Chapter XIII: Introduction (13)

4 Blest Saviour, introduced by thee,
Have we our race begun!
And crowned with victory at thy feet
We’ll lay our honors down.

867 C. M.
Mighty through God.
2 Cor. 10:4.

Nay, tell us not of dangers dire
That lie in duty’s path;
A warrior of the cross can feel
No fear of human wrath.

2 Where’er the prince of darkness holds
His earthly reign abhorred,
Sword of the Spirit, thee we draw,
And battle for the Lord.

3 We go! we go, to break the chains
That bind the erring mind,
And give the freedom that we feel
To all of human kind.

4 But, O, we wear no burnished steel,
And seek no gory field;
Our weapon is the word of God,
His promise is our shield.

5 And still serene and fixed in faith,
We fear no earthly harm;
We know it is our Father’s work,
We rest upon his arm.

868 C. M.
Return to me, and I will return to you.
Mal. 3:7.

How oft, alas! this wretched heart
Has wandered from the Lord!
How oft my roving thoughts depart—
Forgetful of his word!

2 Yet sovereign mercy calls—“Return!”
Dear Lord! and may I come?
My vile ingratitude I mourn;
O! take the wanderer home.

3 And canst thou—wilt thou yet forgive,
And bid my crimes remove!
And shall a pardoned rebel live
To speak thy wondrous love?

4 Almighty grace! thy healing power,
How glorious—how divine!
That can to life and bliss restore
A heart so vile as mine!

5 Thy pardoning love—so free, so sweet,
Dear Saviour, I adore;
O! keep me at thy sacred feet,
And let me rove no more.

869 C. M. D.
Help thou mine unbelief.
Mark 9:24.

Father, when o’er our trembling hearts
Doubt’s shadows gathering brood,
When faith in thee almost departs,
And gloomiest fears intrude,
Forsake us not, O God of grace,
But send those fears relief;
Grant us again to see thy face;
Lord, help our unbelief.

2 When sorrow comes, and joys are flown,
And fondest hopes be dead,
And blessings, long esteemed our own,
Are now for ever fled—
When the bright promise of our spring
Is but a withering leaf—
Lord, to thy truth still let us cling,
Help thou our unbelief.

3 And when the powers of nature fail
Upon the couch of pain,
Nor love, nor friendship can avail
The spirit to detain;
Then, Father, be our closing eyes
Undimmed by tears of grief,
And if a trembling doubt arise,
Help thou our unbelief.

870 C. M.
Watch and pray.
Mark 13:33.

The Saviour bids us watch and pray,
Through life’s brief, fleeting hour,
And gives the Spirit’s quickening ray
To those who seek his power.

2 The Saviour bids us watch and pray,
Maintain a warrior’s strife;
Help, Lord, to hear thy voice to-day;
Obedience is our life.

3 The Saviour bids us watch and pray;
For soon the hour will come
That calls us from the earth away,
To our eternal home.

4 O Saviour, we would watch and pray,
And hear thy sacred voice,
And walk, as thou hast marked the way,
To heaven’s eternal joys.

871 C. M.
When shall I come and appear before God.
Psalm 42:2.

As o’er the past my memory strays,
Why heaves the secret sigh?
’Tis that I mourn departed days,
Still unprepared to die.

2 The world and worldly things beloved,
My anxious thoughts employed;
And time, unhallowed, unimproved,
Presents a fearful void.

3 Yet, Holy Father, wild despair
Chase from my laboring breast;
Thy grace it is which prompts the prayer,
That grace can do the rest.

4 My life’s brief remnant all be thine;
And when thy sure decree
Bids me this fleeting breath resign,
O, speed my soul to thee.

872 C. M.
Let me not wander from thy commandments.
Psalm 119:10.

Alas, what hourly dangers rise!
What snares beset my way!
To heaven, O, let me lift mine eyes,
And hourly watch and pray.

2 How oft my mournful thoughts complain,
And melt in flowing tears!
My weak resistance, ah, how vain!
How strong my foes and fears!

3 O gracious God! in whom I live,
My feeble efforts aid;
Help me to watch, and pray, and strive,
Though trembling and afraid.

4 Increase my faith, increase my hope,
When foes and fears prevail;
And bear my fainting spirit up,
Or soon my strength will fail.

5 O, keep me in thy heavenly way,
And bid the tempter flee!
And let me never, never stray
From happiness and thee.

873 S. M.
Ever with the Lord.
1 Thess. 4:17.

“For ever with the Lord,”
Amen, so let it be;
Life from the dead is in that word,
’Tis immortality.

2 Here in the body pent,
Absent from him I roam,
Yet nightly pitch my moving tent
A day’s march nearer home.

3 My Father’s house on high,
Home of my soul, how near
At times, to faith’s aspiring eye,
Thy golden gates appear!

4 Ah, then my spirit faints,
To reach the land I love,
The bright inheritance of saints,
Jerusalem above.

5 Yet doubts still intervene,
And all my comfort flies;
Like Noah’s dove, I flit between
Rough seas and stormy skies.

6 Anon the clouds depart,
The winds and waters cease;
While sweetly o’er my gladdened heart
Expands the bow of peace.

874 C. M. peculiar.
The fashion of this world, etc.
1 Cor. 7:31.

This world is poor from shore to shore,
And, like a baseless vision,
Its lofty domes and brilliant ore,
Its gems and crowns are vain and poor;
There’s nothing rich but heaven.

2 Empires decay, and nations die,
Our hopes to winds, are given;
The vernal blooms in ruin lie,
Death reigns o’er all beneath the sky;
There’s nothing sure but heaven.

