mike trybans blog spot

Our own Hymn book part 9

2012-01-26T15:55:00.000-08:00

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

936-1060

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The Lord's Supper
936 — "This do in Remembrance of Me."
936"This do in Remembrance of Me."C.M.
1 ACCORDING to Thy gracious word,
In meek humility,
This will I do, my dying Lord,
I will remember Thee.

2 Thy body, broken for my sake,
My bread from heaven shall be;
Thy testmaental cup I take,
And thus remember Thee.

3 Gethsemane, can I forget?
Or There Thy conflict see,
Thine agony and bloody sweat,
And not remember Thee!

4 When to the cross I turn mine eyes,
And rest on Calvary,
O Lamb of God! my sacrifice!
I must remember Thee.

5 Remember Thee, and all Thy pains,
And all Thy love to me;
Yea, while a breath, a pulse remains,
Will I remember Thee!

6 And when these failing lips grow dumb,
And mind and memory flee,
When Thou shalt in Thy kingdom come,
Jesus, remember me!
James Montgomery, 1825.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

937 — The Sorrows of our Lord.
937The Sorrows of our Lord.S.M.
1 WE'LL praise our risen Lord,
While at His feast we sit,
His griefs a hallowed theme afford
For sweetest music fit.

2 Such torments He endured
As none e'er felt before,
That joy and bliss might be secured
To us for evermore.

3 Hurried from bar to bar,
With blows and scoffs abused;
Reviled by Herod's men of war,
With Pilate's scourges bruised.

4 His sweet and reverend face
With spittle all profaned;
That visage, full of heavenly grace,
With His own blood distain'd.

5 Stretch'd on the cruel tree,
He bled, and groan'd, and cried;
And in a mortal agony,
Languish'd awhile and died.

6 Then up to heaven He rose,
That we might thither go,
Where love and praises have no end,
Where joys no changes know.
Joseph Stennett, 1709, a
—Our Own Hymn-Book

938 — Jesu's Love.
938Jesu's Love.C.M.
1 GRACIOUS Redeemer, how divine,
How wondrous is Thy love,
The subject of th' eternal songs,
Of blood-wash'd hosts above.

2 Join all your sacred harmony,
Ye saints on earth below,
To praise Immanuel, from whose name
All fragrant odours flow.

3 He left His crown, He left His throne,
By His great Father's side,
He wore the thorn, He bore the cross,
Was scourged and crucified.

4 Behold how every wound of His
A precious balm distils,
Which heals the scars that sin had made,
And cures all mortal ills.

5 Those wounds are mouths that preach His grace;
The ensigns of His love;
The seals of our expected bliss
In paradise above.

6 We see Thee at Thy table, Lord,
By faith with great delight:
Oh how refined those joys will be
When faith is turn'd to sight!
Joseph Stennett, 1709, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

939 — Jesu's Presence delightful.
939Jesu's Presence delightful.L.M.
1 AMIDST us our Beloved stands,
And bids us view His pierced hands;
Points to His wounded feet and side,
Blest emblems of the Crucified.

2 What food luxurious loads the board,
When at His table sits the Lord!
The wine how rich, the bread how sweet,
When Jesus deigns the guests to meet!

3 If now with eyes defiled and dim,
We see the signs but see not Him,
Oh may His love the scales displace,
And bid us see Him face to face!

4 Our former transports we recount,
When with Him in the holy mount,
These cause our souls to thirst anew,
His marr'd but lovely face to view.

5 Thou glorious Bridegroom of our hearts,
Thy present smile a heaven imparts:
Oh lift the veil, if veil there be,
Let every saint Thy beauties see.
Charles H. Spurgeon, 1866.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

940 — Heavenly Bread and Wine.
940Heavenly Bread and Wine.7s.
1 DREAD of heaven! on Thee I feed,
For Thy flesh is meat indeed;
Ever may my soul be fed
With this true and living bread;
Day by day with strength supplied,
Through the life of Him who died.

2 Vine of heaven! Thy blood supplies
This blest cup of sacrifice:
'Tis Thy wounds my healing give;
To Thy cross I look and live.
Thou my life! Oh, let me be
Rooted, grafted, built on Thee.
Josiah Conder, 1824.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

941 — Enjoyment of Christ.
941Enjoyment of Christ.L.M.
1 FAR from my thoughts, vain world, begone,
Let my religious hours alone;
Fain would my eyes my Saviour see:
I wait a visit, Lord, from Thee.

2 My heart grows warm with holy fire,
And kindles with a pure desire;
Come, my dear Jesus, from above,
And feed my soul with heavenly love.

3 Bless'd Jesus, what delicious fare!
How sweet Thy entertainments are!
Never did angels taste above
Redeeming grace and dying love.

4 Hail, great Immanuel, all divine!
In Thee Thy Father's glories shine;
Thou brightest, sweetest, fairest One,
That eyes have seen, or angels known.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

942 — Christ's Dying Love.
942Christ's Dying Love.C.M.
1 HOW condescending and how kind,
Was God's eternal Son!
Our misery reach'd His heavenly mind,
And pity brought Him down.

2 When justice, by our sins provoked,
Drew forth its dreadful sword,
He gave His soul up to the stroke
Without a murmuring word.

3 He sunk beneath our heavy woes,
To raise us to His throne;
There's ne'er a gift His hand bestows,
But cost His heart a groan.

4 This was compassion like a God,
That when the Saviour knew
The price of pardon was His blood,
His pity ne'er withdrew.

5 Now though He reigns exalted high,
His love is still as great;
Well He remembers Calvary,
Nor lets His saints forget.

6 Here let our hearts begin to melt,
While we His death record,
And, with our joy for pardon'd guilt
Mourn that we pierced the Lord.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

943 — We are one Bread, one Body.
943We are one Bread, one Body.C.M.
1 HOW happy are Thy servants, Lord,
Who thus remember Thee!
What tongue can tell our sweet accord,
Our perfect harmony!

2 Who Thy mysterious supper share,
Here at Thy table fed,
Many, and yet but one we are,
One undivided bread.

3 One with the living Bread divine
Which now by faith we eat,
Our hearts, and minds, and spirits join,
And all in Jesus meet.

4 So dear the tie where souls agree
In Jesu's dying love,
Then only can it closer be
When all are join'd above.
Charles Wesley, 1745.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

944 — The Feast and the Guests.
944The Feast and the Guests.C.M.
1 HOW sweet and awful is the place,
With Christ within the doors,
While everlasting love displays
The choicest of her stores.

2 While all our hearts and all our songs
Join to admire the feast, 1
Each of us cry, with thankful tongues,
"Lord, why was I a guest?

3 "Why was I made to hear Thy voice,
And enter while there's room;
When thousands make a wretched choice,
And rather starve than come?"

4 'Twas the same love that spread the feast,
That sweetly forced us in;
Else we had still refused to taste,
And perish'd in our sin.

5 Pity the nations, O our God!
Constrain the earth to come;
Send Thy victorious Word abroad,
And bring the strangers home.

6 We long to see Thy churches full,
That all the chosen race
May with one voice, and heart, and soul,
Sing Thy redeeming grace.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

945 — Divine Love remembered.
945Divine Love remembered.C.M.
1 IF human kindness meets return,
And owns the grateful tie;
If tender thoughts "within us burn,"
When earthly friends are nigh,

2 Oh! shall not warmer accents tell
The gratitude we owe
To Him who died our fears to quell,
Our more than orphan woe!

3 While yet His anguish'd soul survey'd
Those pangs He would not flee,
What love His latest words display'd—
"Meet and remember Me!"

