Our own Hymn book part 6

Much thanks To my wife Tammy Tryban I Love You Wife....

616-727

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Conflict And Encouragement
616 — Penitence and Hope.
616Penitence and Hope.C.M.
1 DEAR Saviour, when my thoughts recall
The wonders of Thy grace,
Low at Thy feet ashamed I fall,
And hide this wretched face.

2 Should love like Thine be thus repaid?
Ah, vile, ungrateful heart!
By earth's low cares detain'd, betray'd,
From Jesus to depart.

3 From Jesus, who alone can give
True pleasure, peace, and rest:
When absent from my Lord I live
Unsatisfied, unblest.

4 But He, for His own mercy's sake,
My wandering soul restores:
He bids the mourning heart partake
The pardon it implores.

5 Oh while I breathe to Thee, my Lord,
The penitential sigh,
Confirm the kind foraging word
With pity in Thine eye.

6 Then shall the mourner at Thy feet
Rejoice to seek Thy face:
And grateful own how kind, how sweet,
Thy condescending grace.
Anne Steele, 1760.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

617 — Sins and Sorrows laid before God.
617Sins and Sorrows laid before God.C.M.
1 OH that I knew the secret place,
Where I might find my God!
I'd spread my wants before His face
And pour my woes abroad.

2 I'd tell Him how my sins arise,
What sorrows I sustain;
How grace decays and comfort dies,
And leaves my heart in pain.

3 He knows what arguments I'd take
To wrestle with my God;
I'd plead for His own mercy's sake,
And for my Saviour's blood.

4 My God will pity my complaints,
And heal my broken bones;
He takes the meaning of His saints,
The language of their groans.

5 Arise, my soul, from deep distress,
And banish every fear;
He calls thee to His throne of grace
To spread thy sorrows there.
Isaac Watts, 1720.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

618 — Will God cast off?
618Will God cast off?C.M.
1 WILL God for ever cast me off?
His promise ever fail?
Has He forgot His tender love?
Shall anger still prevail?

2 I call His mercies to my mind,
Which I enjoy'd before:
And will the Lord no more be kind?
His face appear no more?

3 But I forbid this hopeless thought,
This dark, despairing frame;
Rememb'ring what His hand hath wrought;
His hand is still the same.
Isaac Watts. 1719.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

619 — Backslidings and Returns.
619Backslidings and Returns.C.M.
1 WHY is my heart so far from Thee,
My God, my chief delight?
Why are my thoughts no more by day
with Thee, no more by night?

2 Why should my foolish passions rove?
Where can such sweetness be
As I have tasted in Thy love,
As I have found in Thee?

3 Trifles of nature, or of art,
With fair deceitful charms,
Intrude into my thoughtless heart,
And thrust me from Thy arms.

4 Then I repent, and vex my soul,
That I should leave Thee so;
Where will those wild affections roll,
That let a Saviour go?

5 Sin's promised joys are turn'd to pain,
And I am drown'd in grief;
But my dear Lord returns again,
He flies to my relief.

6 Seizing my soul with sweet surprise,
He draws with loving bands;
Divine compassion in His eyes,
And pardon in His hands.

7 Wretch that I am, to wander thus
In chase of false delight;
Let me be fasten'd to Thy cross,
Rather than lose Thy sight.

8 Make haste, my days, to reach the goal,
And bring my heart to rest
On the dear centre of my soul,
My God, my Saviour's breast
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

620 — Walking with God.
620Walking with God.C.M.
1 OH for a closer walk with God,
A calm and heavenly frame;
A light to shine upon the road
That leads me to the Lamb!

2 Where is the blessedness I knew
When first I saw the Lord?
Where is the soul-refreshing view
Of Jesus and His word?

3 What peaceful hours I then enjoy'd!
How sweet their memory still!
But now I find an aching void
The world can never fill.

4 Return, O holy Dove! return,
Sweet messenger of rest!
I hate the sins that made Thee mourn,
And drove Thee from my breast.

5 The dearest idol I have known,
Whate'er that idol be,
Help me to tear it from Thy throne,
And worship only Thee.

6 So shall my walk be close with God,
Calm and serene my frame;
So purer light shall mark the road
That leads me to the Lamb.
William Cowper, 1779.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

621 — Sufficiency of Pardon.
621Sufficiency of Pardon.C.M.
1 WHY does your face, ye humble souls,
Those mournful colours wear?
What doubts are these that waste your faith,
And nourish your despair?

2 What though your numerous sins exceed
The stars that fill the skies,
And aiming at th' eternal throne,
Like pointed mountains rise!

3 What though your mighty guilt beyond
The wide creation swell,
And has its cursed foundation laid
Low as the deeps of hell!

4 See here an endless ocean flows
Of never-failing grace;
Behold a dying Saviour's veins
The sacred flood increase.

5 It rises high and drowns the hills,
Has neither shore nor bound:
Now if we search to find our sins,
Our sins can ne'er be found.

6 Awake, our hearts, adore the grace
That buries all our faults,
And pardoning blood, that swells above
Our follies and our thoughts.
Isaac Watts, 1709
—Our Own Hymn-Book

622 — Making God a Refuge.
622Making God a Refuge.C.M.
1 DEAR refuge of my weary soul,
On Thee, when sorrows rise,
On Thee, when waved of trouble roll,
My fainting hope relies.

2 To Thee I tell each rising grief,
For Thou alone canst heal;
Thy word can bring a sweet relief
For every pain I feel.

3 But oh! when gloomy doubts prevail,
I fear to call Thee mine;
The springs of comfort seem to fail,
And all my hopes decline.

4 Yet, gracious God, where shall I flee?
Thou art my only trust;
And still my soul would cleave to Thee,
Though prostrate in the dust.

5 Hast Thou not bid me seek Thy face?
And shall I seek in vain?
And can the ear of sovereign grace
Be deaf when I complain?

6 No, still the ear of sovereign grace
Attends the mourner's prayer;
Oh may I ever find access
To breathe my sorrows there!

7 Thy mercy-seat is open still,
Here let my soul retreat:
With humble hope attend Thy will,
And wait beneath Thy feet.
Anne Steele, 1760
—Our Own Hymn-Book

623 — Life of the Soul.
623Life of the Soul.L.M.
1 WHEN sins and fears prevailing rise,
And fainting hope almost expires;
Jesus, to Thee I lift mine eyes,
To Thee I breathe my soul's desires.

2 Art Thou not mine, my living Lord;
And can my hope, my comfort die,
Fix'd on Thy everlasting word,
That word which built the earth and sky?

3 If my immortal Saviour lives,
Then my immortal life is sure;
His word a firm foundation gives—
Here let me build, and rest secure.

4 Here let my faith unshaken dwell;
Immovable the promise stands;
Not all the powers of earth or hell
Can e'er dissolve the sacred bands.

5 Here, O my soul, thy trust repose;
If Jesus is for ever mine,
Not death itself, that last of foes,
Shall break a union so divine.
Anne Steele, 1760.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

624 — Faith struggling.
624Faith struggling.8s.
1 ENCOMPASS'D with clouds of distress,
Just ready all hope to resign;
I pant for the light of Thy face,
And fear it will never be mine:
Dishearten'd with waiting so long,
I sink at Thy feet with my load;
All plaintive I pour out my song,
And stretch forth my hands unto God.

2 Shine, Lord, and my terror shall cease
The blood of atonement apply;
And lead me to Jesus for peace,
The rock that is higher than I:
Speak, Saviour, for sweet is Thy voice,
Thy presence is fair to behold;
I thirst for Thy Spirit with cries
And groanings that cannot be told.

3 If sometimes I strive, as I mourn,
My hold of Thy promise to keep,
The billows more fiercely return,
And plunge me again in the deep:
While harass'd and cast from Thy sight,
The tempter suggests with a roar,
"The Lord hath forsaken thee quite:
Thy God will be gracious no more."

4 Yet Lord, if Thy love hath design'd
No covenant-blessing for me,
Ah, tell me, how is it I find
Some sweetness in waiting for Thee?
Almighty to rescue Thou art,
Thy grace is my only resource;
If e'er Thou art Lord of my heart,
Thy Spirit must take it by force.
Augustus M. Toplady, 1772.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

625 — "Remember me."
625"Remember me."C.M.
1 O THOU from whom all goodness flows!
I lift my soul to Thee;
In all my sorrows, conflicts, woes,
Good Lord! remember me.

2 When, on my groaning, burden'd heart,
My sins lie heavily;
My pardon speak, new peace impart;
In love remember me.

3 When trials sore obstruct my way,
And ills I cannot flee,
Oh, give me strength, Lord, as my day:
For good remember me.

4 Distress'd with pain, disease, and grief,
This feeble body see;
Grant patience, rest, and kind relief:
Hear and remember me.

5 If on my face for Thy dear name,
Shame and reproaches be,
All hail reproach, and welcome shame,
If Thou remember me.

6 The hour is near, consign'd to death,
I own the just decree,
Saviour, with my last parting breath
I'll cry, Remember me!
Thomas Haweis, 1792.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

626 — Seeking Guidance.
626Seeking Guidance.7s.
1 HEAVENLY Father! to whose eye
Future things unfolded lie;
Through the desert where I stray,
Let Thy counsels guide my way.

2 Lead me not, for flesh is frail,
Where fierce trials would assail;
Leave me not, in darken'd hour,
To withstand the tempter's power

3 Lord! uphold me day by day;
Shed a light upon my way;
Guide me through perplexing snares;
Care for me in all my cares.

4 Should Thy wisdom, Lord, decree
Trials long and sharp for me,
Pain or sorrow, care or shame,
Father! glorify Thy name.

5 Let me neither faint nor fear,
Feeling still that Thou art near;
In the course my Saviour trod,
Tending still to Thee, my God!
Josiah Conder, 1836.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

627 — Pleading Divine Faithfulness.
627Pleading Divine Faithfulness.L.M.
1 GOD of my life, to Thee I call,
Afflicted at Thy feet I fall;
When the great water-floods prevail,
Leave not my trembling heart to fail.

2 Friend of the friendless and the faint,
Where should I lodge my deep complaint?
Where, but with Thee, whose open door
Invites the helpless and the poor?

3 Did ever mourner plead with Thee,
And Thou refuse the mourner's plea?
Does not Thy word still fix'd remain,
That none shall seek Thy face in vain?