3 Creation’s mighty fabric all
Shall be to atoms riven—
The skies consume, the planets fall,
Convulsions rock this earthly ball;
There’s nothing firm but heaven.

4 A stranger, lonely here I roam,
From place to place am driven;
My friends are gone, and I’m in gloom,
This earth is all a dismal tomb;
I have no home but heaven.

5 The clouds disperse—the light appears,
My sins are all forgiven;
Triumphant grace has quelled my fears:
Roll on, thou sun! fly swift, my years!
I’m on my way to heaven.

875 S. M.
Watch!

My soul, be on thy guard;
Ten thousand foes arise;
The 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:
Thy arduous work will not be done
Till thou obtain 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.

876 S. M.
Occupy till I come.
Luke 19:13.

A charge to keep I have,
A God to glorify,
A never-dying soul to save,
And fit it for the sky.

2 To serve the present age,
My calling to fulfill;
O, may it all my powers engage
To do my Master’s will.

3 Arm me with jealous care
As in thy sight to live;
And O, thy servant, Lord, prepare
A strict account to give.

4 Help me to watch and pray,
And on thyself rely,
Assured, if I my trust betray,
I shall for ever die.

877 S. M.
To him that overcometh.
Rev. 2:7.

Arise, ye saints, arise!
The Lord our Leader is;
The foe before his banner flies,
For victory is his.

2 Lead on, almighty Lord,
Lead on, to victory!
Encouraged by the bright reward:
With joy we’ll follow thee.

3 We’ll follow thee, our Guide,
Our Saviour and our King;
We’ll follow thee, through grace supplied
From heaven’s eternal spring.

4 We hope to see the day
When all our toils shall cease;
When we shall cast our arms away,
And dwell in endless peace.

5 This hope supports us here,
It makes our burdens light;
’Twill serve our drooping hearts to cheer,
Till faith shall end in sight;

6 Till, of the prize possessed,
We hear of war no more,
And O, sweet thought! for ever rest
On yonder peaceful shore!

878 S. M.
Go forth to glorious war.

Hark, how the watchmen cry!
Attend the trumpet’s sound;
Stand to your arms: the foe is nigh—
The powers of hell surround.

2 Who bow to Christ’s command,
Your arms and hearts prepare;
The day of battle is at hand—
Go forth to glorious war.

3 See on the mountain top
The standard of your God;
In Jesus’ name ’tis lifted up,
All stained with hallowed blood.

4 His standard-bearers, now
To all the nations call:
To Jesus’ cross, ye nations bow;
He bore the cross for all.

5 Go up with Christ your Head;
Your Captain’s footsteps see;
Follow your Captain, and be led
To certain victory.

6 All power to him is given;
He ever reigns the same;
Salvation, happiness, and heaven,
Are all in Jesus’ name.

879 S. M.
Be strong in the Lord.
Eph. 6:10.

Soldiers of Christ, arise!
And put your armor on,
Strong in the strength which God supplies
Through his belovéd 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 Leave no unguarded place,
No weakness of the soul;
Take every virtue, every grace,
And fortify the whole.

5 That having all things done,
And all your conflicts past,
You may o’ercome through Christ alone,
And stand entire at last.

880 S. M.
Therefore will not we fear.
Psalm 46:2.

Give to the winds thy fears,
Hope, and be undismayed;
God hears thy sighs, and counts thy tears,
God shall lift up thy head.

2 Through waves, through clouds and storms,
He gently clears thy way;
Wait thou his time; so shall this night
Soon end in joyous day.

3 Still heavy is thy heart!
Still sink thy spirits down!
Cast off the weight, let fear depart,
Bid every care be gone.

4 Far, far above thy thought
His counsel shall appear,
When fully he the work hath wrought,
That caused thy needless fear.

5 What, though thou rulest not!
Yet heaven, and earth, and hell
Proclaim, God sitteth on the throne,
And ruleth all things well!

881 S. M.
Reaching forth.
Phil. 3:13.

My soul, it is thy God
Who calls thee by his grace;
Now loose thee from each cumbering load,
And bend thee to the race.

2 Make thy salvation sure;
All sloth and slumber shun;
Nor dare a moment rest secure,
Till thou the goal hast won.

3 Thy crown of life hold fast;
Thy heart with courage stay;
Nor let one trembling glance be cast
Along the backward way.

4 Thy path ascends the skies,
With conquering footsteps bright;
And thou shalt win and wear the prize
In everlasting light.

882 7s.
If we confess our sins.
1 John 1:9.

God of mercy! God of love!
Hear our sad, repentant songs;
Listen to thy suppliant ones,
Thou, to whom all grace belongs!

2 Deep regret for follies past,
Talents wasted, time misspent;
Hearts debased by worldly cares,
Thankless for the blessings lent;

3 Foolish fears and fond desires,
Vain regrets for things as vain;
Lips too seldom taught to praise,
Oft to murmur and complain;

4 These, and every secret fault,
Filled with grief and shame we own;
Humbled at thy feet we bow,
Seeking strength from thee alone.

5 God of mercy! God of love!
Hear our sad repentant songs;
O, restore thy suppliant ones,
Thou to whom all grace belongs!

883 7s.
That they go forward.
Ex. 14:15.

Oft in sorrow, oft in woe,
Onward, Christian, onward go;
Fight the fight, maintain the strife,
Strengthened with the bread of life.

2 Onward, Christian, onward go;
Join the war, and face the foe;
Will you flee in danger’s hour?
Know you not your Captain’s power?

3 Let your drooping heart be glad;
March, in heavenly armor clad;
Fight, nor think the battle long;
Soon shall victory tune your song.

4 Let not sorrow dim your eye;
Soon shall every tear be dry:
Let not fears your course impede;
Great your strength, if great your need.