4 Remember Thee! Thy death! Thy shame!
Our hearts' sad load to bear!
Oh! memory, leave no other name
But His recorded there!
Gerard Thomas Noel, 1813.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

946 — The Feast.
946The Feast.C.M.
1 IN memory of the Saviour's love,
We keep the sacred feast,
Where every humble contrite heart
Is made a welcome guest.

2 By faith we take the bread of life,
With which our souls are fed;
And cup, in token of His blood
That was for sinners shed.

3 Under His banner thus we sing
The wonders of His love,
And thus anticipate by faith
The heavenly feast above.
Thomas Cotterill, 1812; Richard Wittingham, 1835.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

947 — Feeding in green Pastures.
947Feeding in green Pastures.L.M.
1 THOU whom my soul admires above
All earthly joy and earthly love,
Tell me, dear Shepherd, let me know,
Where doth Thy choicest pasture grow?

2 Where is the shadow of that rock
That from the sun defends Thy flock?
Pain would I feed among Thy sheep,
Among them rest, among them sleep.

3 The footsteps of Thy flock I see;
Thy sweetest pastures here they be:
A wondrous feast of love appears,
Bought with Thy wounds and groans and tears.

4 His dearest flesh He makes my bread,
For wine His richest blood is shed:
Here to these hills my soul will come,
Till my Beloved lead me home.
Isaac Watts, 1709, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

948 — Christ the King at His Table.
948Christ the King at His Table.L.M.
1 LET Him embrace my soul, and prove
Mine interest in His heavenly love;
The voice that tells me, "Thou art Mine,"
Exceeds the blessings of the vine.

2 Jesus, allure me by Thy charms,
My soul shall fly into Thine arms!
Our wandering feet Thy favours bring
To the fair chambers of the King.

3 Though in ourselves deformed we are,
And black as Kedar's tents appear,
Yet, when we put Thy beauties on,
Fair as the courts of Solomon.

4 While at His table sits the King,
He loves to see us smile and sing;
Our graces are our best perfume,
And breathe like spikenard round the room.

5 As myrrh new bleeding from the tree,
Such is a dying Christ to me;
And while He makes my soul His guest,
My bosom, Lord, shall be Thy rest.

6 No beams of cedar or of fir
Can with Thy courts on earth compare;
And here we wait, until Thy love
Raise us to nobler seats above.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

949 — Grace admired.
949Grace admired.C.M.
1 LORD, at Thy table I behold
The wonders of Thy grace;
But most of all admire that I
Should find a welcome place;

2 I that am all defiled with sin,
A rebel to my God;
I that have crucified His Son,
And trampled on His blood.

3 What strange surprising grace is this
That such a soul has room!
My Saviour takes me by the hand,
My Jesus bids me come.

4 Had I ten thousand hearts, dear Lord,
I'd give them all to Thee;
Had I ten thousand tongues, they all
Should join the harmony.
Samuel Stennett, 1787.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

950 — Delight in Communion with Jesus.
950Delight in Communion with Jesus.L.M.
1 LORD, what a heaven of saving grace
Shines through the beauties of Thy face,
And lights our passions to a flame!
Lord, how we love Thy charming name!

2 When I can say, "My God is mine;"
When I can feel Thy glories shine;
I tread the world beneath my feet,
And all that earth calls good or great.

3 While such a scene of sacred joys
Our raptured eyes and souls employs,
Here we could sit and gaze away
A long, an everlasting day.

4 Well, we shall quickly pass the night,
To the fair coasts of perfect light;
Then shall our joyful senses rove
O'er the dear object of our love.

5 There shall we drink full draughts of bliss,
And pluck new life from heavenly trees;
Yet now and then, dear Lord, bestow
A drop of heaven on worms below.

6 Send comforts down from Thy right hand,
While we pass through this barren land;
And in Thy temple let us see
A glimpse of love, a glimpse of Thee.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Revivals and Missions
951 — The Presence of God desired.
951The Presence of God desired.L.M.
1 O THOU the hope of Israel's host,
heir strength, their helper, and their boast;
How oft their Saviour hast Thou been,
In times of trouble and of sin!

2 And have not we beheld Thy face?
Thy visits crown'd the means of grace;
Oh come again, indulgent Lord,
With all the joy Thy smiles afford.

3 Enter our hearts, Redeemer blest,
Enter, Thou ever-honour'd Guest;
Enter, and make our hearts Thine own,
Thy house, Thy temple, and Thy Throne.

4 And stay, not only for a night,;
To bless us with a transient sight;
But with us dwell, through time—and then
In heaven for evermore.—Amen.
Doddridge and Gibbons, 1755-1784.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

952 — Zion visited in Grace.
952Zion visited in Grace.L.M.
1 TRIUMPHANT Zion, lift thy head
From dust, and darkness, and the dead;
Though humbled long, awake at length,
And gird thee with thy Saviour's strength.

2 Put all thy beauteous garments on,
And let thy various charms be known;
The world thy glories shall confess,
Deck'd in the robes of righteousness.

3 No more shall foes unclean invade,
And fill thy hallow'd walls with dread;
No more shall hell's insulting host
Their victory and Thy sorrows boast.

4 God from on high thy groans will hear;
His hand thy ruins shall repair;
Rear'd and adorn'd by love divine,
Thy towers and battlements shall shine.
Philip Doddridge, 1755.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

953 — The Church awakened.
953The Church awakened.C.M.
1 NOW let the slumbering church awake,
And shine in bright array:
Thy chains, O captive daughter, break,
And cast thy bonds away.

2 Long hast thou lain in dust supine,
Insulted by thy foes:
"Where is," they cried, "that God of thine?
And who regards thy woes?"

3 Thy God incarnate on His hands
Beholds thy name engraved;
Still unrevoked His promise stands,
And Zion shall be saved.

4 He did but wait the fittest time
His mercy to display;
And now He rides on clouds sublime,
And brings the promised day.

5 Thy God shall soon for thee appear,
And end thy mourning days;
Salvation's walls around thee rear,
And fill thy gates with praise.
John Ryland, 1798.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

954 — Great Events from small Beginnings.
954Great Events from small Beginnings.7s.
1 SEE how great a flame aspires,
Kindled by a spark of grace!
Jesu's love the nations fires,
Sets the kingdoms on a blaze:
To bring fire on earth He came,
Kindled in some hearts it is:
Oh that all might catch the flame,
All partake the glorious bliss!

2 When He first the work begun,
Small and feeble was His day:
Now the word doth swiftly run,
Now it wins its widening way:
More and more it spreads and grows,
Ever mighty to prevail;
Sin's strongholds it now o'erthrows,
Shakes the trembling gates of hell.

3 Sons of God, your Saviour praise!
He the door hath open'd wide;
He hath given the word of grace,
Jesu's word is glorified:
Jesus, mighty to redeem,
He alone the work hath wrought;
Worthy is the work of Him,
Him who spake a world from nought.

4 Saw ye not the cloud arise,
Little as a human hand?
Now it spreads along the skies,
Hangs o'er all the thirsty land:
Lo, the promise of a shower
Drops already from above;
But the Lord will shortly pour
All the Spirit of His love.
Charles Wesley, 1749
—Our Own Hymn-Book

955 — "There shall be Showers of Blessing."
955"There shall be Showers of Blessing."8.7.4.
1 "SHOWERS of blessing," gracious promise,
From the God who rules on high;
From the everlasting Father,
He who will not, cannot lie.
Showers of blessing,
He has promised from the sky.