4 That were a grief I could not bear,
Didst Thou not hear and answer prayer;
But a prayer-hearing, answering God
Supports me under every load.

5 Fair is the lot that's cast for me;
I have an Advocate with Thee:
They whom the world caresses most,
Have no such privilege to boast.

6 Poor though I am, despised, forgot,
Yet God, my God, forgets me not;
And he is safe, and must succeed,
For whom the Lord vouchsafes to plead.
William Cowper, 1779.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

628 — Contention within.
628Contention within.L.M.
1 Jesus, our soul's delightful choice,
in Thee, believing we rejoice;
Yet still our joy is mix'd with grief,
While faith contends with unbelief.

2 Thy promises our hearts revive,
And keep our fainting hopes alive;
But guilt, and fears, and sorrows rise,
And hide the promise from our eyes.

3 Oh let not sin and Satan boast
While saints lie mourning in the dust;
Nor see that faith to ruin brought
Which Thy own gracious hand hath wrought.

4 Do Thou the dying spark inflame,
Reveal the glories of Thy name;
And put all anxious doubts to flight,
As shades dispersed by opening light.
Watts and Rippon, 1706-1787.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

629 — Trust in God.
629Trust in God.C.M.
1 DEAR Lord! why should I doubt Thy love
Or disbelieve Thy grace?
Sure Thy compassions ne'er remove,
Although Thou hide Thy face.

2 Thy smiles have freed my heart from pain,
My drooping spirits cheer'd:
And wilt Thou not appear again
Where Thou hast once appear'd?

3 Hast Thou not form'd my soul anew,
And told me I am Thine?
And wilt Thou now Thy work undo,
Or break Thy word divine?

4 Dost Thou repent? wilt Thou deny
The gifts Thou hast bestowed?
Or are those streams of mercy dry,
Which once so freely flow'd?

5 Lord! let no groundless fears destroy
The mercies now possess'd;
I'll praise for blessings I enjoy,
And trust for all the rest.
Beddome and Rippon, 1800.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

630 — "Fear not, I am with thee."
630"Fear not, I am with thee."C.M.
1 AND art Thou with us, gracious Lord,
To dissipate our fear?
Dost Thou proclaim Thyself our God,
Our God for ever near?

2 Dost Thou a Father's bowels feel
For all Thy humble saints?
And in such tender accents speak
To soothe their sad complaints?

3 Why droop our hearts, why flow our eyes,
While such a voice we hear?
Why rise our sorrows and our fears,
While such a friend is near?

4 To all Thine other favours, add
O heart to trust Thy word;
And death itself shall hear us sing,
While resting on the Lord.
Philip Doddridge, 1755.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

631 — Hoping in God.
631Hoping in God.8.7.4.
1 O MY soul, what means this sadness?
Wherefore art thou thus cast down?
Let thy griefs be turn'd to gladness,
Bid thy restless fears be gone:
Look to Jesus,
And rejoice in His dear name.

2 What though Satan's strong temptations
Vex and tease 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 tread'st 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 Oh 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?
John Fawcett, 1782.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

632 — Confidence in the Promises.
632Confidence in the Promises.S.M.
1 WHY should I sorrow more?
I trust a Saviour slain,
And safe beneath His sheltering cross,
Unmoved I shall remain.

2 Let Satan and the world,
Now rage or now allure;
The promises in Christ are made
Immutable and sure.

3 The oath infallible
Is now my spirit's trust;
I know that He who spake the word,
Is faithful, true, and just.

4 He'll bring me on my way
Unto my journey's end;
He'll be my Father and my God,
My Saviour and my Friend.

5 So all my doubts and fears
Shall wholly flee away,
And every mournful night of tears
Be turn'd to joyous day.

6 All that remains for me
Is but to love and sing,
And wait until the angels come
To bear me to the Ring.
William Williams, 1772;
Charles H. Spurgeon, 1866.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

633 — "Fear not."
633"Fear not."C.M.
1 YE trembling souls, dismiss your fears,
Be mercy all your theme;
Mercy, which like a river flows
In one perpetual stream.

2 Fear not the powers of earth and hell,
God will these powers restrain;
His arm shall all their rage repel,
And make their efforts vain.

3 Fear not the want of outward good;
For His He will provide,
Grant them supplies of daily food,
And give them heaven beside.

4 Fear not that He will e'er forsake,
Or leave His work undone;
He's faithful to His promises,
And faithful to His Son.

5 Fear not the terrors of the grave,
Or death's tremendous sting;
He will from endless wrath preserve,
To endless glory bring.
Benjamin Beddome, 1818.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

634 — Comfort in the Covenant made with Christ.
634Comfort in the Covenant made with Christ.C.M.
1 OUR God, how firm His promise stands
E'en when He hides His face;
He trusts in our Redeemer's hands
His glory and His grace.

2 Then why, my soul, these sad complaints
Since Christ and we are one?
Thy God is faithful to His saints,
Is faithful to His Son.

3 Beneath His smiles my heart has lived,
And part of heaven possess'd;
I praise His name for grace received,
And trust Him for the rest.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

635 — Oh, why so heavy, O my soul?
635Oh, why so heavy, O my soul?C.M.
1 OH, why so heavy, O my soul?
Thus to myself I said—
Oh, why so heavy, O my soul,
And so disquieted?

2 Hope thou in God; He still shall be
Thy glory and thy praise;
His saving grace shall comfort thee
Through everlasting days.

3 His goodness made thee what thou art
And yet will thee redeem:
Oh, be thou of a steadfast heart,
And put thy trust in Him.
Edward Caswall, 1858..
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Holy Anxiety
636 — The almost Christian.
636The almost Christian.L.M.
1 BROAD is the road that leads to death;
And thousands walk together there;
But wisdom shows a narrower path,
With here and there a traveller.

2 "Deny thyself and take thy cross,"
Is the Redeemer's great command;
Nature must count her gold but dross,
If she would gain the heavenly land.

3 The fearful soul that tires and faints,
And walks the ways of God no more,
Is but esteem'd almost a saint,
And makes his own destruction sure.

4 Lord, let not all my hopes be vain;
Create my heart entirely new,
Which hypocrites could ne'er attain,
Which false apostates never know.
Isaac Watts, 1706.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

637 — Self-examination.
637Self-examination.L.M.
1 WHAT strange perplexities arise!
What anxious fears and jealousies!
What crowds in doubtful light appear!
How few, alas! approved and clear!

2 And what am I?—My soul awake,
And an impartial prospect take;
Does no dark sign, no ground of fear,
In practice, or in heart appear?

3 What image does my spirit bear?
Is Jesus form'd, and living there?
Say. do His lineaments divine
In thought, and word, and action shine?

4 Searcher of hearts, oh search me still,
The secrets of my soul reveal:
My fears remove; let me appear
To God, and my own conscience, clear!

5 Scatter the clouds that o'er my head
Thick glooms of dubious terrors spread;
Lead me into celestial day,
And to myself myself display.

6 May I at that bless'd world arrive,
Where Christ through all my soul shall live,
And give full proof that He is there,
Without one gloomy doubt or fear.
President Davies, 1769.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

638 — The contrite Heart.
638The contrite Heart.C.M.
1 Lord will happiness divine
On contrite hearts bestow;
Then tell me. gracious God, is mine
A contrite heart or no?

2 I hear, but seem to hear in vain,
Insensible as steel;
If aught is felt, 'tis only pain
To find I cannot feel.

3 I sometimes think myself inclined
To love Thee if I could;
But often feel another mind,
Averse to all that's good.

4 My best desires are faint and few,
I fain would strive for more!
But when I cry, "My strength renew,"
Seem weaker than before.

5 Thy saints are comforted, I know,
And love Thy house of prayer!
I sometimes go where others go,
But find no comfort there.

6 Oh make this heart rejoice or ache!
Decide this doubt for me;
And, if it be not broken, break,
And heal it, if it be.
William Cowper, 1779.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

639 — "Lovest thou Me?"
639"Lovest thou Me?"C.M.
1 DO not I love Thee, O my Lord?
Behold my heart and see;
And turn each odious idol out
That dares to rival Thee.

2 Do not I love Thee from my tool?
Then let me nothing love:
Dead be my heart to every joy,
When Jesus cannot move.

3 Is not Thy name melodious still
To mine attentive ear?
Doth not each pulse with pleasure bound,
My Saviour's voice to bear?

4 Hast Thou a lamb in all Thy flock
I would disdain to feed?
Hast Thou a foe, before whose face
I fear Thy cause to plead?

5 Would not my ardent spirit vie
With angels round the throne,
To execute Thy sacred will,
And make Thy glory known?

6 Would not my heart pour forth its blood
In honour of Thy name,
And challenge the cold hand of death
To damp the immortal flame?

7 Thou know'st I love Thee, dearest Lord;
But oh, I long to soar
Far from the sphere of mortal joys,
And learn to love Thee more.
Philip Doddridge, 1755.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

640 — Love asserting herself.
640Love asserting herself.C.M.
1 AND have I, Christ, no love for Thee,
No passion for Thy charms?
No wish my Saviour's face to see,
And dwell within His arms?

2 Is there no spark of gratitude
In this cold heart of mine,
To Him whose generous bosom glow'd
With friendship all divine?

3 Can I pronounce His charming name,
His acts of kindness tell;
And while I dwell upon the theme,
No sweet emotion feel?

4 Such base ingratitude as this
What heart but must detest!
Sure Christ deserves the noblest place
In every human breast.

5 A very wretch, Lord! I should prove,
Had I no love for Thee:
Rather than not my Saviour love,
Oh may I cease to be!
Samuel Stennett, 1787.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

641 — Search me, O Lord!"
641Search me, O Lord!"C.M.
1 SEARCHER of hearts, before Thy face,
I all my soul display:
And, conscious of its innate arts,
Entreat Thy strict survey.

2 If, lurking in its inmost folds,
I any sin conceal,
Oh let a ray of light divine
That secret guile reveal.

3 If tinctured with that odious gall
Unknowing I remain.
Let grace, like a pure silver stream,
Wash out the accursed stain.

4 If in these fatal fetters bound,
A wretched slave I lie,
Smite off my chains, and wake my soul
To light and liberty.

5 To humble penitence and prayer
Be gentle pity given;
Speak ample pardon to my heart,
And seal its claim to heaven.
Philip Doddridge, 1755.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

642 — Was it for me?
642Was it for me?L.M.
1 WAS it for me, dear Lord, for me,
Thou didst endure such pain and grief;
For me, the direful agony,
That knew not limit or relief?
Was it for me? Was it for me?