5 Onward, then, to battle move;
More than conqueror you shall prove;
Though opposed by many a foe,
Christian soldier, onward go.

884 7s.
Let us not sleep, as do others.
1 Thess. 5:6.

Sleep not, soldier of the cross!
Foes are lurking all around;
Look not here to find repose;
This is but thy battle-ground;

2 Up! and take thy shield and sword;
Up! it is the call of heaven:
Shrink not faithless from the Lord:
Nobly strive as he hath striven.

3 Break through all the force of ill;
Tread the might of passion down—
Struggling onward, onward still,
To the conquering Saviour’s crown!

4 Through the midst of toil and pain,
Let this thought ne’er leave thy breast:
Every triumph thou dost gain
Makes more sweet thy coming rest.

885 8s & 7s.
Forgetting the things that are behind.
Phil. 3:13.

Onward, Christian, though the region
Where thou art be drear and lone,
God hath set a guardian legion
Very near thee—press thou on!

2 Listen, Christian, their hosanna
Rolleth o’er thee—“God is love,”
Write upon thy red-cross banner,
“Upward ever—heaven’s above.”

3 By the thorn-road, and none other,
Is the mount of vision won;
Tread it without shrinking, brother!
Jesus trod it—press thou on!

4 By thy trustful, calm endeavor,
Guiding, cheering, like the sun,
Earth-bound hearts thou shalt deliver;
O, for their sake, press thou on!

5 Be this world the wiser, stronger,
For thy life of pain and peace;
While it needs thee, O no longer
Pray thou for thy quick release:

6 Pray thou, Christian, daily, rather,
That thou be a faithful son;
By the prayer of Jesus—“Father,
Not my will, but thine, be done!”

886 8s & 7s.
Here we have no continuing city.
Heb. 13:14.

Whither goest thou, pilgrim stranger,
Passing through this darksome vale?
Knowest thou not ’tis full of danger,
And will not thy courage fail?
CHORUS.
I am bound for the kingdom,
Will you go to glory with me?
Hallelujah! praise you the Lord.

2 Pilgrim, thou dost justly call me,
Wandering o’er this waste so wide;
Yet no harm will e’er befall me,
While I’m blest with such a guide.

3 Such a guide—no guide attends thee:
Hence for thee my fears arise;
If some guardian power befriend thee,
’Tis unseen by mortal eyes.

4 Yes, unseen—but still believe me,
Such a guide my steps attends;
He’ll in every strait relieve me,
He from every harm defends.

5 Pilgrim! see that stream before thee!
Darkly winding through the vale;
Should its deadly waves roll o’er thee,
Would not then thy courage fail?

6 No, that stream has nothing frightful;
To its bank my steps I bend;
There to plunge will be delightful,
Then my pilgrimage will end.

887 8s & 7s.
He leadeth me in the paths, etc.
Psalm 23:3.

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,
Craftier, stronger far than I;
And the strife may 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.

888 8s & 7s.
Beyond this vale of sorrow.

Dark and thorny is the desert
Through which pilgrims make their way;
But beyond this vale of sorrow
Lie the realms of endless day.
Dear young soldiers, do not murmur
At the troubles of the way;
Meet the tempest—fight with courage—
Never faint, but often pray.

2 He whose thunder shakes creation;
He that bids the planets roll;
He that rides upon the tempest,
And whose scepter sways the whole—
Jesus, Jesus, will defend you;
Trust in him and him alone;
He has shed his blood to save you,
And will bring you to his throne.

3 There on flowery fields of pleasure,
And the hills of endless rest,
Joy, and peace, and love, shall ever,
Reign and triumph in your breast.
There ten thousand flaming seraphs
Fly across the heavenly plain;
There they sing immortal praises!
Glory, glory is their theme.

4 But, methinks, a sweeter concert
Makes the crystal arches ring,
And a song is heard in Zion
Which the angels can not sing:
Who can paint those sons of glory,
Ransomed souls that dwell on high,
Who, with golden harps, for ever
Sound redemption through the sky.

5 See the heavenly host in rapture
Gazing on these shining bands;
Wondering at their costly garments,
And the laurels in their hands;
There upon the golden pavement,
See the ransomed march along!
While the splendid courts of glory
Sweetly echo with their song!

6 Here I see the under shepherds,
And the flocks they fed below,
Here with joy they dwell together,
Jesus is their shepherd now.
Hail! you happy, happy spirits!
Welcome to the blissful plain—
Glory, honor, and salvation;
Reign, sweet Shepherd, ever reign.

889 8s, 6s & 7s.
Luke 11:27.

Must Simon bear the cross alone,
And all the world go free?
No, there’s a cross for every one,
And there’s a cross for me.
Yes, there’s a cross on Calvary,
Through which by faith the crown I see;
To me ’tis pardon bringing;
O that’s the cross for me!

2 How happy are the saints above,
Who once went mourning here!
But now they taste unmingled love,
And joy without a tear.
For perfect love will dry the tear,
And cast out all tormenting fear,
Which round my heart is clinging;
O that’s the love for me.

3 We’ll bear the consecrated cross,
Till from the cross we’re free;
And then go home to wear the crown,
For there’s a crown for me.
Yes, there’s a crown in heaven above,
The purchase of my Saviour’s love,
For me at his appearing;
O that’s the crown for me!

4 The saints shall hear the midnight cry;
The Lord will then appear,
And virgins rise with burning lamps,
To meet him in the air;
For there’s a home in heaven prepared,
A house by saints and angels shared,
Where Christ is interceding;
O that’s the home for me!