2 "Showers of blessing," joyful showers,
Making every heart rejoice;
Come, ye saints, and plead the promise,
Raise in faith the suppliant voice;
Showers of blessing,
Oh, let nothing less suffice!
Albert Midlane, 1865.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

956 — "Awake, O Arm of the Lord."
956"Awake, O Arm of the Lord."L.M.
1 ARM of the Lord, awake, awake!
Thy power unconquerable take;
Thy strength put on, assert Thy might,
And triumph in the dreadful fight.

2 Why dost Thou tarry, mighty Lord?
Why slumbers in its sheath Thy sword?
Oh, rouse Thee, for Thine honour's sake;
Arm of the Lord, awake, awake!

3 Behold, what numbers still withstand
Thy sovereign rule and just command,
Reject Thy grace, Thy threats despise,
And hurl defiance at the skies.

4 Haste then, but come not to destroy;
Mercy is Thine, Thy crown, Thy joy;
Their hatred quell, their pride remove,
But melt with grace, subdue with love.

5 Why dost Thou from the conquest stay?
Why do Thy chariot wheels delay?
Lift up Thyself; hell's kingdom shake:
Arm of the Lord, awake, awake!
Henry March, 1839.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

957 — Revival sought.
957Revival sought.S.M.
1 REVIVE Thy work, O Lord,
Thy mighty arm make bare;
Speak with the voice that wakes the dead,
And make Thy people hear.

2 Revive Thy work, O Lord,
Disturb this sleep of death,
Quicken the smouldering embers now,
By Thine almighty breath.

3 Revive Thy work, O Lord,
Create soul-thirst for Thee,
And hungering for the bread of life,
Oh may our spirits be!

4 Revive Thy work, O Lord,
Exalt Thy precious name;
And, by the Holy Ghost, our love
For Thee and Thine inflame.

5 Revive Thy work, O Lord,
And give refreshing showers,
The glory shall be all Thine own,
The blessing, Lord, be ours.
Albert Midlane, 1861.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

958 — Give reviving.
958Give reviving.8.7.
1 FATHER, for Thy promised blessing,
Still we plead before Thy throne;
For the times of sweet refreshing,
Which can come from Thee alone.

2 Blessed earnests Thou hast given,
But in these we would not rest,
Blessings still with Thee are hidden,
Pour them forth, and make us blest.

3 Prayer ascendeth to Thee ever,
Answer! Father, answer prayer;
Bless, oh bless each weak endeavour,
Blood-bought pardon to declare!

4 Wake Thy slumbering children, wake them,
Bid them to Thy harvest go;
Blessings, O our Father, make them;
Round their steps let blessings flow.

5 Give reviving—give refreshing—
Give the look'd-for Jubilee;
To Thyself may crowds be pressing,
Bringing glory unto Thee.

6 Let no hamlet be forgotten,
Let Thy showers on all descend;
That in one loud blessed anthem,
Myriads may in triumph blend.
Albert Midlane, 1865.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

959 — Prayer for a Revival.
959Prayer for a Revival.8.7.4.
1 SAVIOUR, visit Thy plantation;
Grant us, Lord, a gracious rain!
All will come to desolation,
Unless Thou return again:
Lord, revive us,
All our help must come from Thee!

2 Keep no longer at a distance,
Shine upon us from on high,
Lest, for want of Thine assistance,
Every plant should droop and die,
Lord, &c

3 Surely, once Thy garden flourish'd,
Every part look'd gay and green;
Then Thy word our spirit nourish'd,
Happy seasons we have seen!
Lord, &c.

4 But a drought has since succeeded,
And a sad decline we see;
Lord, Thy help is greatly needed,
Help can only come from Thee.
Lord, &c.

5 Dearest Saviour, hasten hither,
Thou canst make them bloom again;
Oh permit them not to wither,
Let not all our hopes be vain.
Lord, &c.

6 Let our mutual love be fervent,
Make us prevalent in prayers;
Let each one esteem'd Thy servant
Shun the world's bewitching snares.
Lord, &c.

7 Break the tempter's fatal power,
Turn the stony heart to flesh;
And begin, from this good hour,
To revive Thy work afresh.
Lord, revive us,
All our help must come from Thee.
John Newton, 1779;
John Ryland, jun., 1787
—Our Own Hymn-Book

960 — Prayer for quickening Power.
960Prayer for quickening Power.C.M.
1 O THOU, our Head, enthroned on high,
By whom Thy members live!
Wilt Thou not hear our fervent cry,
The holy unction give?

2 Arise, O Lord! send forth Thy word,
Thy faithful heralds call;
And while the gospel trump is heard,
Let Satan's bulwarks fall.

3 Breathe forth, O wind, and to new birth
Quicken the bones of death;
Regenerate this wither'd earth,
Give to the dying breath.
Josiah Conder, 1856.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

961 — Jesus, manifest Thy Power.
961Jesus, manifest Thy Power.L.M.
1 O Jesus, manifest Thy grace,
Scatter Thy mighty darts abroad;
Constrain the unbelieving race
To fall before a wounded God.

2 Thy hands, Thy side, Thy feet were pierced,
The most unholy to restore:
Thy blood was shed to heal the worst,
And save the poorest of the poor.

3 Then let them taste Thy saving grace,
Be cleansed and glorified by Thee;
And in the sacrifice of praise,
Employ a blest eternity.
Augustus M. Toplady, 1759.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

962 — Awake, all-conquering Arm.
962Awake, all-conquering Arm.L.M.
1 AWAKE, all-conquering Arm, awake,
And Satan's mighty empire shake;
Assert the honours of Thy throne,
And make this ruin'd world Thine own.

2 Thine all-successful power display;
Convert a nation in a day;
Until the universe shall be
But one great temple, Lord, for Thee.
Philip Doddridge, 1755, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

963 — God invoked for His Church.
963God invoked for His Church.C.M.
1 AWAKE, awake, Thou Mighty Arm,
Which has such wonders wrought!
Which captive Israel freed from harm,
And out of Egypt brought.

2 Art Thou not it which Rahab slew?
And crush'd the dragon's head?
Constrain'd by Thee the waves withdrew
From their accustom'd bed.

3 Again Thy wonted prowess show,
Be Thou made bare again:
And let Thine adversaries know
That they resist in vain.
Benjamin Beddome, 1818.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

964 — Awake, O arm of the Lord.
964Awake, O arm of the Lord.L.M.
1 ARM of the Lord! awake! awake!
Put on Thy strength, the nations shake:
And let the world, adoring, see
Triumphs of mercy wrought by Thee.

2 Say to the heathen, from Thy throne,
"I am Jehovah, God alone!"
Thy voice their idols shall confound,
And cast their altars to the ground.

3 No ore let human blood be spilt,
Vain sacrifice for human guilt;
But to each conscience be applied
The blood that flow'd from Jesus' side.

4 Arm of the Lord, Thy power extend;
Let Mahomet's imposture end;
Break papal superstition's chain,
And the proud scoffer's rage restrain.

5 Let Zion's time of favour come:
Oh bring the tribes of Israel home:
And let our wondering eyes behold
Gentiles and Jews in Jesus' fold.