2 Was it for me the mocking scorn,
While love perfumed Thy passing breath;
The rude contumely meekly borne,
Thy soul desertion unto death?
Was it for me? Was it for me?

3 Was it for me, Thou Lord of light,
Thy path through darkness to the grave;
For me, the triumph infinite, When Thou didst rise, and live to save?
Was it for me? Was it for me?

4 Was it for me, Lord Christ! for me,
Ascending high, Thy mission done,
Saviour to all eternity, In heaven Thou didst resume Thy throne?
Was it for me? Was it for me?
Henry Bateman, 1862.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

643 — The Strait Gate.
643The Strait Gate.8.7.4.
1 STRAIT the gate, the way is narrow,
To the realms of endless bliss;
Sinful men and vain professors,
Self-deceived, the passage miss;
Rushing headlong,
Down they sink the dread abyss.

2 Sins and follies unforsaken,
All will end in deep despair;
Formal prayers are unvailing,
Fruitless is the worlding's tear;
Small the number
Who to wisdom's path repair.

3 Thou who art Thy people's guardian,
Condescend my guide to be;
By Thy Spirit's light unerring,
Let me Thy salvation see:
May I never
Miss the way that leads to Thee.
Benjamin Beddome, 1818.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

644 — The evil Heart.
644The evil Heart.S.M.
1 ASTONISH'D and distress'd,
I turn mine eyes within:
My heart with loads of guilt oppress'd,
The seat of every sin.

2 What crowds of evil thoughts,
What vile affections there!
Envy and pride, deceit and guile,
Distrust and slavish fear.

3 Almighty King of saints,
These tyrant lusts subdue;
Drive the old serpent from his seat,
And all my powers renew.

4 This done, my cheerful voice
Shall loud hosannas raise;
My soul shall glow with gratitude,
My lips proclaim Thy praise.
Benjamin Beddome, 1818
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Desires After Holiness
645 — Longing for a pure Heart.
645Longing for a pure Heart.C.M.
1 OH for a heart to praise my God,
A heart from sin set free!
A heart that always feels Thy blood,
So freely spilt for me?

2 A heart resign'd, submissive, meek,
My great Redeemer's throne;
Where only Christ is heard to speak,
Where Jesus reigns alone:

3 A humble, lowly, contrite heart,
Believing, true, and clean;
Which neither life nor death can part
From Him that dwells within:

4 A heart in every thought renew'd,
And full of love divine;
Perfect, and right, and pure, and good,
A copy, Lord, of Thine!

5 Thy nature, gracious Lord, impart;
Come quickly from above;
Write Thy new name upon my heart,
Thy new, best name of love.
Charles Wesley, 1742.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

646 — Longing to love Christ.
646Longing to love Christ.L.M.
1 I THIRST, Thou wounded Lamb of God,
To wash me in Thy cleansing blood;
To dwell within Thy wounds: then pain
Is sweet, and life or death is gain.

2 Take my poor heart, and let it be
For ever closed to all but Thee!
Seal Thou my breast, and let me wear
That pledge of love for ever there.

3 How blest are they who still abide
Close shelter'd in Thy bleeding side!
Who life and strength from thence derive,
And by Thee move, and in Thee live.

4 What are our works but sin and death,
Till Thou Thy quickening Spirit breathe?
Thou givest the power Thy grace to move:
Oh wondrous grace! Oh boundless love!

5 How can it be, Thou heavenly King,
That Thou shouldst us to glory bring?
Make slaves the partners of Thy throne,
Deck'd with a never-fading crown.

6 Hence our hearts melt, our eyes o'erflow;
Our words are lost; nor will we know,
Nor will we think of aught beside,
"My Lord, my Love, is crucified."

7 Ah, Lord! enlarge our scanty thought,
To know the wonders Thou hast wrought;
Unloose our stammering tongues, to tell
Thy love immense, unsearchable.

8 First-born of many brethren Thou!
To Thee, lo! all our souls we bow:
To Thee, our hearts and hands we give;
Thine may we die; Thine may we live.
Count Zinzendorf, Anna and
John Nitschmann, 1737;
tr. by John Wesley, 1740.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

647 — Love constraining to Obedience.
647Love constraining to Obedience.C.M.
1 NO strength of nature can suffice
To serve the Lord aright;
And what she has she misapplies,
For want of clearer light.

2 How long beneath the law I lay
In bondage and distress!
I toil'd the precept to obey,
But toil'd without success.

3 Then, to abstain from outward sin,
Was more than I could do:
Now, if I feel its power within,
I feel I hate it too.

4 Then all my servile works were done
A righteousness to raise;
Now, freely chosen in the Son,
I freely choose His ways.

5 What shall I do, was then the word,
That I may worthier grow?
What shall I render to the Lord?
Is my inquiry now.

6 To see the law by Christ fulfill'd,
And hear His pardoning voice,
Changes a slave into a child,
And duty into choice.
William Cowper, 1779.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

648 — Holiness and Grace.
648Holiness and Grace.L.M.
1 SO let our lips and lives express
The holy gospel we profess;
So let our works and virtues shine,
To prove the doctrine all divine.

2 Thus shall we best proclaim abroad
The honours of our Saviour God,
When His salvation reigns within,
And grace subdues the power of sin.

3 Our flesh and sense must be denied,
Passion and envy, lust and pride;
While justice, temperance, truth, and love,
Our inward piety approve.

1 The gospel bears our spirits up,
While we expect that blessed hope,
The bright appearance of the Lord;
And faith stands leaning on His word.
Isaac Watts, 1709. a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

649 — Holy Principles desired.
649Holy Principles desired.C.M.
1 I WANT a principle within
Of jealous, godly fear;
A sensibility of sin,
A pain to feel it near.

2 I want the first approach to feel
Of pride, or fond desire;
To catch the wandering of my will,
And quench the kindling fire.

3 That I from Thee no more may part,
No more Thy goodness grieve,
The filial awe, the fleshy heart,
The tender conscience, give.

4 Quick as the apple of an eye,
O God, my conscience make!
Awake my soul, when sin is nigh,
And keep it still awake.

5 If to the right or left I stray,
That moment, Lord, reprove;
And let me weep my life away,
For having grieved Thy love.

6 Oh may the least omission pain
My well-instructed soul;
And drive me to the blood again,
Which makes the wounded whole!
Charles Wesley, 1749.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

650 — Conformity to Christ.
650Conformity to Christ.8.7.
1 LOVE divine, all loves excelling,
Joy of heaven, to earth come down:
Fix in us Thy humble dwelling,
All Thy faithful mercies crown;
Jesus, Thou art all compassion;
Pure, unbounded love Thou art;
Visit us with Thy salvation,
Enter every trembling heart.

2 Come, almighty to deliver,
Let us all Thy grace receive;
Suddenly return, and never,
Never more, Thy temples leave;
Thee we would be always blessing;
Serve Thee as Thy hosts above;
Pray, and praise Thee, without ceasing:
Glory in Thy perfect love.

3 Finish, then, Thy new creation,
Pure and spotless let us be;
Let us see Thy great salvation,
Perfectly restored in Thee:
Changed from glory into glory,
Till in heaven we take our place,
Till we cast our crowns before Thee,
Lost in wonder, love, and praise!
Charles Wesley, 1747
—Our Own Hymn-Book

651 — Sanctified by the Spirit of our God."
651Sanctified by the Spirit of our God."C.M.
1 NOT the malicious or profane,
The wanton or the proud,
Nor thieves, nor slanderers shall obtain
The kingdom of our God.

2 Surprising grace! and such were we
By nature and by sin;
Heirs of immortal misery,
Unholy and unclean.

3 But we are wash'd in Jesu's blood,
We're pardon'd through His name;
And the good Spirit of our God
Has sanctified our frame.

4 Oh, for a persevering power
To keep Thy just commands;
We would defile our hearts no more
Mo more pollute our hands.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

652 — Prayer for Holiness.
652Prayer for Holiness.C.M.
1 OH may my heart by grace renew'd,
Be my Redeemer's throne:
And be my stubborn will subdued,
His government to own!

2 Let deep repentance, faith, and love,
Be join'd with godly fear;
And all my conversation prove
My heart to be sincere.

3 Preserve me from the snares of sin
Through my remaining days;
And in me let each virtue shine
To my Redeemer's praise.

4 Let lively hope my soul inspire;
Let warm affections rise;
And may I wait with strong desire,
To mount above the skies.
John Fawcett, 1782.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

653 — Holiness desired.
653Holiness desired.C.M.
1 LORD, I desire to live as one
Who bears a blood-bought name,
As one who fears but grieving Thee,
And knows no other shame.

2 As one by whom Thy walk below
Should never be forgot;
As one who fain would keep apart
From all Thou lovest not.

3 I want to live as one who knows
Thy fellowship of love;
As one whose eyes can pierce beyond
The pearl-built gates above.

4 As one who daily speaks to Thee,
And hears Thy voice divine
With depths of tenderness declare,
"Beloved! Thou art mine."
Charitie Lees Smith, 1861.
—Our Own Hymn-Book
Renunciation of the World

654 — Old Things are passed away.
654Old Things are passed away.C.M.
1 LET worldly minds the world pursue,
It has no charms for me;
Once I admired its trifles too,
But grace has set me free.

2 Its pleasures now no longer please,
No more content afford;
Far from my heart be joys like these,
Now I have seen the Lord.

3 As by the light of opening day
The stars are all conceal'd;
So earthly pleasures fade away,
When Jesus is reveal'd.

4 Creatures no more divide my choice,
I bid them all depart;
His name, and love, and gracious voice,
Have fix'd my roving heart.

5 Now, Lord, I would be Thine alone,
And wholly live to Thee;
But may I hope that Thou wilt own
A worthless worm like me?

6 Yes! though of sinners I'm the worst,
I cannot doubt Thy will;
For if Thou hadst not loved me first,
I had refused Thee still.
John Newton, 1779.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

655 — Renouncing the World.
655Renouncing the World.148th.
1 COME, my fond fluttering heart,
Come, struggle to be free;
Thou and the world must part,
However hard it be:
My trembling spirit owns it just,
But still lies cleaving to the dust.