890 8s, 7s & 4.
Hope thou in God.
Psalm 42:5

O my soul! what means this sadness?
Wherefore art thou thus cast down?
Let thy griefs be turned to gladness;
Bid thy restless fears begone;
Look to Jesus,
And rejoice in his dear name.

2 What though Satan’s strong temptations
Vex and grieve thee day by day
And thy sinful inclinations
Often fill thee with dismay;
Thou shalt conquer,
Through the Lamb’s redeeming blood.

3 Though ten thousand ills beset thee,
From without and from within,
Jesus saith he’ll ne’er forget thee,
But will save from hell and sin.
He is faithful
To perform his gracious word.

4 Though distresses now attend thee,
And thou treadest the thorny road;
His right hand shall still defend thee;
Soon he’ll bring thee home to God,
Therefore praise him,
Praise the great Redeemer’s name.

5 O that I could now adore him
Like the heavenly host above,
Who for ever bow before him,
And unceasing sing his love,
Happy songsters!
When shall I your chorus join?

891 8s, 7s & 4s.
Under clouds.

Here behold me, as I cast me
At thy throne, O glorious King!
Tears fast thronging, child-like longing,
Son of man to thee I bring.
Let me find thee—
Me, a poor and worthless thing.

2 Look upon me, Lord, I pray thee;
Let thy Spirit dwell in mine:
Thou hast sought me, thou hast bought me,
Only thee to know I pine:
Let me find thee—
Take my heart and grant me thine.

3 Nought I ask for, nought I strive for,
But thy grace, so rich and free,
That thou givest whom thou lovest,
And who truly cleave to thee;
Let me find thee—
He hath all things who hath thee.

4 Earthly treasure, mirth and pleasure,
Glorious name or richest hoard
Are but weary, void, and dreary,
To the heart that longs for God:
Let me find thee—
I am ready, mighty Lord.

892 7s, 6s & 8s.
You are not of the world.
John 15:19.

The sun above us gleaming
Is not the sun for me;
Though joyful be his beaming,
And beautiful to see;
There is a Sun of Righteousness
Who cheers and saves me by his grace,
All copious on me streaming,
O that’s the Sun for me.

2 The kings and lords of nations,
Are not the kings for me;
Too low their highest stations;
Too mean their dignity:
The King of kings and Lord of lords,
Almighty in his ways and words,
The word of his salvation,
O that’s the king for me.

3 This house of death and mourning
Is not the house for me,
Where all to dust are turning,
In tears and agony;
But there’s a house not made with hands,
It ever stood and ever stands,
Beyond the world’s last burning;
O that’s the house for me.

4 The wars the hero fights in,
Are not the wars for me;
The war my heart delights in,
Shall end in victory;
’Tis not a war of flesh and blood;
I fight for heaven, I fight for God,
A kingdom with my rights in,—
O that’s the war for me.

5 This land of sin and sorrow,
Is not the land for me,
Where anguish oft I borrow
From dying company;
Th’ immortal land is far away,
I’ll enter it on some bright day,
That day may be to-morrow—
O that’s the land for me.

893 11s.
Whereas I was blind, now I see.
John. 9:25.

O Saviour whose mercy, severe in its kindness,
Hath chastened my wanderings and guided my way,
Adored be the power that hath pitied my blindness,
And weaned me from phantoms that smiled to betray.

2 Enchanted with all that was dazzling and fair,
I followed the rainbow—I caught at the toy;
And still in displeasure thy goodness was there,
Disappointing the hope, and defeating the joy.

3 The blossom blushed bright, but a worm was below;
The moonlight shone fair, there was blight in the beam;
Sweet whispered the breeze, but it whispered of woe;
And bitterness flowed in the soft, flowing stream.

4 So, cured of my folly, yet cured but in part,
I turned to the refuge thy pity displayed;
And still did this eager and credulous heart
Weave visions of promise, that bloomed but to fade.

5 I thought that the course of the pilgrim to heaven
Would be bright as the summer, and glad as the morn;
Thou showedst me the path, it was dark and uneven;
All rugged with rock, and all tangled with thorn.

6 I dreamed of celestial reward and renown,
I grasped at the triumph that blesses the brave;
I asked for the palm branch, the robe, and the crown,
I asked, and thou showedst me the cross and a grave!

7 Subdued and instructed, at length to thy will,
My hopes, and my wishes, my all I resign;
O give me a heart that can wait and be still,
Nor know of a wish or a pleasure but thine.

8 There are mansions exempted from sin and from woe,
But they stand in a region by mortals untrod;
There are rivers of joy—but they roll not below;
There is rest—but it dwells in the presence of God.

894 11s & 10s.
He that shall endure unto the end.
Matt. 24:13.

The captive’s oar may pause upon the galley,
The soldier sleep beneath his pluméd crest,
And peace may fold her wing o’er hill and valley,
But thou, O Christian! must not take thy rest.

2 Wilt thou find rest of soul in thy returning
To that old path thou hast so vainly trod?
Hast thou forgotten all thy weary yearning
To walk among the children of thy God?

3 Canst thou forget thy Christian superscription—
Behold we count them happy which endure?
What treasure wouldst thou, in the land Egyptian,
Repass the stormy waters to secure?

4 And God will come in his own time and power,
To set his earnest-hearted children free;
Watch only through this dark and painful hour,
And the bright morning yet will break for thee!

895 10s & 11s.
Be thou faithful unto death.
Rev. 2:10.

Breast the wave, Christian, when it is strongest;
Watch for day, Christian, when night is longest;
Onward and upward still be thine endeavor;
The rest that remaineth endureth for ever.

2 Fight the fight, Christian; Jesus is o’er thee;
Run the race, Christian; heaven is before thee;
He who hath promised, faltereth never;
O, trust in the love that endureth for ever.