6 Almighty God! Thy grace proclaim
In every clime of every name
Let adverse powers before Thee fall,
And crown the Saviour, Lord of all.
William Shrubsole, 1795.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

965 — The Church awakened.
965The Church awakened.C.M.
1 DAUGHTER of Zion, from the dust
Exalt thy fallen head;
Again in thy Redeemer trust,
He calls thee from the dead.

2 Awake, awake, put on thy strength,
Thy beautiful array;
The day of freedom dawns at length,
The Lord's appointed day.

3 Rebuild thy walls, thy bounds enlarge,
And send thy heralds forth;
Say to the south—"Give up thy charge,
And keep not back, O north."

4 They come, they come: thine exiled bands,
Where'er they rest or roam,
Have heard thy voice in distant lands,
And hasten to their home.

5 Thus, though the universe shall burn,
And God His works destroy,
With songs Thy ransom'd shall return,
And everlasting joy.
James Montgomery, 1825.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

966 — "Preach the Gospel to every Creature."
966"Preach the Gospel to every Creature."6.4.
1 SOUND, sound the truth abroad,
Bear ye the word of God
Through the wide world;
Tell what our Lord has done;
Tell how the day is won,
And from his lofty throne
Satan is hurl'd.

2 Speed on the wings of love,
Jesus, who reigns above,
Bids us to By:
They who His message bear,
Should neither doubt nor fear,
He will their Friend appear;
He will be nigh.

3 When on the mighty deep,
He will their spirits keep
Stay'd on His word;
When in a foreign land,
No other friend at hand,
Jesus will by them stand-
Jesus, their Lord.

4 Ye who, forsaking all.
At your loved Master's call,
Comforts resign;
Soon will your work be done,
Soon will the prize be won,
Brighter than yonder sun,
Then shall ye shine.
Thomas Kelly, 1820.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

967 — "Cry aloud, spare not."
967"Cry aloud, spare not."8.7.4.
1 MEN of God, go take your stations;
Darkness reigns throughout the earth:
Go proclaim among the nations,
Joyful news of heavenly birth;
Bear the tidings
Of the Saviour's matchless worth.

2 Of His gospel not ashamed,
As "the power of God to save,"
Go, where Christ was never named,
Publish freedom to the slave;
Blessed freedom!
Such as Zion's children have.

3 What though earth and hell united
Should oppose the Saviour's plan?
Plead His cause, nor be affrighted,
Fear ye not the face of man;
Vain their tumult,
Hurt His work they never can.

4 When exposed to fearful dangers,
Jesus will His own defend;
Borne afar, midst foes and strangers,
Jesus will appear your Friend;
And His presence
Shall be with you to the end.
Thomas Kelly, 1806.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

968 — Prayer to the Captain of the Host.
968Prayer to the Captain of the Host.L.M.
1 CAPTAIN of Thine enlisted host,
Display Thy glorious banner high;
The summons send from coast to coast,
And call a numerous army nigh.

2 A solemn jubilee proclaim,
Proclaim the great sabbatic day;
Assert the glories of Thy name:
Spoil Satan of his wish'd-for prey.

3 Bid, bid Thy heralds publish loud
The peaceful blessings of Thy reign;
And when they speak of sprinkled blood,
The mystery to the heart explain.

4 Chase the usurper from his throne,
Oh! chase him to his destined hell;
Stout-hearted sinners overcome;
And glorious in Thy temple dwell.

5 Fight for Thyself, O Jesus, fight,
The travail of Thy soul regain;
To each blind soul make darkness light,
To all let crooked paths be plain.
Christopher Batty, 1757, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

969 — The Call of the Heathen for Help.
969The Call of the Heathen for Help.7.6.
1 FROM Greenland's icy mountains,
From India's coral strand,
Where Afric's sunny fountains
Roll down their golden sand;
From many an ancient river,
From many a palmy plain,
They call us to deliver
Their land from error's chain.

2 What though the spicy breezes
Blow soft o'er Ceylon's isle;
Though every prospect pleases,
And only man is vile:
In vain with lavish kindness
The gifts of God are strewn;
The heathen in his blindness,
Bows down to wood and stone.

3 Can we, whose souls are lighted
With wisdom from on high,
Can we, to men benighted,
The lamp of life deny?
Salvation, oh salvation,
The joyful sound proclaim;
Till each remotest nation
Has learnt Messiah's name.

4 Waft, waft, ye winds, His story!
And you, ye waters roll,
Till, like a sea of glory,
It spreads from pole to pole
Till o'er our ransom'd nature,
The Lamb for sinners slain,
Redeemer, King, Creator,
In bliss returns to reign.
Reginald Heber, 1823
—Our Own Hymn-Book

970 — Arise, O God!
970Arise, O God!S.M.
1 O LORD our God, arise,
The cause of Truth maintain,
And wide o'er all the peopled world
Extend her blessed reign.

2 Thou Prince of Life, arise,
Nor let Thy glory cease;
Far spread the conquests of Thy grace,
And bless the earth with peace!

3 Thou, Holy Ghost, arise,
Expand Thy quickening wing,
And o'er a dark and ruin'd world
Let light and order spring.

4 All on the earth arise,
To God the Saviour sing!
From shore to shore, from earth to heaven,
Let echoing anthems ring!
Ralph Wardlaw, 1817.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

971 — Influences of the Spirit.
971Influences of the Spirit.8.7.4.
1 WHO but Thou, Almighty Spirit,
Can the heathen world reclaim?
Men may preach, but till Thou favour,
Heathens will be still the same:
Mighty Spirit,
Witness to the Saviour's name.

2 Thou hast promised by the prophets,
Glorious light in latter days;
Come and bless bewilder'd nations,
Change our prayers and tears to praise:
Promised Spirit,
Round the world diffuse Thy rays.

3 All our hopes, and prayers, and labours,
Must be vain without Thine aid:
But Thou wilt not disappoint us;
All is true that Thou hast said:
Gracious Spirit,
O'er the world Thine influence spread.
Eriphus, "Evangelical Magazine," 1821.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

972 — The Holy Spirit invoked.
972The Holy Spirit invoked.L.M.
1 SPIRIT of the living God,
In all Thy plenitude of grace,
Where'er the foot of man hath trod,
Descend on our apostate race.

2 Give tongues of fire and hearts of love
To preach the reconciling word;
Give power and unction from above,
Whene'er the joyful sound is heard.

3 Be darkness, at Thy coming, light,
Confusion, order in Thy path;
Souls without strength inspire with might,
Bid mercy triumph over wrath.

4 O Spirit of the Lord, prepare
All the round earth her God to meet;
Breathe Thou abroad like morning air,
Till hearts of stone begin to beat.

6 Baptize the nations far and nigh;
The triumphs of the cross record;
The name of Jesus glorify,
Till every kindred call him Lord.
James Montgomery, 1825.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

973 — Longing for the Spread of the Gospel.
973Longing for the Spread of the Gospel.8.7.4.
1 O'ER the gloomy hills of darkness,
Look, my soul, be still and gaze;
All the promises do travail
With a glorious day of grace:
Blessed jubilee,
Let thy glorious morning dawn!

2 Let the Indian, let the Negro,
Let the rude Barbarian see
That divine and glorious conquest
Once obtain'd on Calvary;
Let the Gospel
Loud resound from pole to pole.

3 Kingdoms wide that sit in darkness,
Grant them, Lord, the saving light,
And from eastern coast to western
May the morning chase the night,
And redemption,
Freely purchased, win the day.