2 Ye tempting sweets, forbear;
Ye dearest idols, fall;
My love ye must not share,
Jesus shall have it all:
Though painful and acute the smart,
His love can heal the bleeding heart!

3 Ye fair, enchanting throng!
Ye golden dreams, adieu!
Earth has prevail'd too long,
Too long I've cherish'd you:
Aid me, dear Saviour, set me free,
My all I will resign to Thee.

4 Oh may I feel Thy worth,
And let no idol dare,
No vanity of earth,
With Thee, my Lord, compare:
Now bid all earthly joys depart,
And reign unrivall'd in my heart.
Jane Taylor, 1812, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

656 — Escaping from the Current of Sin.
656Escaping from the Current of Sin.L.M.
1 I SEND the joys of earth away,
Away, ye tempters of the mind;
False as the smooth deceitful sea,
And empty as the whistling wind.

2 Your streams were floating me along
Down to the gulf of black despair;
And whilst I listen'd to your song,
Your streams had e'en convey'd me there

3 Lord, I adore Thy matchless grace,
That warn'd me of that dark abyss,
That drew me from those treacherous seas
And bade me seek superior bliss.

4 Now to the shining realms above
I stretch my hands, and glance my eyes;
Oh for the pinions of a dove,
To bear me to the upper skies!

5 There from the bosom of my God,
Oceans of endless pleasure roll;
There would I fix my last abode,
And drown the sorrows of my soul.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

657 — Choosing the Pearl.
657Choosing the Pearl.C.M.
1 YE glittering toys of earth, adieu,
A nobler choice be mine;
A real prize attracts my view,
A treasure all divine.

2 Begone, unworthy of my cares,
Ye specious baits of sense:
Inestimable worth appears,
The pearl of price immense.

3 Jesus to multitudes unknown,
Oh name divinely sweet!
Jesus, in Thee, in Thee alone,
Wealth, honour, pleasure meet.

4 Should both the Indies at my call,
Their boasted stores resign,
With joy I would renounce them all,
For leave to call Thee mine.

5 Should earth's vain treasures all depart,
Of this dear gift possess'd,
I'd clasp it to my joyful heart,
And be for ever bless'd.

6 Dear Sovereign of my soul's desires,
Thy love is bliss divine;
Accept the wish that love inspires,
And bid me call Thee mine.
Anne Steele, 1760.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Dedication to God
658 — The Heart given to God.
658The Heart given to God.L.M.
1 OH happy day, that fix'd my choice
On Thee, my Saviour, and my God;
Well may this glowing heart rejoice,
And tell its raptures all abroad.

2 'Tis done! the great transaction's done:
I am my Lord's, and He is mine:
He drew me, and I follow'd on,
Charm'd to confess the voice divine.

3 Now rest, my long-divided heart;
Fix'd on this blissful centre, rest:
With ashes who would grudge to part,
When call'd on angels' bread to feast?

4 High heaven, that heard the solemn vow,
That vow renew'd shall daily hear:
Till in life's latest hour I bow,
And bless in death a bond so dear.
Philip Doddridge, 1755.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

659 — "We have left all, and have followed Thee."
659"We have left all, and have followed Thee."8.7.
1 JESUS, I my cross have taken,
All to leave and follow Thee;
Destitute, despised, forsaken;
Thou, from hence, my all shalt be:
Let the world despise and leave me;
They have left my Saviour too:
Human hearts and looks deceive me;
Thou art not, like them, untrue.

2 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 unmix'd with Thee!

3 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.
Soon shall close thy earthly mission,
Soon shall pass thy pilgrim days;
Hope shall change to glad fruition,
Faith to sight, and prayer to praise.
Henry Francis Lyte, 1825.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

660 — "My Beloved is mine, and I am His."
660"My Beloved is mine, and I am His."C.M.
1 WHEN I had wander'd from His fold,
His love the wanderer sought;
When slave-like into bondage sold,
His blood my freedom bought.

2 Therefore that life, by Him redeem'd,
Is His through all its days;
And as with blessings it hath teem'd,
So let it teem with praise.

3 For I am His, and He is mine,
The God whom I adore!
My Father, Saviour, Comforter,
Now and for evermore.

4 When sunk in sorrow, I despair'd,
And changed my hopes for fears,
He bore my griefs, my burden shared,
And wiped away my tears.

5 Therefore the joy by Him restored,
To Him by right belongs:
And to my gracious loving Lord,
I'll sing through life my songs:

6 For I am His, and He is mine,
The God whom I adore!
My Father, Saviour, Comforter,
Now and for evermore!
John S. B. Monsell, 1863.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

661 — "The Lord is my Portion."
661"The Lord is my Portion."C.M.
1 FROM pole to pole let others roam,
And search in vain for bliss;
My soul is satisfied at home,
The Lord my portion is.

2 Jesus, who on His glorious throne
Rules heaven, and earth, and sea,
Is pleased to claim me for His own,
And give Himself to me.

3 His person fixes all my love,
His blood removes my fear:
And while He pleads for me above,
His arm preserves me here.

4 His word of promise is my food,
His Spirit is my guide:
Thus daily is my strength renew'd,
And all my wants supplied.

5 For Him I count as gain each loss,
Disgrace for Him renown;
Well may I glory in His cross,
While He prepares my crown!
John Newton, 1779.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

663 — Jesus, I am Thine!
663Jesus, I am Thine!7s.
1 JESUS, spotless Lamb of God,
Thou hast bought me with Thy blood,
I would value nought beside
Jesus—Jesus crucified.

2 I am Thine, and Thine alone,
This I gladly, fully own;
And, in all my works and ways,
Only now would seek Thy praise.

3 Help me to confess Thy name,
Bear with joy Thy cross and shame,
Only seek to follow Thee,
Though reproach my portion be.

4 When Thou shalt in glory come,
And I reach my heavenly home,
Louder still ray lips shall own
I am Thine, and Thine alone.
James George Deck, 1837.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

664 — Safety and Consecration.
664Safety and Consecration.C.M.
1 HOW can I sink with such a prop
As my eternal God,
Who bears the earth's huge pillars up,
And spreads the heavens abroad?

2 How can I die while Jesus lives,
Who rose and left the dead?
Pardon and grace my soul receives
From mine exalted Head.

3 All that I am, and all I hare,
Shall be for ever Thine;
Whate'er my duty bids me give,
My cheerful hands resign.

4 Yet if I might make some reserve,
And duty did not call,
I love my God with zeal so great,
That I should give Him all.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Longings for Perseverance in Grace.
665 — Keep us, Lord.
665Keep us, Lord.8.7.4.
1 KEEP us, Lord, oh keep us ever,
Vain our hope if left by Thee;
We are Thine, oh leave us never,
Till Thy face in heaven we see;
There to praise Thee
Through a bright eternity.

2 All our strength at once would fall us,
If deserted, Lord, by Thee;
Nothing then could aught avail us,
Certain our defeat would be:
Those who hate us
Thenceforth their desire would see.

3 But we look to Thee as able,
Grace to give in time of need:
Heaven we know is not more stable,
Than the promise which we plead:
'Tis Thy promise
Gives Thy people hope indeed.
Thomas Kelly, 1815
—Our Own Hymn-Book

666 — Will ye also got"
666Will ye also got"C.M.
1 WHEN any turn from Zion's way,
(Alas, what numbers do!)
Methinks I hear my Saviour say,
"Wilt thou forsake Me too?"

2 Ah, Lord, with such a heart as mine,
Unless Thou hold me fast,
I feel I must, I shall decline,
And prove like them at last.

3 Yet Thou alone hast power I know
To save a wretch like me:
To whom or whither could I go,
If I should turn from Thee?

4 Beyond a doubt, I rest assured
Thou art the Christ of God;
Who hast eternal life secured
By promise and by blood.

5 The help of men and angels join'd
Could never reach my case;
Nor can I hope relief to find
But in Thy boundless grace.

6 No voice but Thine can give me rest,
And bid my fears depart:
No love hut Thine can make me blest,
And satisfy my heart.

7 What anguish has that question stirr'd,
If I will also go;
Yet, Lord, relying on Thy word,
I numbly answer, No.
John Newton, 1779.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

667 — Leave Thee!—never.
667Leave Thee!—never.8.7.4.
1 LEAVE Thee! no, my dearest Saviour,
Thee whose blood my pardon bought;
Slight Thy mercy, scorn Thy favour!
Perish such an impious thought:
Leave Thee—never!
Where for peace could I resort?

2 Be offended at Thee—never!
Thee to whom my all I owe;
Rather shall my heart endeavour
With unceasing love to glow:
Leave Thee—never!
Where for safety could I go?

3 Thou alone art my salvation;
There is none can save but Thee:
Thou through Thy divine oblation,
From my guilt hast set me free:
Leave Thee—never!
Thou who deign'dst to die for me.

4 But, O Lord, Thou know'st my weakness,
Know'st how prone I am to stray;
God of love, of truth, of meekness,
Guide and keep me in Thy way;
Blest Redeemer!
Let me never from Thee stray!
J. Stamp's Spiritual Song Book, 1845.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

668 — Let us not fall.
668Let us not fall.L.M.
1 LORD, through the desert drear and wide
Our erring footsteps need a guide;
Keep us, oh keep us near Thy side.
Let us not fall. Let us not fall.

2 We have no fear that Thou shouldst lose
One whom eternal love could choose;
But we would ne'er this grace abuse.
Let us not fall. Let us not fall.

3 Lord, we are blind, and halt, and lame,
We have no strong-hold but Thy name:
Great is our fear to bring it shame.
Let us not fall. Let us not fall.

4 Lord, evermore Thy face we seek:
Tempted we are, and poor, and weak;
Keep us with lowly hearts, and meek.
Let us not fall. Let us not fall.

5 All Thy good work in us complete,
And seat us daily at Thy feet;
Thy love, Thy words, Thy name, how sweet!
Let us not fall. Let us not fall.
Mary Botoly, 1847.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

669 — None but Christ.
669None but Christ.L.M.
1 THOU only Sovereign of my heart,
My refuge, my almighty Friend,
And can my soul from Thee depart,
On whom alone my hopes depend?

2 Whither, ah, whither shall I go,
A wretched wanderer from my Lord?
Gould this dark world of sin and woe,
One glimpse of happiness afford?