3 Lift the eye, Christian, just as it closeth;
Raise the heart, Christian, ere it reposeth:
Thee from the love of Christ, nothing shall sever;
Mount, when the work is done—praise God for ever!

896 8s & 6s.
Some great thing!
2 Kings 5:13.

Shall we grow weary in our watch,
And murmur at the long delay,
Impatient of our Father’s time
And his appointéd way?

2 O, oft a deeper test of faith
Than prison-cell, or martyr’s stake,
The self-renouncing watchfulness
Of silent prayer may make.

3 We gird us bravely to rebuke
Our erring brother in the wrong;
And in the ear of pride and power
Our warning voice is strong.

4 Easier to smite with Peter’s sword,
Than watch one hour in humbling prayer;
Life’s great things, like the Syrian lord,
Our hearts can do and dare.

5 But, O, we shrink from Jordan’s side,
From waters which alone can save;
And murmur for Abana’s banks
And Pharpar’s brighter wave.

6 O thou, who in the garden’s shade
Didst wake thy weary ones again,
Who slumbered at that fearful hour,
Forgetful of thy pain—

7 Bend o’er us now, as over them,
And set our sleep-bound spirits free,
Nor leave us slumbering in the watch
Our souls should keep with thee!

897 6s & 5s.
Psalm 91.

God of our salvation!
Unto thee we pray;
Hear our supplication,
Be our strength and stay.

2 Wretchéd and unworthy,
Poor, and sick, and blind,
Prostrate we adore thee,
Call thy grace to mind.

3 He that dwelleth near thee,
Safely shall abide;
Ever love and fear thee,
In thy strength confide.

4 Sure is thy protection,
Safe is thy defense,
While in deep affliction,
Woe, or pestilence.

5 God of our salvation!
Saviour, Prince of Peace,
Boundless thy compassion,
Infinite thy grace.

6 While with love unceasing,
Humbly we adore;
Grant us thy rich blessing,
And we ask no more.

SUBMISSION AND DELIVERANCE.

898 L. M.
Submissiveness.

Be still, my heart! these anxious cares,
To thee are burdens, thorns, and snares;
They cast dishonor on thy Lord,
And contradict his gracious word.

2 Brought safely by his hand thus far,
Why wilt thou now give place to fear?
How canst thou want if he provide,
Or lose thy way with such a guide?

3 Did ever trouble yet befall,
And he refuse to hear thy call?
And has he not his promise passed,
That thou shalt overcome at last?

4 He who has helped me hitherto
Will help me all my journey through,
And give me daily cause to raise
New trophies to his endless praise.

899 L. M.
Whom have I in heaven but thee.
Psalm 73:25.

O Lord, thy counsels and thy care,
My safety and my comfort are;
And thou shalt guide me all my days,
Till glory crown the work of grace.

2 In whom but thee, in heaven above,
Can I repose my trust, my love?
And shall an earthly object be
Loved in comparison with thee?

3 My flesh is hastening to decay;
Soon shall the world have passed away;
And what can mortal friends avail,
When heart, and strength, and life shall fail?

4 But O! my Saviour, be thou nigh,
And I will triumph when I die;
My strength, my portion, is divine;
And Jesus is for ever mine!

900 8s & 4s.
Thy will be done.

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 What though in lonely grief I sigh
For friends beloved no longer nigh;
Submissive still would I reply,
“Thy will be done!”

3 If thou shouldst call me to resign
What most I prize—it ne’er was mine;
I only yield thee what was thine:
“Thy will be done!”

4 If 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!”

901 L. M. 6 lines.
My grace is sufficient for thee.
2 Cor. 12:9.

To weary hearts, to mourning homes,
God’s meekest angel gently comes;
No power hath he to banish pain,
Or give us back our lost again;
And yet, in tenderest love, our dear
And heavenly Father sends him here.

2 Angel of patience! sent to calm
Our feverish brows with cooling balm,
To lay with hope the storms of fear,
And reconcile life’s smile and tear,
The throbs of wounded pride to still,
And make our own our Father’s will!

3 O thou, who mournest on thy way,
With longings for the close of day,
He walks with thee, that angel kind,
And gently whispers, “Be resigned!
Bear up, bear on, the end shall tell,
The dear Lord ordereth all things well.”

902 L. M. 6 lines.
Thy footsteps are not known.
Psalm 77:19.

O let my trembling soul be still,
While darkness vails this mortal eye,
And wait thy wise, thy holy will,
Wrapped yet in fears and mystery;
I can not, Lord, thy purpose see;
Yet all is well, since ruled by thee.

2 So trusting in thy love, I tread
The narrow path of duty on;
What though some cherished joys are fled?
What though some flattering dreams are gone?
Yet purer, nobler joys remain,
And peace is won through conquered pain.

903 L. M. 6 lines.
Deut. 33:25.

When adverse winds and waves arise,
And in my heart despondence sighs;
When life her throng of cares reveals,
And weakness o’er my spirit steals,
Grateful I hear the kind decree,
That “as my day, my strength shall be.”

2 When, with sad footsteps, memory roves
’Mid smitten joys and buried loves,
When sleep my tearful pillow flies,
And dewy morning drinks my sighs,
Still to thy promise, Lord! I flee,
That “as my day, my strength shall be.”

3 One trial more must yet be past:
One pang—the keenest and the last;
And when, with brow convulsed and pale,
My feeble, quivering heart-strings fail,
Redeemer! grant my soul to see,
That “as my day, my strength shall be.”

904 C. M.
Not as I will.
Mark 14:36.

All as God wills! who wisely heeds
To give or to withhold,
And knoweth more of all my needs
Than all my prayers have told.