4 May the glorious day approaching,
On their grossest darkness dawn,
And the everlasting gospel,
Spread abroad Thy holy name,
All the borders
Of the great Immanuel's land.

5 Ply abroad, thou mighty gospel,
Win and conquer, never cease;
May thy lasting, wide dominions,
Multiply, and still increase,
Sway Thy sceptre,
Saviour, all the world around.

6 Every creature, living, breathing,
In divinely grateful lays,
Father, Son, and Spirit, praising,
Magnify the God of grace;
Halleluiah!
Fill the universe with praise.
William Williams, 1772, a.
Verse 6, John Rippon, 1829.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Prayer Meetings
974 — Early Morning Prayer Meeting.
974Early Morning Prayer Meeting.S.M.
1 SWEETLY the holy hymn
Breaks on the morning air;
Before the world with smoke is dim
We meet to offer prayer.

2 While flowers are wet with dews,
Dew of our souls descend;
Ere yet the sun the day renews;
O Lord, Thy Spirit send.

3 Upon the battle-field
Before the fight begins,
We seek, O Lord, Thy sheltering shield,
To guard us from our sins.

4 Ere yet our vessel sails
Upon the stream of day,
We plead, O Lord, for heavenly gales
To speed us on our way.

5 On the lone mountain side,
Before the morning's light,
The Man of Sorrows wept and cried,
And rose refresh'd with might.

6 Oh hear us then, for we
Are very weak and frail,
We make the Saviour's name our plea,
And surely must prevail.
Charles H. Spurgeon, 1866.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

975 — Evening Prayer Meeting.
975Evening Prayer Meeting.S.M.
1 NOW from the world withdrawn,
For intercourse with Thee,
May each, O Lord, before Thy throne,
From earthly cares be free.

2 Possess our every thought,
And teach our minds to pray;
Help us to worship as we ought,
And thus conclude the day.

3 Our strength may we renew,
And lift our hearts above,
That, while life's journey we pursue,
We still may walk in love.

4 Then, in our latter end,
When death shall close our eyes,
Thy mercy will our souls attend,
And bear them to the skies.
John Bulmer, 1835.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

976 — Evening Prayer and Praise.
976Evening Prayer and Praise.8.7.
1 GRACIOUS Saviour, thus before Thee,
With our varied want and care;
For a blessing we implore Thee,
Listen to our evening prayer!

2 By Thy favour safely living,
With a grateful heart we raise
Songs of jubilant thanksgiving;
Listen to our evening praise!

3 Through the day, Lord, Thou hast given
Strength sufficient for our need;
Cheer'd us with sweet hopes of heaven,
Help'd and comforted indeed.

4 Lord, we thank Thee, and adore Thee,
For the solace of Thy love;
And rejoicing thus before Thee,
Wait Thy blessing from above!
Henry Bateman, 1862.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

977 — Prayer described.
977Prayer described.C.M.
1 PRAYER is the soul's sincere desire,
Utter'd or unexpress'd:
The motion of a hidden fire,
That trembles in the breast.

2 Prayer is the burden of a sigh,
The falling of a tear;
The upward glancing of an eye,
When none but God is near.

3 Prayer is the simplest form of speech
That infant lips can try;
Prayer the sublimest strains that reach
The Majesty on high.

4 Prayer is the Christian's vital breath,
The Christian's native air:
His watchword at the gates of death:
He enters heaven with prayer.

5 Prayer is the contrite sinner's voice,
Returning from his ways;
While angels in their songs rejoice,
And cry. "Behold he prays!"

6 The saints in prayer appear as one,
In word, and deed, and mind;
While with the Father and the Son
Sweet fellowship they find.

7 Nor prayer is made on earth alone:
The Holy Spirit pleads:
And Jesus, on the eternal throne,
For mourners intercedes.

8 O Thou, by whom we come to God,
The life, the truth, the way!
The path of prayer Thyself hast trod:
Lord! teach us how to pray.
James Montgomery, 1819.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

978 — The Throne of Grace.
978The Throne of Grace.S.M.
1 BEHOLD the throne of grace!
he promise calls me near,
There Jesus shows a smiling face,
And waits to answer prayer.

2 That rich atoning blood,
Which sprinkled round I see,
Provides for those who come to God
An all-prevailing plea.

3 My soul, ask what thou wilt,
Thou canst not be too bold;
Since His own blood for Thee He spilt,
What else can He withhold?

4 Beyond thy utmost wants
His love and power can bless;
To praying souls He always grants
More than they can express.

5 Thine image, Lord, bestow,
Thy presence and Thy love;
I ask to serve Thee here below,
And reign with Thee above.

6 Teach me to live by faith,
Conform my will to Thine;
Let me victorious be in death,
And then in glory shine.
John Newton, 1770.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

979 — "God be merciful unto us, and bless us."
979"God be merciful unto us, and bless us."7.6.
1 LORD of the vast creation,
Support of worlds unknown,
Desire of every nation,
Behold us at Thy throne.

2 We come for mercy crying,
Through Thine atoning blood;
And, on Thy grace relying,
We seek each promised good.

3 Oh when shall Thy salvation
Be known through every land,
And men in every station
Obey Thy great command?

4 In God's own Son believing,
From sin may they be free;
And gospel-grace receiving,
Find life and peace in Thee!
John Bulmer, 1835
—Our Own Hymn-Book

981 — Holy Importunity.
981Holy Importunity.7s.
1 LORD, I cannot let Thee go,
Till a blessing Thou bestow;
Do not turn away Thy face,
Mine's an urgent pressing case.

2 Dost Thou ask me who I am?
Ah, my Lord, Thou know'st my name;
Yet the question gives a plea
To support my suit with Thee.

3 Thou didst once a wretch behold,
In rebellion blindly bold,
Scorn Thy grace, Thy power defy:
That poor rebel, Lord, was I.

4 Once a sinner near despair
Sought Thy mercy-seat by prayer;
Mercy heard and set him free;
Lord, that mercy came to me.

5 Many days have pass'd since then,
Many changes I have seen;
Yet have been upheld till now:
Who could hold me up but Thou?

6 Thou hast help'd in every need,
This emboldens me to plead;
After so much mercy past.
Canst Thou let me sink at last?

7 No—I must maintain my hold,
'Tis Thy goodness makes me bold;
I can no denial take,
When I plead for Jesus' sake.
John Newton, 1779.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

982 — A Blessing requested.
982A Blessing requested.7s.
1 LORD, we come before Thee now,
At Thy feet we humbly bow;
Oh, do not our suit disdain;
Shall we seek Thee. Lord, in vain?

2 In Thy own appointed way,
Now we seek Thee, here we stay;
Lord, from hence we would not go,
Till a blessing Thou bestow.

3 Send some message from Thy word,
That may joy and peace afford;
Let Thy Spirit now impart
Full salvation to each heart.

4 Grant that those who seek may find
Thee a God supremely kind;
Heal the sick, the captive free,
Let us all rejoice in Thee.
William Hammond, 1745, a
—Our Own Hymn-Book

983 — "There am I in the midst of them."
983"There am I in the midst of them."7s.
1 MET again in Jesus' name,
At His feet we humbly bow:
He is evermore the same,
Lo, He waits to meet us now!

2 In His name, if two or three
Meet, and for His mercy call,
There, the Saviour says, I'll be
In the midst to bless you all.