3 Eternal life Thy words impart;
On these my fainting spirit lives;
Here sweeter comforts cheer my heart,
Than all the round of nature gives.

4 Let earth's alluring joys combine,
While Thou art near, in vain they call;
One smile, one blissful smile of Thine,
My gracious Lord, outweighs them all.

5 Low at Thy feet my soul would lie,
Here safety dwells, and peace divine;
Still let me live beneath Thine eye,
For life, eternal life is Thine.
Anne Steele, 1760
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Courage and Confidence
670 — Not ashamed of the Gospel.
670Not ashamed of the Gospel.C.M.
1 I'M not ashamed to own my Lord,
Or to defend His cause;
Maintain the honour of His word,
The glory of His cross.

2 Jesus, my God! I know His name,
His name is all my trust;
Nor will He put my soul to shame,
Nor let my hope be lost.

3 Firm as His throne His promise stands,
And He can well secure
What I've committed to His hands,
Till the decisive hour.

4 Then will He own my worthless name
Before His Father's face;
And in the New Jerusalem
Appoint my soul a place.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

671 — Holy Fortitude.
671Holy Fortitude.C.M.
1 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 sail'd 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 toll, endure the pain,
Supported by Thy word.
Isaac Watts, 1721.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

672 — The Christian Warrior exhorted to Perseverance.
672The Christian Warrior exhorted to Perseverance.S.M.
1 SOLDIERS of Christ, arise,
And put your armour 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 To keep your armour bright,
Attend with constant care,
Still walking in your Captain's sight,
And watching unto prayer.

5 In fellowship alone,
To God with faith draw near;
Approach His courts, besiege His throne
With all the power of prayer:

6 From strength to strength go on,
Wrestle, and fight, and pray,
Tread all the powers of darkness down,
And win the well-fought day.
Charles Wesley, 1749.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

673 — "A good Soldier of Jesus Christ."
673"A good Soldier of Jesus Christ."7s.
1 OFT in sorrow, oft in woe,
Onward, Christians, onward go;
Fight the fight, maintain the strife,
Strengthen'd with the bread of life.

2 Let your drooping hearts be glad;
March in heavenly armour clad:
Fight, nor think the battle long,
Soon shall victory tune your song.

3 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.

4 Onward, then, to glory move,
More than conquerors ye shall prove;
Though opposed by many a foe,
Christian soldiers, onward go.
Henry Kirke White, 1806;
Fanny Fuller Maitland, 1827.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

674 — Stand up for Jesus.
674Stand up for Jesus.7.6.
1 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 vanquish'd,
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 unnumber'd foes;
Your 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 armour,
And watching unto 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.
George Duffield, 1858.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

675 — Be strong, fear not."
675Be strong, fear not."L.M.
1 NOW let the feeble all be strong,
And make Jehovah's arm their song,
His shield is spread o'er every saint,
And thus supported, who shall faint?

2 What though the hosts of hell engage
With mingled cruelty and rage!
A faithful God restrains their hands,
And chains them down in iron bands.

3 Bound by His word, He will display
A strength proportion'd to our day;
And, when united trials meet,
Will show a path of safe retreat.

4 Thus far we prove that promise good,
Which Jesus ratified with blood:
Still He is gracious, wise, and just,
And still in Him let Israel trust.
Philip Doddridge, 1755.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

676 — God is all-sufficient.
676God is all-sufficient.L.M.
1 AWAKE our souls, away our fears,
Let every trembling thought begone
Awake, and run the heavenly race,
And put a cheerful courage on.

2 True, 'tis a strait and thorny road,
And mortal spirits tire and faint;
But they forget the mighty God
That feeds the strength of every saint.

3 Thee, mighty God, whose matchless power
Is ever new and ever young,
And firm endures, while endless years
Their everlasting circles run.

4 From Thee, the overflowing spring,
Our souls shall drink a fresh supply,
While such as trust their native strength,
Shall melt away, and droop, and die.

5 Swift as an eagle cuts the air,
We'll mount aloft to Thine abode;
On wings of love our souls shall fly,
Nor tire amidst the heavenly road.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

677 — Be of good Courage.
677Be of good Courage.C.M.
1 WHENCE do our mournful thoughts arise,
And where's our courage fled?
Have restless sin and raging hell
Struck all our comforts dead?

2 Have we forgot the Almighty Name
That form'd the earth and sea;
And can an all-creating arm
Grow weary or decay?

3 Treasures of everlasting might
In our Jehovah dwell;
He gives the conquest to the weak,
And treads their foes to hell.

4 Mere mortal power shall fade and die,
And youthful vigour cease;
But we that wait upon the Lord
Shall feel our strength increase.

5 The saints shall mount on eagles' wings,
And taste the promised bliss,
Till their unwearied feet arrive
Where perfect pleasure is.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

678 — The Christian Warfare.
678The Christian Warfare.L.M.
1 STAND up, my soul, shake off thy fears,
And gird the gospel armour on;
March to the gates or endless joy,
Where thy great Captain-Saviour's gone.

2 Hell and thy sins resist thy course;
But hell and sin are vanquish'd foes:
Thy Jesus nail'd them to the cross,
And sung the triumph when He rose.

3 What though thine inward lusts rebel?
'Tis but a struggling gasp for life;
The weapons of victorious grace
Shall slay thy sins, and end the strife.

4 Then let my soul march boldly on,
Press forward to the heavenly gate;
There peace and joy eternal reign,
And glittering robes for conquerors wait.

5 There shall I wear a starry crown,
And triumph in almighty grace;
While all the armies of the skies
Join in my glorious Leader's praise.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

679 — Our victorious Lord.
679Our victorious Lord.S.M.
1 JESU'S tremendous name
Puts all our foes to flight:
Jesus, the meek, the angry Lamb,
A Lion is in fight.

2 By all hell's host withstood;
We all hell's host o'erthrow;
And conquering them, through Jesu's blood
We still to conquer go.

3 Our Captain leads us on;
He beckons from the skies,
And reaches out a starry crown,
And bids us take the prize:

4 "Be faithful unto death;
Partake My victory;
And thou shalt wear this glorious wreath,
And thou shalt reign with Me."
Charles Wesley, 1749.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

680 — More than Conqueror.
680More than Conqueror.S.M.
1 HIS be the "victor's name,"
Who fought our light alone;
Triumphant saints no honour claim;
His conquest was His own.

2 He hell in hell laid low;
Made sin, He sin o'erthrew:
Bow'd to the grave, destroy'd it so,
And death, by dying, slew.

3 What though the accuser roar
Of ills that we have done;
We know them well, and thousands more,
Jehovah findeth none.

4 Sin, Satan, Death appear
To harass and appal;
Yet since the gracious Lord is near,
Backward they go, and fall.

5 We meet them face to face,
Through Jesus' conquest blest;
March in the triumph of His grace,
Right onward to our rest.

6 Bless, bless the Conqueror slain;
Slain in His victory!
Who lived, who died, who lives again,
For thee, His church, for thee!
Samuel W. Gandy, 1837.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

681 — Christ our Strength.
681Christ our Strength.L.M.
1 LET me but hear my Saviour say,
Strength shall be equal to thy day!
Then I rejoice in deep distress,
Leaning on all-sufficient grace.

2 I glory in infirmity,
That Christ's own power may rest on me.
When I am weak, then am I strong,
Grace is my shield, and Christ my song.

3 I can do all things, or can bear
All sufferings, if my Lord be there:
Sweet pleasures mingle with the pains,
While His left hand my head sustains.

4 But if the Lord be once withdrawn,
And we attempt the work alone,
When new temptations spring and rise,
We find how great our weakness is.
Isaac Watts, 1700
—Our Own Hymn-Book

682 — Sufficient Grace.
682Sufficient Grace.C.M.
1 KIND are the words that Jesus speaks
To cheer the drooping saint;
"My grace sufficient is for you,
Though nature's powers may faint.

2 "My grace its glories shall display,
And make your griefs remove:
Tour weakness shall the triumphs tell
Of boundless power and love.

3 What though my griefs are not removed,
Yet why should I despair?
While my kind Saviour's arms support,
I can the burden bear.

4 Jesus, my Saviour and my Lord,
'Tis good to trust Thy name;
Thy power, Thy faithfulness, and love,
Will ever be the same.

5 Weak as I am, yet through Thy grace
I all things can perform;
And, smiling, triumph in Thy name,
Amid the raging storm.
John Needham, 1768.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

683 — Jesus still the same.
683Jesus still the same.L.M.
1 HOW frail and fallible am I!
What weakness marks my changing frame!
Yet there is strength and comfort nigh,
For Jesus, Thou art still the same.

2 Thy love immortal and divine,
No coldness damps, no time destroys;
Through countless ages it will shine,
Bright source of everlasting joys.

3 On Thy sure mercy I depend
In all my trials, wants, and woes;
For Thou art an unchanging Friend,
Sweet is the peace Thy hand bestows.

4 Hast Thou protected me thus far,
To leave me in the dangerous hour?
Shall Satan be allow'd to mar
Thy work, or to resist Thy power?

5 Oh never wilt Thou leave the soul
That flies for refuge to Thy breast!
Thy love which once hath made me whole,
Shall guide me to eternal rest.

6 Though stars be from their courses hurl'd,
Though mighty ruin should descend
Wide o'er a desolated world;
The love of Jesus knows no end.
William Hiley Bathurst, 1831.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

684 — My Heart is fixed.
684My Heart is fixed.L. M., or 8s., 6 lines.
1 NOW I have found the ground, wherein
Sure my soul's anchor may remain:
The wounds of Jesus, for my sin
Before the world's foundation slain;
Whose mercy shall unshaken stay,
When heaven and earth are fled away.

2 O love! thou bottomless abyss!
My sins are swallow'd up in thee;
Cover'd is my unrighteounes,
Nor spot of guilt remains on me.
While Jesu's blood, through earth and skies,
Mercy, free, boundless mercy cries!

3 With faith I plunge me in this sea;
Here is my hope, my joy, my rest!
Hither, when hell assails, I flee,
I look into my Saviour's breast;
Away, sad doubt, and anxious fear!
Mercy is all that's written there.

4 Though waves and storms go o'er my head
Though strength, and health, and friends be gone,
Though joys be wither'd all, and dead,
Though every comfort be withdrawn;
On this my steadfast soul relies,
Father, Thy mercy never dies.