2 Enough that blessings undeserved
Have marked my erring track—
That wheresoe’er my feet have swerved,
His chastening turned me back—

3 That more and more a Providence,
Of love is understood,
Making the springs of time and sense
Sweet with eternal good—

4 That death seems but a covered way
Which opens into light,
Wherein no blinded child can stray
Beyond the Father’s sight—

5 That care and trial seem at last,
Through memory’s sunset air,
Like mountain ranges overpast,
In purple distance fair—

6 That all the jarring notes of life,
Seem blending in a psalm,
And all the angles of its strife
Slow rounding into calm.

7 And so the shadows fall apart
And so the west winds play;
And all the windows of my heart
I open to the day.

905 C. M.
I waited patiently for the Lord.
Psalm 40:1.

We wait in faith, in prayer we wait,
Until the happy hour
When God shall ope the morning gate,
By his almighty power.

2 We wait in faith, and turn our face
To where the day-light springs;
Till he shall come, earth’s gloom to chase,
With healing on his wings.

3 And even now, amid the gray,
The east is brightening fast,
And kindling to that perfect day
Which never shall be past.

4 We wait in faith, we wait in prayer,
Till that blest day shall shine,
When earth shall fruits of Eden bear,
And all, O God, be thine!

5 O guide us till our night is done!
Until from shore to shore,
Thou, Lord, our everlasting sun,
Art shining evermore!

906 C. M.
The Lord gave and the Lord, etc.
Job. 1:21.

It is the Lord—enthroned in light,
Whose claims are all divine,
Who has an undisputed right
To govern me and mine.

2 It is the Lord—who gives me all,
My wealth, my friends my ease;
And of his bounties may recall
Whatever part he please.

3 It is the Lord—my covenant God—
Thrice blesséd be his name—
Whose gracious promise, sealed with blood,
Must ever be the same.

4 Can I, with hopes so firmly built,
Be faithless, or repine?
No: gracious God! take what thou wilt;
To thee I all resign.

907 C. M.
Our souls are in the Saviour’s hand.

Our souls are in the Saviour’s hand;
And he will keep them still,
And you and I shall surely stand
With him on Zion’s hill.

2 Him eye to eye we there shall see,
Our face like his shall shine;
O! what a glorious company,
When saints and angels join!

3 O! what a joyful meeting there,
In robes of white array!
Palms in our hands we all shall bear,
And crowns that ne’er decay!

4 When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise,
Than when we first begun!

5 Then let us hasten to the day
When all shall be brought home:
Come, O Redeemer! come away!
O Jesus! quickly come!

908 C. M.
Thy will be done.

Father, I know thy ways are just,
Although to me unknown;
O, grant me grace thy love to trust,
And cry, “Thy will be done.”

2 If thou shouldst hedge with thorns my path,
Should wealth and friends be gone,
Still, with a firm and lively faith,
I’ll cry, “Thy will be done.”

3 Although thy steps I can not trace;
Thy sovereign right I’ll own;
And, as instructed by thy grace,
I’ll cry, “Thy will be done.”

909 C. M.
Rev. 7:13-17.

How bright these glorious spirits shine!
Whence all their bright array?
How came they to the blissful seats
Of everlasting day?

2 Lo! these are they from sufferings great
Who came to realms of light,
And in the blood of Christ have washed
Those robes which shine so bright.

3 Now with triumphant palms they stand
Before the throne on high,
And serve the God they love, amidst
The glories of the sky.

4 His presence fills each heart with joy,
Tunes every mouth to sing;
By day, by night, the sacred courts
With glad hosannas ring.

5 Hunger and thirst are felt no more,
Nor sun with scorching ray;
God is their sun, whose cheering beams
Diffuse eternal day.

6 The Lamb that sits upon the throne,
Shall o’er them still preside,
Feed them with nourishment divine,
And all their footsteps guide.

7 ’Mong pastures green he’ll lead his flock,
Where living streams appear;
And God the Lord from every eye
Shall wipe off every tear.

910 C. M.
It is good that I have been afflicted.
Psalm 119:71.

In trouble and in grief, O God,
Thy smile hath cheered my way;
And joy hath budded from each thorn
That round my footsteps lay.

2 The hours of pain have yielded good
Which prosperous days refused;
As herbs, though scentless when entire,
Spread fragrance when they’re bruised.

3 The oak strikes deeper as its boughs
By furious blasts are driven;
So life’s tempestuous storms the more
Have fixed my heart in heaven.

4 All-gracious Lord, whate’er my lot
In other times may be,
I’ll welcome still the heaviest grief
That brings me near to thee.

911 C. M.
I will bless the Lord at all times.
Psalm 34:1.

Through all the changing scenes of life,
In trouble and in joy,
The praises of my God shall still
My heart and tongue employ.

2 Of his deliverance I will boast,
Till all that are distressed,
From my example, comfort take,
And charm their griefs to rest.

3 O, magnify the Lord with me,
With me exalt his name;
When in distress to him I called,
He to my rescue came.

4 The hosts of God encamp around
The dwellings of the just;
Deliverance he affords to all,
Who on his succor trust.

912 C. H. M.
They looked to him and were lightened.
Psalm 34:5.

I look to thee in every need,
And never look in vain;
I feel thy strong and tender love,
And all is well again:
The thought of thee is mightier far
Than sin and pain and sorrow are.

2 Discouraged in the work of life,
Disheartened by its load,
Shamed by its failures or its fears,
I sink beside the road;
But let me only think of thee,
And then new heart springs up in me.

3 Thy calmness bends serene above,
My restlessness to still;
Around me flows thy quickening life,
To nerve my faltering will;
Thy presence fills my solitude;
Thy providence turns all to good.