3 You shall never ask in vain,
Though your number be but few;
Firm the promise doth remain,
Lo, I always am with you.

4 Saviour, we believe Thy word,
Calmly wait the promised grace:
Spirit of our risen Lord,
Holy Spirit, fill the place.
John Pyer, 1857.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

984 — I will pray.
984I will pray.L.M.
1 I WILL approach Thee—I will force
My way through obstacles to Thee:
To Thee for strength will have recourse,
To Thee for consolation flee!

2 Oh cast me, cast me not away,
From Thy dear presence, gracious Lord!
My burden at Thy feet I lay:
My soul reposes on Thy word.
Charlotte Elliott, 1834.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

985 — Our Advocate above.
985Our Advocate above.C.M.
1 THOU Lamb of God, for sinners slain!
We glorify Thy love;
High Priest in heaven's eternal fane,
Our Advocate above.

2 Now, through Thy rended veil of flesh,
We dare the throne draw nigh,
And sprinkled with Thy blood afresh,
With boldness Abba cry.
Josiah Conder, 1854.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

986 — Answer by Fire.
986Answer by Fire.L.M.
LORD! with Thy grace our hearts Inspire,
Answer our sacrifice by fire,
And by Thy mighty acts declare,
Thou art the God who heareth prayer.
Faith asks no signal from the skies,
To show that prayers accepted rise;
Our Priest is in the holy place,
And answers from the throne of grace.
Josiah Conder, 1856.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

987 — "Thy Name's Sake."
987"Thy Name's Sake."C.M.
1 LORD, for Thy name's sake! such the plea,
With force triumphant fraught,
By which Thy saints prevail with Thee,
By Thine own Spirit taught.

2 Now, for Thy name's sake, O our God,
Do not abhor our prayer;
But, while we bow beneath Thy rod,
Thy chasten'd people spare.

3 Oh, for Thy name's sake, richly grant
The unction from above;
Fulfil Thy holy covenant,
And glorify Thy love.
Josiah Conder, 1836.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

988 — Jesus present with Two or Three.
988Jesus present with Two or Three.C.M.
1 WHERE two or three, with sweet accord,
Obedient to their sovereign Lord,
Meet to recount His acts of grace,
And offer solemn prayer and praise:

2 "There," says the Saviour, "will I be,
Amid this little company:
To them unveil My smiling face,
And shed My glories round the place."

3 We meet at Thy command, dear Lord,
Relying on Thy faithful word:
Now send Thy Spirit from above,
Now fill our hearts with heavenly love.
Samuel Stennett, 1787.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

989 — Pleading for Power.
989Pleading for Power.7s.
1 LORD, our waiting spirits bow,
In Thy blessed presence now;
May the Holy Spirit be
Now our power to wait on Thee.

2 Power, O Lord, for power we cry!
Grant us each a rich supply,
That our longing souls may be
Fully satisfied by Thee.

3 Sweet the solemn hour of prayer,
Sweet to feed on heavenly fare,
Now let such our portion be,
Saviour, waiting upon Thee.
Albert Midlane, 1866.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

990 — "Remember us, O Lord."
990"Remember us, O Lord."L.M.
1 APART from every worldly care,
We bow before Thee, Lord, in prayer;
And as our one, our only claim,
We lisp our blessed Jesu's name.

2 May the blest Spirit, Father, now,
Each heart in holy reverence bow;
And may our feeble breathings rise
To Thee, like holy sacrifice.

3 Our need Thou knowest, Thou art nigh,
And Thou canst every need supply;
Boundless, dear Father, is Thy store,
Remember us, we ask no more.
Albert Midlane, 1866.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

991 — Confession of Sin.
991Confession of Sin.S.M.
1 ONCE more we meet to pray,
Once more our guilt confess;
Turn not, O Lord, Thine ear away
From creatures in distress.

2 Our sins to heaven ascend,
And there for vengeance cry;
O God, behold the sinner's Friend,
Who intercedes on high.

3 Though we are vile indeed,
And well deserve Thy curse,
The merits of Thy Son we plead,
Who lived and died for us.

4 Now let Thy bosom yearn,
As it hath done before;
Return to us, O God, return,
And ne'er forsake us more.
Philip Doddridge, 1755, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

992 — Prayer for Unbelievers.
992Prayer for Unbelievers.C.M.
1 THOU Son of God, whose flaming eyes
Our inmost thoughts perceive,
Accept the humble sacrifice,
Which now to Thee we give.

2 We bow before Thy gracious throne,
And think ourselves sincere;
But show us, Lord, is every one
Thy real worshipper?

3 Is here a soul that knows Thee not,
Nor feels his want of Thee,
A stranger to the blood which bought
His pardon on the tree?

4 Convince him now of unbelief;
His desperate state explain;
And fill his heart with sacred grief,
And penitential pain.

5 Speak with that voice which wakes the dead,
And bid the sleeper rise!
And bid his guilty conscience dread
The death that never dies.
Charles Wesley, 1767.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

993 — Divine Sympathy.
993Divine Sympathy.C.M.
1 THERE is no sorrow, Lord, too light
To bring in prayer to Thee;
There is no anxious care too slight
To wake Thy sympathy.

2 Thou who hast trod the thorny road
Wilt share each small distress:
The love which bore the greater load
Will not refuse the less.

3 There is no secret sigh we breathe
But meets Thine ear divine;
And every cross grows light beneath
The shadow, Lord, of Thine.

4 Life's ills without, sin's strife within,
The heart would overflow,
But for that love which died for sin,
That love which wept with woe.
Jane Crewdson, 1860;
Benjamin Hall Kennedy, 1863.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

994 — Hindrances to Prayer.
994Hindrances to Prayer.L.M.
1 WHAT various hindrances we meet
In coming to a mercy-seat!
Yet who that knows the worth of prayer,
But wishes to be often there?

2 Prayer makes the darken'd cloud withdraw,
Prayer climbs the ladder Jacob saw,
Gives exercise to faith and love,
Brings every blessing from above.

3 Restraining prayer, we cease to fight;
Prayer makes the Christian's armour bright;
And Satan trembles when he sees
The weakest saint upon his knees.

4 While Moses stood with arms spread wide,
Success was found on Israel's side;
But when through weariness they fail'd,
That moment Amalek prevailed.

5 Have you no words? Ah, think again,
Words flow apace when you complain,
And fill your fellow-creature's ear
With the sad tale of all your care.

6 Were half the breath thus vainly spent,
To heaven in supplication sent,
Your cheerful song would oftener be,
"Hear what the Lord has done for me!"
William Cowper, 1779.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

995 — The Garden of Christ.
995The Garden of Christ.L.M.
1 WE are a garden wail'd around,
Chosen and made peculiar ground;
A little spot, inclosed by grace
Out of the world's wide wilderness.

2 Like trees of myrrh and spice we stand,
Planted by God the Father's hand;
And all His springs in Sion flow,
To make the young plantation grow.

3 Awake, O heavenly wind! and come,
Blow on this garden of perfume?
Spirit divine! descend, and breathe
A gracious gale on plants beneath.

4 Make our best spices flow abroad,
To entertain our Saviour God:
And faith, and love, and joy appear,
And every grace be active here.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

996 — "Teach us to Pray."
996"Teach us to Pray."C.M.
1 LORD, teach us how to pray aright,
With reverence and with fear;
Though dust and ashes in Thy sight,
We may, we must draw near.

2 We perish if we cease from prayer;
Oh grant us power to pray;
And when to meet Thee we prepare,
Lord, meet us by the way.
James Montgomery, 1819.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

997 — "I said not, Seek ye Me in vain."
997"I said not, Seek ye Me in vain."C.M.
1 WE come, blest Jesus, to Thy throne,
To open all our grief;
Now send Thy promised mercy down,
And grant us quick relief.