5 Fix'd on this ground will I remain,
Though my heart fail, and flesh decay;
This anchor shall my soul sustain,
When earth's foundations melt away;
Mercy's full power I then shall prove,
Loved with an everlasting love
John Andrew Rothe, 1728;
tr. by John Wesley, 1740.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

685 — Be of good Courage.
685Be of good Courage.S.M.
1 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 the spark divine.

4 The people of His choice,
He will not cast away;
Yet do not always here expect
On Tabor's mount to stay.

5 When we in darkness walk,
Nor feel the heavenly flame;
Then is the time to trust our God,
And rest upon His name.

6 Soon shall our doubts and fears
Subside at His control;
His loving-kindness shall break through
The midnight of the soul.

7 Wait till the shadows flee;
Wait thy appointed hour,
Wait till the Bridegroom of thy soul
Reveals His sovereign power.

8 Tarry His leisure then,
Although He seem to stay,
A moment's intercourse with Him
Thy grief will overpay.

9 Blest is the man, O God,
That stays himself on Thee.
Who waits for Thy salvation, Lord,
Shall Thy salvation see.
Augustus M. Toplady, 1772.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

686 — The Christian encouraged.
686The Christian encouraged.S.M.
1 GIVE to the winds thy fears;
Hope, and he undismay'd;
God hears thy sighs, and counts thy tears:
God shall lift up thy head.

2 Through waves, and clouds, and storms,
He gently clears thy way;
Wait Thou His time; so shall the night
Soon end in joyous day

3 He everywhere hath sway,
And all things serve His might;
His every act pure blessing is,
His path unsullied light.

4 When He makes bare His arm,
What shall His work withstand?
When He His people's cause defends,
Who, who shall stay His hand?

5 Leave to His sovereign sway
To choose and to command;
With wonder fill'd thou then shalt own
How wise, how strong His hand.

6 Thou comprehend'st Him not;
Yet earth and heaven tell,
God sits as Sovereign on His throne,
He ruleth all things well.

7 Thou seest our weakness, Lord,
Our hearts are known to Thee:
Oh lift Thou up the sinking hand,
Confirm the feeble knee!

8 Let us, in life and death,
Thy steadfast truth declare;
And publish, with our latest breath,
Thy love, and guardian care.
Paul Gerhardt, 1659;
tr. by John Wesley, 1739, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

687 — Weakness confessed, but Security enjoyed.
687Weakness confessed, but Security enjoyed.7.6.
1 I THOUGHT that I was strong, Lord,
And did not need Thine arm:
Though troubles throng'd around me,
My heart felt no alarm.

2 I thought I nothing needed,
Riches, nor dress, nor sight;
And on I walk'd in darkness,
And still I thought it light.

3 But Thou hast broke the spell, Lord,
And waked me from my dream:
The light has burst upon me
With bright unerring beam.

4 I know Thy blood has cleansed me,
I know that I'm forgiven;
And all the roughest pathways
Will surely end in heaven.

5 I know that I am Thine, Lord,
And none can pluck away
The feeblest sheep that ever yet
Did make Thine arm its stay
Joseph Denham Smith's Coll., 1860.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Peaceful Trust.
688 — Delight in God.
Delight in God.C.M.
1 O LORD, I would delight in Thee,
And on Thy care depend;
To Thee in every trouble flee,
My best, my only Friend.

2 When all created streams are dried,
Thy fulness is the same;
May I with this be satisfied,
And glory in Thy name!

3 Why should the soul a drop bemoan,
Who has a fountain near;
A fountain which will ever run
With waters sweet and clear?

4 No good in creatures can be found
But may be found in Thee;
I must have all things, and abound,
While God is God to me.

5 Oh that I had a stronger faith,
To look within the veil;
To credit what my Saviour saith,
Whose word can never fail!
John Ryland 1777.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

689 — "Trust ye in the Lord for ever."
689"Trust ye in the Lord for ever."7s.
1 WHEN we cannot see our way,
Let us trust and still obey;
He who bids us forward go,
Cannot fail the way to show.

2 Though enwrapt in gloomy night,
We perceive no ray of light;
Since the Lord Himself is here,
'Tis not meet that we should fear.

3 Night with Him is never night,
Where He is, there all is light;
When He calls us, why delay?
They are happy who obey.

4 Be it ours then, while we're here,
Him to follow without fear;
Where He calls us, there to go;
What He bids us, that to do.
Thomas Kelly, 1815, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

690 — Confidence in God.
690Confidence in God.L.M.
1 MY spirit looks to God alone;
My rock and refuge is His throne;
In all my fears, in all my straits,
My soul on His salvation waits.

2 Trust Him, ye saints, in all your ways,
Pour out your hearts before His face;
When helpers fail, and foes invade,
God is our all-sufficient aid.
Isaac Watts, 1719.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

691 — Freedom from Care.
691Freedom from Care.C.M.
1 I BOW me to Thy will, O God,
And all Thy ways adore;
And every day I live I'll seek
To please Thee more and more.

2 I love to kiss each print where Christ
Did set His pilgrim feet;
Nor can I fear that blessed path,
Whose traces are so sweet.

3 When obstacles and trials seem
Like prison walls to be,
I do the little I can do,
And leave the rest to Thee.

4 I have no cares, O blessed Lord,
For all my cares are Thine;
I live in triumph, too, for Thou
Hast made Thy triumphs mine.

5 And when it seems no chance nor change
From grief can set me free,
Hope finds its strength in helplessness
And, patient, waits on Thee.

6 Lead on, lead on, triumphantly,
O blessed Lord, lead on!
Faith's pilgrim-sons behind Thee seek
The road that Thou hast gone.
Frederick William Faber, 1852, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

692 — Trust for the Future.
692Trust for the Future.C.M.
1 ALMIGHTY Father of mankind,
On Thee my hopes remain;
And when the day of trouble comes,
I shall not trust in vain.

2 In early days Thou wast my guide,
And of my youth the friend:
And as my days began with Thee,
With Thee my days shall end.

3 I know the power in whom I trust,
The arm on which I lean;
He will my Saviour ever be,
Who has my Saviour been.

4 My God, who causedst me to hope,
When life began to beat,
And when a stranger in the world,
Didst guide my wandering feet;

5 Thou wilt not cast me off when age
And evil days descend!
Thou wilt not leave me in despair,
To mourn my latter end.

6 Therefore in life I'll trust to Thee,
In death I will adore;
And after death I'll sing Thy praise,
When time shall be no more.
Michael Bruce, 1781.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

693 — Dependence on God.
693Dependence on God.C.M.
1 ETERNAL God! we look to Thee,
To Thee for help we fly;
Thine eye alone our wants can see,
Thy hand alone supply.

2 Lord! let Thy fear within us dwell,
Thy love our footsteps guide:
That love will all vain love expel;
That fear all fear beside.

3 Not what we wish, but what we want,
Oh, let Thy grace supply:
The good unask'd, in mercy grant;
The ill, though ask'd, deny.
James Merrick, 1765.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Christian Zeal
694 — Running the Christian Race.
694Running the Christian Race.C.M.
1 AWAKE, my soul, stretch every nerve,
And press with vigour on;
A heavenly race demands thy zeal,
And an immortal crown.

2 'Tis God's all-animating voice
That calls thee from on high;
'Tis His own hand presents the prize
To thine aspiring eye.

3 A cloud of witnesses around
Hold thee in full survey;
Forget the steps already trod,
And onward urge thy way.

4 Bless'd Saviour, introduced by Thee,
Have we our race begun;
And crown'd with victory, at Thy feet
We'll lay our honours down.
Philip Doddridge, 1755.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

695 — Zeal in Duty.
695Zeal in Duty.L.M.
1 AWAKE my zeal, awake my love,
To serve my Saviour here below,
In works which perfect saints above,
And holy angels cannot do.

2 Awake my charity, to feed
The hungry soul, and clothe the poor:
In heaven are found no sons of need,
There all these duties are no more.

3 Subdue thy passions, O my soul!
Maintain the fight, thy work pursue;
Daily thy rising sins control,
And be thy victories ever new.

4 The land of triumph lies on high,
There are no fields of battle there;
Lord, I would conquer till I die,
And finish all the glorious war

5 Let every flying hour confess
I gain Thy gospel fresh renown;
And when my life and labours cease,
May I possess the promised crown!
Isaac Watts, 1720.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Patience and Resignation
696 — The Request.
696The Request.C.M.
1 FATHER, whate'er of earthly bliss
Thy sovereign will denies,
Accepted at Thy throne of grace
Let this petition rise:

2 "Give me a calm, a thankful heart,
From every murmur free;
The blessings of Thy grace impart,
And make me live to Thee.

3 "Let the sweet hope that Thou art mine
My life and death attend:
Thy presence through my journey shine,
And crown my journey's end."
Anne Steele, 1760.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

697 — "Give us Day by Day our Daily Bread."
697"Give us Day by Day our Daily Bread."7s.
1 DAY by day the manna fell;
Oh! to learn this lesson well,
Still by constant mercy fed,
Give me, Lord, my daily bread.

2 "Day by day," the promise reads;
Daily strength for daily needs:
Cast foreboding fears away;
Take the manna of to-day.

3 Lord, my times are in Thy hand;
All my sanguine hopes have plann'd
To Thy wisdom I resign,
And would make Thy purpose mine.

4 "Thou my daily task shalt give;
Day by day to Thee I live:
So shall added years fulful,
Not mine own—my Father's will.

5 Fond ambition, whisper not;
Happy is my humble lot:
Anxious, busy cares away!
I'm provided for to-day.

6 Oh to live exempt from care,
By the energy of prayer;
Strong in faith, with mind subdued;
Yet elate with gratitude!
Josiah Conder, 1837.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

698 — Submission.
698Submission.C.M.
1 O LORD! my best desires 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, let me rather freely yield
what most I prize to Thee.
Who never hast a good withheld,
Nor wilt withhold from me.

4 Thy favour all my journey through
Thou art engaged to grant;
What else I want, or think I do,
'Tis better still to want.

5 But ah! my inmost spirit cries,
Still bind me to Thy sway!
Else the next cloud that veils my skies
Drives all these thoughts away.
William Cowper, 1779.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

699 — "Not as I will, but as Thou wilt."
699"Not as I will, but as Thou wilt."8.8.8.4., or L.M.
1 MY God and Father! while I stray
Far from my home, in life's rough way,
Oh! teach me from my heart to say,
"Thy will be done!"