4 Embosomed in thy covenant love,
Held in thy law, I stand;
Thy hand in all things I behold,
And all things in thy hand;
Thou leadest me by unsought ways,
And turnest my mourning into praise.

913 S. M.
Thy way, not mine, O Lord.

Thy way, not mine, O Lord!
However dark it be;
O lead me by thine own right hand;
Choose out the path for me.

2 Smooth let it be, or rough,
It will be still the best;
Winding or straight, it matters not,
It leads me to thy rest.

3 I dare not choose my lot,
I would not if I might;
But choose thou for me, O my God!
So shall I walk aright.

4 The kingdom that I seek
Is thine; so let the way
That leads to it, O Lord! be thine,
Else I must surely stray.

5 My portion thou! my cup
With joy or sorrow fill;
As ever best to thee may seem,
Choose thou my good and ill.

6 Choose thou for me my friends,
My sickness or my health;
Choose thou my joys and cares for me,
My poverty or wealth.

7 Not mine, not mine the choice,
In things or great or small;
Be thou my Guide, my Guard, my Strength,
My Wisdom, and my All.

914 S. M.
My times are in thy hand.
Psalm 31:15.

“My times are in thy hand,”
My God, I’d have them there;
My life, my friends, my soul I leave
Entirely to thy care.

2 “My times are in thy hand,”
Whatever they may be;
Pleasing or painful, dark or bright,
As best may seem to thee.

3 “My times are in thy hand,”
Why should I doubt or fear?
My Father’s hand will never cause
His child a needless tear.

915 S. M. D.
Spiritual wants.

My God, my Strength, my Hope,
On thee I cast my care,
With humble confidence look up,
And know thou hearest my prayer.
Give me on thee to wait,
Till I can all things do—
On thee, almighty to create,
Almighty to renew.

2 I want a Godly fear,
A quick-discerning eye,
That looks to thee when sin is near,
And bids the tempter fly;
A spirit still prepared,
And armed with jealous care,
For ever standing on its guard,
And watching unto prayer.

3 I rest upon thy word;
The promise is for me;
My succor and salvation, Lord,
Shall surely come from thee:
But let me still abide,
Nor from my hope remove,
Till thou my patient spirit guide
Into thy perfect love.

916 S. M.
Rom. 14:7, 9.

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 souls’ 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;
By night we see, as well as 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.

917 S. M.
Not far from home.

Your harps, ye trembling saints!
Down from the willows take;
Loud to the praise of love divine,
Bid every string awake.

2 Though in a foreign land,
We are not far from home,
And, nearer to our house above,
We every moment come.

3 His grace will, to the end,
Stronger and brighter shine;
Nor present things, nor things to come,
Shall quench this spark divine.

4 When we in darkness walk,
Nor feel the heavenly flame
Then will we trust our gracious God,
And rest upon his name.

5 Blest is the man, O God!
That stays himself on thee:
Who waits for thy salvation, Lord!
Shall thy salvation see.

918 7s.
Having all in having Christ.

Jesus, take me for thine own;
To thy will my spirit frame;
Thou shalt reign, and thou alone,
Over all I have and am.

2 Making thus the Lord my choice,
I have nothing more to choose,
But to listen to thy voice,
And my will in thine to lose.

3 Then, whatever may betide,
I shall safe and happy be;
Still content and satisfied:—
Having all in having thee.

919 7s.
All things work together for good.
Psalm 31.

Sovereign Ruler of the skies,
Ever gracious, ever wise!
All my times are in thy hand;
All events at thy command.

2 Times of sickness, times of health,
Times of penury and wealth—
All must come, and last, and end,
As shall please my heavenly Friend.

3 O thou gracious, wise and just!
In thy hands my life I trust;
Have I somewhat dearer still?—
I resign it to thy will.

4 Thee at all times will I bless;
Having thee, I all possess:
Ne’er can I bereavéd be,
While I do not part with thee.

920 S. M.
As a weaned child.
Psalm 131:2.

Quiet, Lord, my froward heart,
Make me teachable and mild,
Upright, simple, free from art,
Make me as a weanéd child;
From distrust and envy free,
Pleased with all that pleases thee.

2 What thou shalt to-day provide,
Let me as a child receive:
What to-morrow may betide,
Calmly to thy wisdom leave;
’Tis enough that thou wilt care—
Why should I the burden bear?

3 As a little child relies
On a care beyond his own;
Knows he’s neither strong nor wise,
Fears to stir a step alone;
Let me thus with thee abide,
As my Father, Guard, and Guide.

921 6s.
As thou wilt.
Matt. 26:39.

My Jesus, as thou wilt!
O 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:
If among thorns I go,
Still sometimes here and there,
Let a few roses blow.
But thou on earth, along
The thorny pain hast gone;
Then lead me after thee;
My Lord, thy will be done!

4 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!

5 My Jesus, as thou wilt!
If loved ones must depart,
Suffer not sorrow’s flood
To overwhelm my heart;
For they are blest with thee,
Thy race and conflict won;
Let me but follow them;
My Lord, thy will be done!

6 My Jesus, as thou wilt!
When death itself draws nigh,
To thy dear wounded side
I would for refuge fly.
Leaning on thee, to go
Where thou before hast gone;
The rest as thou shalt please,
My Lord, thy will be done.

7 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!

922 8s & 7s.
I have led thee in right paths.
Prov. 4:11.

O how kindly hast thou led me,
Heavenly Father, day by day!
Found my dwelling, clothed and fed me,
Furnished friends to cheer my way!
Didst thou bless me, didst thou chasten,
With thy smile, or with thy rod,
’Twas that still my step might hasten
Homeward, heavenward, to my God.