2 Ne'er didst Thou say to Jacob's seed,
"Seek ye My face in vain;"
And canst Thou now deny Thine aid,
When burden'd souls complain?

3 The same Thy power, Thy love the same,
Unmoved the promise shines;
Eternal truth surrounds Thy name,
And guards the precious lines.

4 Though Satan rage, and flesh rebel,
And unbelief arise.
We'll wait around His footstool still,
For Jesus hears our cries.
James Boden, 1777.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

998 — Prayer heard in Heaven.
998Prayer heard in Heaven.C.M.
1 WHEN God inclines the heart to pray,
He hath an ear to hear;
To Him there's music in a groan,
And beauty in a tear.

2 The humble suppliant cannot fall
To have his wants supplied,
Since He for sinners intercedes,
Who once for sinners died.
Benjamin Beddome, 1818.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

999 — Let us Pray.
999Let us Pray.8.7.
1 LET us pray! the Lord is willing,
Ever waiting, prayer to hear;
Ready, His kind words fulfilling,
Loving hearts to help and cheer

2 Let us pray! oar God with blessing
Satisfies the praying soul;
Bends to hear the heart's confessing,
Moulding it to His control.

3 Let us pray! though foes surrounding,
Vex, and trouble, and dismay;
Precious grace, through Christ abounding,
Still shall cheer us on our way.

4 Let us pray! our life is praying;
Prayer with time alone may cease:
Then in heaven, God's will obeying,
Life is praise and perfect peace.
Henry Bateman, 1862.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1000 — Peace at the Mercy-seat.
1000Peace at the Mercy-seat.L.M.
1 FROM every stormy wind that blows,
From every swelling tide of woes,
There is a calm, a safe retreat;
'Tis found beneath the mercy-seat.

2 There is a place where Jesus sheds
The oil of gladness o'er our heads!
A place, than all beside more sweet,
It is the blood-stain'd mercy-seat.

3 There is a spot where spirits blend,
Where friend holds fellowship with friend;
Though sunder'd far, by faith we meet
Around our common mercy-seat.

4 Ah, whither could we flee for aid,
When tempted, desolate, dismay'd:
Or how the hosts of hell defeat,
Had suffering saints no mercy-seat?

5 There, there, on eagle-wings we soar,
And time and sense seem all no more,
And heaven comes down our souls to greet,
And glory crowns the mercy-seat,

6 Oh let my hands forget their skill.
My tongue be silent, cold, and still,
This bounding heart forget to beat,
If I forget the mercy-seat!
Hugh Stowell, 1832, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1001 — "Our Father which art in Heaven."
1001"Our Father which art in Heaven."S.M.
1 OUR heavenly Father hear
The prayer we offer now;
Thy name be hallow'd far and near,
To Thee all nations bow;

2 Thy kingdom come: Thy will
On earth be done in love,
As saints and seraphim fulfil
Thy perfect law above.

3 Our daily bread supply,
While by Thy word we live:
The guilt of our iniquity
Forgive, as we forgive.

4 From dark temptation's power,
From Satan's wiles defend;
Deliver in the evil hour,
And guide us to the end.

5 Thine, then, for ever be
Glory and power divine;
The sceptre, throne, and majesty
Of heaven and earth are Thine.
James Montgomery, 1825.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1002 — Jesus met them.
1002Jesus met them.7s.
1 SWEET the time, exceeding sweet,
When the saints together meet;
When the Saviour is the theme:
When they join to sing of Him.

2 Sing we then eternal love,
Such as did the Father move;
When He saw the world undone,
Loved the world, and gave His Son.

3 Sing the Son's amazing love,
How He left the realms above,
Took our nature and our place,
Lived and died to save our race.

4 Sing we too the Spirit's love;
With our wretched hearts He strove:
Turn'd our feet from ways of shame,
Made us trust in Jesus' name.

5 Sweet the place, exceeding sweet,
Where the saints in glory meet;
Where the Saviour's still the theme,
Where they see, and sing of Him.
George Burder, 1784, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1003 — Sweetness of Fellowship.
1003Sweetness of Fellowship.7s., 6 lines.
1 IF 'tis sweet to mingle where
Christians meet for social prayer—
If 'tis sweet with them to raise
Songs of holy joy and praise—
Passing sweet that state must be
Where they meet eternally.

2 Saviour, may these meetings prove
Preparations for above:
While we worship in this place,
May we go from grace to grace,
Till we, each in his degree,
Meet for endless glory be.
Ingram Cobbin, 1828.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1004 — Joy in Heaven over a repenting Sinner.
1004Joy in Heaven over a repenting Sinner.L.M.
1 WHO can describe the joys that rise
Through all the courts of paradise,
To see a prodigal return,
To see an heir of glory born?

2 With joy the Father doth approve
The fruit of His eternal love;
The Son with joy looks down, and sees
The purchase of His agonies.

3 The Spirit takes delight to view
The holy soul He form'd anew;
And saints and angels join to sing
The growing empire of their King.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1005 — For a Blessing.
1005For a Blessing.8.7.10.
1 As the dew, from heaven distilling,
Gently on the grass descends,
Richly unto all fulfilling
What Thy Providence intends;
So may truth, divine and gracious,
To our waiting spirits prove;
Bless and make it efficacious
In the children of Thy love!

2 Lord, behold this congregation!
All Thy promises fulfil;
From Thy holy habitation,
Let the dew of life distil:
Let our cry come up before Thee,
Sweetest influence shed around;
So Thy people shall adore Thee,
And confess the joyful sound.
Thomas Kelly, 1804;
John Bulmer, 1835.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1006 — National Fast.
1006National Fast.L.M.
1 OH may the power which melts the rock
Be felt by all assembled here!
Or else our service will but mock
The God whom we profess to fear!

2 Lord, while Thy judgments shake the land,
Thy people's eyes are fix'd on Thee!
We own Thy just uplifted band,
Which thousands cannot, will not see.

3 The Lord displeased has raised His rod!
Ah! where are now the faithful few
Who tremble for the ark of God,
And know what Israel ought to do?

4 Lord, hear Thy people everywhere,
Who meet to mourn, confess, and pray:
The nation and Thy churches spare,
And let Thy wrath be turn'd away.
John Newton, 1779.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1007 — National Fast.
1007National Fast.C.M.
1 ETERNAL God! Before Thy throne,
Three nations prostrate fall;
Their great, their numerous sins theyown,
O Lord, forgive them all.

2 Burst, Lord, upon these mourning isles
With bright and gladdening rays;
Turn grief to joy, and tears to smiles,
And prayer to grateful praise.

3 Oh sanctify the painful blow,
Which justly Thou didst give;
May we the Lord who smote us know,
And turn to Thee and live.
James Edmeston, 1847.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1008 — National Thanksgiving.
1008National Thanksgiving.7s.
1 MAY we, Lord, rejoicing, say,
Now Thine anger's turn'd away,
Sheathed the sword that waved before,
Mission'd to destroy no more.

2 Lord, accept our grateful praise,
Just, yet kind, are all Thy ways,
Ever ready to forgive,
Bidding the repentant live.

3 In Thy courts would we appear,
Mingling joy and praise with fear;
Judgments past in memory bear,
Yet thanksgiving offer there.