2 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!"

3 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!"

4 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!"

5 Then when on earth I breathe no more
The prayer oft mix'd with tears before,
I'll sing upon a happier shore,
"Thy will be done!"
Charlotte Elliot, 1834.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

700 — Yet what I shall choose I wot not."
700Yet what I shall choose I wot not."C.M.
1 LORD, it belongs not to my care,
Whether I die or live;
To love and serve Thee is my share,
And this Thy grace must give.

2 If life be long I will be glad,
That I may long obey:
If short—yet why should I be sad
To soar to endless day?

3 Christ leads me through no darker rooms
Than He went through before;
He that into God's kingdom comes,
Must enter by this door.

4 Come, Lord, when grace hath made me meet
Thy blessed face to see;
For if Thy work on earth be sweet,
What will Thy glory be?

5 Then I shall end my sad complaints,
And weary, sinful days;
And join with the triumphant saints,
That sing Jehovah's praise.

6 My knowledge of that life is small,
The eye of faith is dim;
But 'tis enough that Christ knows all,
And I shall be with Him.
Richard Baxter, 1681.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

701 — "My Times are in Thy Hand."
701"My Times are in Thy Hand."S.M.
1 OUR times are in Thy hand,
Father, we wish them there:
Our life, our soul, our all, we leave
Entirely to Thy care.

2 Our times are in Thy hand,
Whatever they may be,
Pleasing or painful, dark or bright,
As best may seem to Thee.

3 Our times are in Thy band,
Why should we doubt or fear?
A Father's hand will never cause
His child a needless tear.

4 Our times are in Thy hand,
Jesus the Crucified!
The hand our many sins had pierced
Is now our guard and guide.

5 Our times are in Thy hand,
We'll always trust in Thee;
Till we have left this weary land,
And all Thy glory see.
William Freeman Lloyd, 1835, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

702 — Resignation.
702Resignation.C.M.
1 MY times of sorrow and of joy,
Great God, are in Thy hand;
My choicest comforts come from Thee,
And go at Thy command.

2 If Thou shouldst take them all away,
Yet would I not repine;
Before they were possessed by me,
They were entirely Thine.

3 Nor would I drop a murmuring word,
Though the whole world were gone,
But seek enduring happiness
In Thee, and Thee alone.

4 What is the world with all its store?
'Tis but a bitter sweet;
When I attempt to pluck the rose,
A pricking thorn I meet.

5 Here perfect bliss can ne'er be found,
The honey's mix'd with gall;
Midst changing scenes and dying friends,
Be Thou my All in All.
Benjamin Beddome, 1818, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

703 — "He shall choose our inheritance for us."
703"He shall choose our inheritance for us."S.M.
1 THY way, not mine, O Lord,
However dark it be;
Oh 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 Take Thou my cup, and it
With joy or sorrow fill;
As ever best to Thee may seem,
Choose Thou my good and ill.

5 Choose Thou for me my friend,
My sickness or my health;
Choose Thou my joys and cares for me,
My poverty or wealth.

6 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.
Horatius Bonar, 1856, a,
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Humility
704 — A Prayer for Humility.
704A Prayer for Humility.7s.
1 LORD, if Thou Thy grace impart,
Poor in spirit, meek in heart,
I shall as my Master be,
Rooted in humility.

2 Simple, teachable, and mild,
Awed into a little child;
Pleased with all the Lord provides,
Wean'd from all the world besides.

3 Father, fix my soul on Thee;
Every evil let me flee;
Nothing want, beneath, above,
Happy only in Thy love!

4 Oh that all might seek and find
Every good in Jesus join'd!
Him let Israel still adore,
Trust Him, praise Him evermore!
Charles Wesley, 1741, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

705 — "Blessed are the pure in Heart, for they shall see God."
705"Blessed are the pure in Heart, for they shall see God."S.M.
1 BLESS'D are the pure in heart,
For they shall see our God;
The secret of the Lord is theirs;
Their soul is Christ's abode.

2 The Lord, who left the heavens
Our life and peace to bring,
To dwell in lowliness with men,
Their Pattern and their King;

3 He to the lowly soul
Doth still Himself impart,
And for His dwelling and His throne
Chooseth the pure in heart.

4 Lord, we Thy presence seek;
May ours this blessing be;
Give us a pure and lowly heart,
A temple meet for Thee.

5 All glory, Lord, to Thee,
Whom heaven and earth adore,
To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
One God for evermore.
John Keble, 1827, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

706 — The Mind of Jesus.
706The Mind of Jesus.C.M.
1 Jesus! exalted far on high,
To whom a name is given;
A name surpassing every name,
That's known in earth or heaven:

2 Before whose throne shall every knee
Bow down with one accord;
Before whose throne shall every tongue
Confess that Thou art Lord.

3 Jesus! who in the form of God
Didst equal honour claim,
Yet, to redeem our guilty souls,
Didst stoop to death and shame.

4 Oh may that mind in us be form'd
Which shone so bright in Thee;
May we be humble, lowly, meek,
From pride and envy free.

5 May we to others stoop, and learn
To emulate Thy love;
So shall we bear Thine image here,
And share Thy throne above.
Thomas Cotterill, 1812.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

706 — The Mind of Jesus.
706The Mind of Jesus.C.M.
1 Jesus! exalted far on high,
To whom a name is given;
A name surpassing every name,
That's known in earth or heaven:

2 Before whose throne shall every knee
Bow down with one accord;
Before whose throne shall every tongue
Confess that Thou art Lord.

3 Jesus! who in the form of God
Didst equal honour claim,
Yet, to redeem our guilty souls,
Didst stoop to death and shame.

4 Oh may that mind in us be form'd
Which shone so bright in Thee;
May we be humble, lowly, meek,
From pride and envy free.

5 May we to others stoop, and learn
To emulate Thy love;
So shall we bear Thine image here,
And share Thy throne above.
Thomas Cotterill, 1812.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

708 — "Return unto thy Best."
708"Return unto thy Best."C.M.
1 MY heart is resting, O my God;
I will give thanks and sing;
My heart is at the secret source
Of every precious thing.

2 Now the frail vessel Thou hast made
No hand but Thine shall fill;
The waters of the earth have fail'd,
And I am thirsting still.

3 I thirst for springs of heavenly life,
And here all day they rise;
I seek the treasure of Thy love,
And close at hand it lies.

4 And a "new song" is in my mouth,
To long-loved music set;
Glory to Thee for all the grace
I have not tasted yet.

5 I have a heritage of joy
That yet I must not see:
The hand that bled to make it mine,
Is keeping it for me.

6 My heart is resting on His truth,
Who hath made all things mine;
Who draws my captive will to Him,
And makes it one with Thine.
Ann Letitia Waring, 1850, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

709 — "What shall I render?"
709"What shall I render?"C.M.
1 FOR mercies countless as the sands,
Which daily I receive
From Jesus' my Redeemer's hands,
My soul, what canst thou give?

2 Alas! from such a heart as mine
What can I bring Him forth?
My best is stain'd and dyed with sin;
My all is nothing worth.

3 Yet this acknowledgment I'll make
For all He has bestow'd;
Salvation's sacred cup I'll take,
And call upon my God.

4 The best return for one like me,
So wretched and so poor,
Is from His gifts to draw a plea,
And ask Him still for more.

5 I cannot serve Him as I ought;
No works have I to boast;
Yet would I glory in the thought,
That I should owe Him most.
John Newton, 1779
—Our Own Hymn-Book

710 — Gratitude for daily Mercy.
710Gratitude for daily Mercy.C.M.
1 LORD, in the day Thou art about
The paths wherein I tread;
And in the night, when I lie down,
Thou art about my bed.

2 While others in God's prisons lie,
Bound with affliction's chain,
I walk at large, secure and free
From sickness and from pain.

3 'Tis Thou dost crown my hopes and plans
With good success each day;
This crown, together with myself,
At Thy blest feet I lay.

4 Oh let my house a temple be,
That I and mine may sing
Hosanna to Thy majesty,
And praise our Heavenly King!
Cento by John Hampden Gurney, 1838-1851
From John Mason, 1633.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Joy and Peace
711 — God's Presence is Light in Darkness.
711God's Presence is Light in Darkness.C.M.
1 MY God, the spring of all my joys,
The life of my delights,
The glory of my brightest days,
And comfort of my nights.

2 In darkest shades if He appear,
My dawning is begun;
He is my soul's sweet morning star,
And He my rising sun.

3 The opening heavens around me shine
With beams of sacred bliss,
While Jesus shows His heart is mine,
And whispers, I am His.

4 My soul would leave this heavy clay
At that transporting word,
Run up with joy the shining way
T' embrace my dearest Lord.

5 Fearless of hell and ghastly death,
I'd break through every foe;
The wings of love, and arms of faith,
Should bear me conqueror through.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

712 — Christ unseen but beloved.
712Christ unseen but beloved.S.M.
1 NOT with our mortal eyes
Have we beheld the Lord;
Yet we rejoice to hear His name,
And love Him in His word.

2 On earth we want the sight
Of our Redeemer's face;
Yet, Lord, our inmost thoughts delight
To dwell upon Thy grace.

3 And when we taste Thy love,
Our joys divinely grow,
Unspeakable, like those above,
And heaven begins below.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

713 — Sing, ye Saints.
713Sing, ye Saints.8.7.
1 SING, ye saints, admire and wonder,
Jesu's matchless love adore:
Sing, for Sinai's awful thunder
Shall upon you burst no more.

2 Sing, in spite of Satan's lying;
Sing, though sins are black and large;
Sing, for Jesus, by His dying,
Set you free from every charge.

3 Sing, though sense and carnal reason
Fain would stop the joyful song:
Sing, and count it highest treason
For a saint to hold his tongue.

4 Sing ye loud, whose holy calling
Your election plainly shows;
Sing, nor fear a final falling,
Jesu's love no changes knows.

5 Sing, for you shall heaven inherit,
Sing, and ne'er the song have done:
Sing to Father, Son, and Spirit,
One in Three, and Three in One.
John Ryland, 1775.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

714 — The Ransomed of the Lord.
714The Ransomed of the Lord.C.M.
1 SING, ye redeemed of the Lord,
Your great Deliverer sing;
Pilgrims for Zion's city bound,
Be joyful in your King.