2 O how slowly have I often
Followed where thy hand would draw!
How thy kindness failed to soften!
How thy chastening failed to awe!
Make me for thy rest more ready,
As thy path is longer trod;
Keep me in thy friendship steady,
Till thou call me home, my God!

923 8s & 7s.
Jesus, I my cross have taken.

Jesus, I my cross have taken,
All to leave and follow thee;
I am poor, despised, forsaken—
Thou henceforth 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,
It has left my Saviour too;
Human hearts and looks deceive me,
Thou art not like them, untrue;
Whilst thy graces shall adorn me,
God of wisdom, love, and might—
Foes may hate, and friends may scorn 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 set my heart on thee;
Storms may howl, and clouds may gather,
All will 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.
O, ’tis not in grief to harm me
While thy love is left to me;
O, ’twere not in joy to charm me,
Were that joy unmixed with thee.

5 Soul—then know 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,
Think what Father’s smiles are thine;
Think that Jesus died to save thee;
Child of heaven, canst thou repine?

6 Haste thee 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;
Soon shall pass thy pilgrim’s days;
Hope shall change to glad fruition,
Faith to sight, and prayer to praise!

924 8s, 7s & 4s.
Songs for sighing.

Hallelujah! best and sweetest
Of the hymns of praise above!
Hallelujah! thou repeatest,
Angel-host, these notes of love;
This ye utter,
While your golden harps ye move.

2 Hallelujah! Church victorious,
Join the concert of the sky:
Hallelujah! bright and glorious!
Lift, ye saints, this strain on high!
We, poor exiles,
Join not yet your melody.

3 Hallelujah! strains of gladness
Comfort not the faint and worn;
Hallelujah! sounds of sadness
Best become the heart forlorn;
Our offenses
We with bitter tears must mourn.

4 But our earnest supplication,
Holy God! we raise to thee;
Visit us with thy salvation,
Make us all thy peace to see!
Hallelujah!
Ours at length this strain shall be.

925 P. M.
O God! be thou my stay.

Father, O hear me now!
Father divine!
Thou, only thou, canst see
The heart’s deep agony:
Help me to say to thee
“Thy will, not mine!”

2 O God! be thou my stay
In this dark hour;
Kindly each sorrow hear,
Hush every troubled fear,
Thee let me still revere,
Still own thy power.

3 In thee alone I trust,
Thou Holy One!
Humbly to thee I pray
That through each troubled day
Of life, I still may say,
“Thy will be done!”

926 6s.
Changed from glory to glory.
2 Cor. 3:18.

I did thee wrong, my God;
I wronged thy truth and love;
I fretted at the rod—
Against thy power I strove.

2 Come nearer, nearer still;
Let not thy light depart;
Bend, break this stubborn will;
Dissolve this iron heart!

3 Less wayward let me be,
More pliable and mild;
In glad simplicity
More like a trustful child.

4 Less, less of self each day,
And more, my God, of thee;
O, keep me in the way,
However rough it be.

5 Less of the flesh each day,
Less of the world and sin;
More of thy Son, I pray,
More of thyself within.

6 More molded to thy will,
Lord, let thy servant be;
Higher and higher still,
More, and still more, like thee!

927 6s & 4s.
Worthy the Lamb.

Come, all ye saints of God,
Wide through the earth abroad,
Spread Jesus’ fame:
Tell what his love hath done;
Trust in his name alone;
Shout to his lofty throne,
“Worthy the Lamb!”

2 Hence, gloomy doubts and fears!
Dry up your mournful tears;
Swell the glad theme:
To Christ, our gracious King,
Strike each melodious string;
Join heart and voice to sing,
“Worthy the Lamb!”

3 Hark! how the choirs above,
Filled with the Saviour’s love,
Dwell on his name!
There, too, may we be found,
With light and glory crowned;
While all the heavens resound,
“Worthy the Lamb!”

928 6s & 4s.
Nearer to thee.

Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer to thee!
E’en though it be a cross
That raiseth me;
Still all my song shall be,
Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer to thee!

2 Though like the wanderer,
Daylight all gone,
Darkness be over me,
My rest a stone;
Yet in my dreams I’d be
Nearer, my God, to thee—
Nearer to thee!

3 There let the way appear,
Steps unto heaven;
All that thou sendest me,
In mercy given;
Angels to beckon me
Nearer, my God, to thee!
Nearer to thee.

4 Then, with my waking thoughts
Bright with thy praise,
Out of my stony griefs,
Bethel I’ll raise;
So by my woes to be
Nearer my God, to thee—
Nearer to thee!

5 Or, if on joyful wing,
Cleaving the sky,
Sun, moon, and stars forgot,
Upward I fly;
Still all my song shall be
Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer to thee.

929 12s & 11s.
My God and my all.

While thou, O my God, art my help and defender,
No cares can o’erwhelm me, no terrors appall:
The wiles and the snares of this world will but render
More lively my hope in my God and my all.

2 Yes; thou art my refuge in sorrow and danger;
My strength when I suffer; my hope when I fall;
My comfort and joy in this land of the stranger;
My treasure, my glory, my God, and my all.

3 To thee, dearest Lord, will I turn without ceasing,
Though grief may oppress me or sorrow befall;
And love thee, till death, my blest spirit releasing,
Secures to me Jesus, my God and my all.

4 And when thou demandest the life thou hast given,
With joy will I answer thy merciful call;
And quit thee on earth, but to find thee in heaven—
My portion for ever, my God and my all.

930 11s & 10s.
A little while.
John 14:19.

O for the peace that floweth as a river,
Making life’s desert places bloom and smile;
O for that faith to grasp the glad For ever,
Amid the shadows of earth’s Little While!