er my joy shall be;
My Jesus is my Wealth,—
What is the world to me!
5. The world is sorely grieved
Whenever it is slighted,
As though an enemy
Its honor would have blighted.
Christ, I bear Thy reproach
While thus it pleaseth Thee!
I’m honored by my Lord,—
What is the world to me!
6. The world cannot extol
Too highly sinful pleasures
And foolishly resigns
For them the heavenly treasures.
Let others love the world
To please their vanity:
I love the Lord, my God,—
What is the world to me!
7. What is the world to me!
It rapidly must vanish;
With all its gorgeous pomp
Pale death it cannot banish;
Its riches pass away,
And all its joys must flee.
But Jesus doth abide,—
What is the world to me!
8. What is the world to me!
My Jesus is my Treasure,
My Life, my Wealth, my All,
My Friend, my Love, my Pleasure,
My heavenly Happiness
And Bliss eternally.
Once more, then, I would say,
What is the world to me!
G. M. Pfefferkorn, 1667; A. Crull, tr.
386
8, 8, 8, 4
My God, my Father, while I stray
Far from my home, on life’s rough way,
O teach me from my heart to say,
“Thy will be done!”
2. Though dark my path and sad my lot,
Let me be still and murmur not.
Or breathe the prayer divinely taught,
“Thy will be done!”
3. What though in lonely grief I sigh
For friends beloved, no longer nigh,
Submissive still would I reply,
“Thy will be done!”
4. Though Thou hast called me to resign
What most I prized, it ne’er was mine;
I have but yielded what was Thine:
“Thy will be done!”
5. Should grief or sickness waste away
My life in premature decay,
My Father, still I strive to say,
“Thy will be done!”
6. Let but my fainting heart be blest
With Thy sweet Spirit for its Guest;
My God, to Thee I leave the rest:
“Thy will be done!”
7. Renew my will from day to day;
Blend it with Thine and take away
All that now makes it hard to say,
“Thy will be done!”
8. Then, when on earth I breathe no more,
The prayer, oft mixed with tears before,
I’ll sing upon a happier shore,
“Thy will be done!”
Charlotte Elliott, 1834.
387
6s 8 l
My Jesus, as Thou wilt!
Oh, may Thy will be mine!
Into Thy hand of love
I would my all resign.
Through sorrow or through joy
Conduct me as Thine own
And help me still to say,
My Lord, Thy will be done.
2. My Jesus, as Thou wilt!
If needy here and poor,
Give me Thy people’s bread,
Their portion rich and sure.
The manna of Thy Word
Let my soul feed upon;
And if all else should fail,
My Lord, Thy will be done.
3. My Jesus, as Thou wilt!
Though seen through many a tear,
Let not my star of hope
Grow dim or disappear,
Since Thou on earth hast wept
And sorrowed oft alone.
If I must weep with Thee,
My Lord, Thy will be done.
4. My Jesus, as Thou wilt!
All shall be well for me;
Each changing future scene
I gladly trust with Thee.
Straight to my home above
I travel calmly on
And sing in life or death,
My Lord, Thy will be done.
B. Schmolck, † 1737; Jane Borthwick, tr., 1854.
388
S. M.
Blest be Thy love, dear Lord,
That taught us this sweet way
Only to love Thee for Thyself
And for that love obey.
2. O Thou, our soul’s chief Hope,
We to Thy mercy fly;
Where’er we are Thou canst protect,
Whate’er we need, supply.
3. Whether we sleep or wake,
To Thee we both resign;
The darkest night is as the day
If Thy light on us shine.
4. Whether we live or die,
Both we submit to Thee;
In death we live, as well as life,
If Thine in death we be.
John Austin, 1668.
389
C. M.
O Lord, my best desire fulfil
And help me to resign
Life, health, and comfort to Thy will
And make Thy pleasure mine.
2. Why should I shrink at Thy command,
Whose love forbids my fears,
Or tremble at the gracious hand
That wipes away my tears?
3. No, rather let me freely yield
What most I prize to Thee,
Who never hast a good withheld,
Nor wilt withhold, from me.
4. Thy favor, all my journey through,
Thou art engaged to grant;
What else I want, or think I do,
’Tis better still to want.
W. Cowper, 1779.