2 A hand divine shall lead you on
Through all the blissful road,
Till to the sacred mount you rise,
And see your smiling God.

3 There garlands of immortal joy
Shall bloom on every head,
While sorrow, sighing, and distress,
Like shadows, all are fled.

4 March on in your Redeemer's strength,
Pursue His footsteps still;
And let the prospect cheer your eye,
While labouring up the hill.
Philip Doddridge, 1755.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

715 — A gracious God.
715A gracious God.C.M.
1 MY soul, arise in joyful lays,
Renounce this earthly clod,
Tune all thy powers to sweetest praise,
And sing thy gracious God.

2 When in my heart His heavenly love
He sweetly sheds abroad,
How joyfully He makes me prove
He is my gracious God!

3 When Jesus to my sinful soul
Applies His precious blood,
To pardon, cleanse, and make me whole,
I sing, my gracious God.

4 In all my trials here below,
I'll humbly kiss His rod,
For this through grace, I surely know,
He's still my gracious God.
Samuel Medley, 1789.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

716 — Joy and Peace in Believing.
716Joy and Peace in Believing.7.6.
1 SOMETIMES a light surprises
The Christian while he sings:
It is the Lord who rises
With healing in His wings.
When comforts are declining,
He grants the soul again,
A season of clear shining,
To cheer it, after rain.

2 In holy contemplation,
We sweetly then pursue
The theme of God's salvation,
And find it ever new.
Set free from present sorrow
We cheerfully can say,
E'en let the unknown to-morrow
Bring with it what it may:

3 It can bring with it nothing
But He will bear us through:
Who gives the lilies clothing,
Will clothe His people too:
Beneath the spreading heavens,
No creature but is fed;
And He who feeds the ravens,
Will give His children bread.

4 Though vine nor fig-tree neither
Their wonted fruit should bear,
Though all the field should wither,
Nor flocks, nor herds be there!
Yet God the same abiding,
His praise shall tune my voice;
For while in Him confiding,
I cannot but rejoice.
William Cowper, 1779.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

717 — Rejoicing in Hope.
717Rejoicing in Hope.7s.
1 CHILDREN of the heavenly King,
As ye journey, sweetly sing;
Sing your Saviour's worthy praise,
Glorious in His works and ways.

2 We are travelling home to God,
In the way the fathers trod;
They are happy now, and ye
Soon their happiness shall see.

3 Oh ye banish'd seed, be glad!
Christ our Advocate is made;
Us to save our flesh assumes,
Brother to our souls becomes.

4 Shout, ye little flock, and blest!
You on Jesus' throne shall rest!
There your seat is now prepared,
There your kingdom and reward.

5 Fear not, brethren, joyful stand
On the borders of your land.
Jesus Christ, your Father's Son,
Bids you undismay'd go on,

6 Lord, obediently we go,
Gladly leaving all below;
Only Thou our Leader be,
And we still will follow Thee!
John Cennick, 1742.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

718 — The Meek beautified with Salvation.
718The Meek beautified with Salvation.S.M.
1 YE humble souls rejoice,
And cheerful triumphs sing;
Wake all your harmony of voice,
For Jesus is your King.

2 That meek and lowly Lord,
Whom here your souls have known
Pledges the honour of His word
To avow you for His own.

3 He brings salvation near,
For which His blood was paid!
How beauteous shall your souls appear,
Thus sumptuously array'd.

4 Sing, for the day is nigh,
When near your Leaders seat,
The tallest sons of pride shall lie,
The footstool of your feet.

5 Salvation, Lord, is Thine,
And all Thy saints confess
The royal robes in which they shine,
Were wrought by sovereign grace.
Philip Doddridge, 1755.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

719 — Gratitude and Hope.
719Gratitude and Hope.C.M.
1 MY soul, triumphant in the Lord,
Shall tell its joys abroad;
And march with holy vigour on,
Supported by its God.

2 Through all the winding maze of life,
His hand hath been my guide;
And in that long-experienced care,
My heart shall still confide.

3 His grace through all the desert flows,
An unexhausted stream:
That grace on Zion's sacred mount
Shall be my endless theme.

4 Beyond the choicest joys of earth
These distant courts I love;
But oh, I burn with strong desire
To view Thy house above.

5 Mingled with all the shining band,
My soul would there adore;
A pillar in Thy temple fix'd,
To be removed no more.
Philip Doddridge, 1754.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

720 — Heavenly Joys on Earth.
720Heavenly Joys on Earth.S.M.
1 COME, we that love the Lord,
And let our joys be known;
Join in a song with sweet accord,
And thus surround the throne.

2 The sorrows of the mind,
Be banish'd from the place;
Religion never was design'd
To make our pleasures less.

3 Let those refuse to sing
That never knew our God;
But favourites of the heavenly King
May speak their joys abroad.

4 The God that rules on high,
And thunders when He please,
That rides upon the stormy sky,
And manages the seas:

5 This awful God is ours,
Our Father and our love;
He shall send down His heavenly powers
To carry us above.

6 There shall we see His face,
And never, never sin;
There from the rivers of His grace,
Drink endless pleasures in.

7 Yes! and before we rise
To that immortal state,
The thoughts of such amazing bliss
Should constant joys create.

8 The men of grace have found
Glory begun below;
Celestial fruits on earthly ground
From faith and hope may grow.

9 The hill of Zion yields
A thousand sacred sweets,
Before we reach the heavenly fields,
Or walk the golden streets.

10 Then let our songs abound,
And every tear be dry:
We're marching through Immanuel's ground
To fairer worlds on high.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

721 — Spiritual Apparel.
721Spiritual Apparel.C.M.
1 AWAKE, my heart; arise, my tongue;
Prepare a tuneful voice,
In God the life of all my joys,
Aloud will I rejoice.

2 'Twas He adorn'd my naked soul,
And made salvation mine!
Upon a poor polluted worm
He makes His graces shine.

3 And lest the shadow of a spot
Should on my soul be found,
He took the robe the Saviour wrought,
And cast it all around.

4 How far the heavenly robe exceeds
What earthly princes wear!
These ornaments, how bright they shine!
How white the garments are!

5 The Spirit wrought my faith and love,
And hope, and every grace;
But Jesus spent His life to work
The robe of righteousness.

6 Strangely, my soul, art thou array'd
By the great Sacred Three!
In sweetest harmony of praise
Let all thy powers agree.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

722 — Doubts scattered; or, Spiritual Joy restored.
722Doubts scattered; or, Spiritual Joy restored.C.M.
1 HENCE from my soul, sad thoughts, begone,
And leave me to my joys;
My tongue shall triumph in my God,
And make a joyful noise.

2 Darkness and doubts had veil'd my mind,
And drown'd my head in tears,
Till sovereign grace with shining rays
Dispell'd my gloomy fears.

3 Oh what immortal joys I felt,
And raptures all divine,
When Jesus told me I was His,
And my Beloved mine!

4 In vain the tempter frights my soul,
And breaks my peace in vain;
One glimpse, dear Saviour, of Thy face
Revives my joys again.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

723 — God speaking Peace to His People.
723God speaking Peace to His People.C.M.
1 UNITE, my roving thoughts, unite
In silence soft and sweet:
And thou, my soul, sit gently down
At Thy great Sovereign's feet.

2 Jehovah's awful voice is heard,
Yet gladly I attend:
For lo! the everlasting God
Proclaims Himself my friend.

3 Harmonious accents to my soul
The sounds of peace convey:
The tempest at His word subsides,
And winds and seas obey.

4 By all Its joys, I charge my heart
To grieve His love no more;
But, charm'd by melody divine,
To give its follies o'er.
Philip Doddridge, 1765.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

724 — The Power of Faith.
724The Power of Faith.C.M.
1 FAITH adds new charms to earthly bliss,
And saves me from its snares:
Its aid in every duty brings,
And softens all my cares:

2 The wounded conscience knows its power
The healing balm to give;
That balm the saddest heart can cheer,
And make the dying live.

3 Wide it unveils celestial worlds,
Where deathless pleasures reign;
And bids me seek my portion there,
Nor bids me seek in vain:

4 Shows me the precious promise, seal'd
With the Redeemer's blood;
And helps my feeble hope to rest
Upon a faithful God.

5 There, there unshaken would I rest
Till this vile body dies;
And then, on faith's triumphant wings,
At once to glory rise!
Daniel Turner, 1787.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

725 — Spiritual Emotions.
725Spiritual Emotions.C.M.
1 OUR country is Immanuel's land,
We seek that promised soil;
The songs of Zion cheer our hearts,
While strangers here we toil.

2 Oft do our eyes with joy o'erflow,
And oft are bathed in tears;
Yet nought but heaven our hopes can raise,
And nought but sin our fears.

3 We tread the path our Master trod,
We bear the cross He bore;
And every thorn that wounds our feet
His temples pierced before.

4 Our powers are oft dissolved away
In ecstasies of love:
And while our bodies wander here,
Our souls are fix'd above.

5 We purge our mortal dross away,
Refining as we run,
But while we die to earth and sense,
Our heaven is here begun.
Anna Letitia Barbauld 1773
—Our Own Hymn-Book

726 — Calm me, my God.
726Calm me, my God.C.M.
1 CALM me, my God, and keep me calm,
Let Thine outstretched wing,
Be like the shade of Elim's palm
Beside her desert spring.

2 Yes; keep me calm, though loud and rude
The sounds my ear that greet;
Calm in the closet's solitude,
Calm in the bustling street;

3 Calm in the hour of buoyant health,
Calm in my hour of pain;
Calm in my poverty or wealth,
Calm in my loss or gain;

4 Calm in the sufferance of wrong,
Like Him who bore my shame;
Calm 'mid the threatening, taunting throng,
Who hate Thy holy name;

5 Calm me, my God, and keep me calm,
Soft resting on Thy breast;
Soothe me with holy hymn and psalm,
And bid my spirit rest.
Horatius Bonar, 1856.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

727 — Pleasures of Religion.
727Pleasures of Religion.7s.
1 'TIS religion that can give
Sweetest pleasures while we live;
'Tis religion must supply
Solid comfort when we die.

2 Alter death its joys will be
Lasting as eternity:
Be the living God my friend,
Then my bliss shall never end.
Mary Masters, 1755, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book