4 Grateful hearts we fain would bring,
Pardoning mercy would we sing;
We may now rejoicing say,
Lord, Thine anger's turn'd away.
James Edmeston, 1849.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1009 — Prayer for our Country.
1009Prayer for our Country.C.M.
1 SHINE, mighty God, on Britain shine,
With beams of heavenly grace;
Reveal Thy power through all our coasts,
And show Thy smiling face.

2 Amidst our isle, exalted high,
Do Thou our glory stand,
And, like a wall of guardian fire,
Surround this favour'd land.

3 When shall Thy name from shore to shore,
Sound all the earth abroad;
And distant nations know and love
Their Saviour and their God?

4 Sing to the Lord, ye distant lands,
Sing loud, with solemn voice;
While British tongues exalt His praise,
And British hearts rejoice.

5 Earth shall obey her Maker's will,
And yield a full increase;
Our God will crown His chosen isle
With fruitfulness and peace.

6 God, the Redeemer, scatters round
His choicest favours here;
While the creation's utmost bound
Shall see, adore, and fear.
Isaac Watts, 1719.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Mothers' Meetings
1010 — "Lord, have Mercy on my Son."
1010"Lord, have Mercy on my Son."C.M.
1 WITHIN these peaceful walls, O Lord,
A fond parental band
Have met, Thy goodness to record,
And seek Thy guiding hand.

2 If e'er a parent's prayerful strain
Hath gain'd Thy listening ear,
O Saviour, now in mercy deign
Our ardent cry to hear.

3 'Tis for our children, Lord, we plead,
Dear objects of our care:
Dangers on every side are spread:
Save them from every snare.
Thomas Hastings, 1834
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1011 — Pleading for our Children.
1011Pleading for our Children.C.M.
1 O LORD, behold us at Thy feet,
A needy, sinful band:
As suppliants round Thy mercy-seat,
We come at Thy command.

2 'Tis for our children we would plead,
The offspring Thou hast given;
Where shall we go, in time of need,
But to the God of heaven?

3 We ask not for them wealth or fame,
Amid the worldly strife;
But, in the all-prevailing name,
We ask eternal life.

4 We crave the Spirit's quickening grace,
To make them pure in heart,
That they may stand before Thy face,
And see Thee as Thou art.
Thomas Hastings, 1834.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1012 — Prayer to Jesus for our little Ones.
1012Prayer to Jesus for our little Ones.7s.
1 JESUS, Thou wast once a child,
Meek, obedient, pure, and mild;
Such may our dear children be!
Teach them, Lord, to follow Thee.

2 Thou didst grow in grace and truth,
Up from infancy to youth;
May we, Lord, our children see,
Striving thus to copy Thee.

3 Subject to Thy parents' word,
When their least command was heard,
May we, Lord, our children see
Thus obedient unto Thee!

4 At Thy heavenly Father's voice,
Thou in duty didst rejoice;
Changed by grace, O Lord, would we
See our children follow Thee!
James Gabb, 1864, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1013 — Not one left to perish.
1013Not one left to perish.7s., 8 lines.
1 GRACIOUS Lord, our children see,
By Thy mercy we are free:
But shall these, alas! remain
Subjects still of Satan's reign?
Israel's young ones when of old
Pharaoh threaten'd to withhold;
Then Thy messenger said. "No;
Let the children also go."

2 When the angel of the Lord,
Drawing forth His dreadful sword,
Slew with an avenging hand
All the first-born of the land;
Then Thy people's door he pass'd,
Where the bloody sign was placed;
Hear us, now upon our knees,
Plead the blood of Christ for these.

3 Lord, we tremble, for we know
How the fierce malicious foe,
Wheeling round his watchful flight,
Keeps them ever in his sight:
Spread Thy pinions! King of kings!
Hide them safe beneath Thy wings;
Lest the ravenous bird of prey
Stoop, and bear the brood away.
William Cowper, 1779.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1014 — Our Father, hear us.
1014Our Father, hear us.C.M.
1 THOU, who a tender Parent art,
Regard a parent's plea:
Our offspring, with an anxious heart,
We now commend to Thee.

2 Our children are our greatest care,
A charge which Thou hast given:
In all Thy graces let them share,
And all the joys of heaven.

3 If a centurion could succeed,
Who for his servant cried;
Wilt Thou refuse to hear us plead,
For those so near allied!

4 On us Thou hast bestow'd Thy grace,
Be to our children kind;
Among Thy saints give them a place,
And leave not one behind.

5 Happy we then shall live below,
The remnant of our days:
And when to brighter worlds we go,
Shall long resound Thy praise.
Rowland Hill? 1808.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1015 — Save our Children.
1015Save our Children.7s.
1 GOD of mercy, hear our prayer
For the children Thou hast given;
Let them all Thy blessings share,
Grace on earth, and bliss in heaven!

2 In the morning of their days
May their hearts be drawn to Thee;
Let them learn to lisp Thy praise
In their earliest infancy.

3 Cleanse their souls from every stain,
Through the Saviour's precious blood;
Let them all be born again,
And be reconciled to God.

4 For this mercy, Lord, we cry;
Bend Thine ever-gracious ear;
While on Thee our souls rely,
Hear our prayer, in mercy hear!
Thomas Hastings, 1834.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1016 — Parents pleading.
1016Parents pleading.L.M.
1 FATHER of all, before Thy throne,
Grateful but anxious parents bow;
Look in paternal mercy down,
And yield the boon we ask Thee now.

2 'Tis not for wealth, or joys of earth,
Or life prolong'd we seek Thy face;
'Tis for a new and heavenly birth,
Tis for the treasures of Thy grace.

3 Tis for their souls' eternal joy,
For rescue from the coming woe:
Do not our earnest suit deny,
We cannot, cannot let Thee go.
John Howard Hinton, 1833.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Opening Places for Worship
1017 — Opening or Enlargement.
1017Opening or Enlargement.L.M.
1 JESUS, where'er Thy people meet,
There they behold Thy mercy-seat:
Where'er they seek Thee, Thou art found,
And every place is hallow'd ground.

2 For Thou within no walls confined,
Inhabitest the humble mind;
Such ever bring Thee where they come,
And going, take Thee to their home.

3 Dear Shepherd of Thy chosen few,
Thy former mercies here renew;
Here, to our waiting hearts, proclaim
The sweetness of Thy saving name.

4 Here may we prove the power of prayer
To strengthen faith, and sweeten care:
To teach our faint desires to rise,
And bring all heaven before our eyes.

5 Behold at Thy commanding word,
We stretch the curtain and the cord:
Come Thou, and fill this wider space,
And bless us with a large increase.

6 Lord, we are few, but Thou art near;
Nor short Thine arm, nor deaf Thine ear;
Oh rend the heavens, come quickly down,
And make a thousand hearts Thine own!
William Cowper, 1779.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1018 — Dedication of the House.
1018Dedication of the House.C.M.
1 SPIRIT of glory and of grace,
Thy favour we entreat;
Thou true Shekinah of the place
Where true disciples meet.

2 Oh! let the labour of our hands
Be precious in Thy sight;
And long as this our temple stands,
Thy presence be its light.

3 Here float the gospel's banner wide
O'er faithful hearts and brave;
And here, O Jesus crucified,
Come forth in power to save!
Joseph Tritton, 1861..
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1019 — "The Glory of the Lord filled the House."
1019"The Glory of the Lord filled the House."C.M.
1 LIGHT up this house with glory, Lord,
Enter and claim Thine own;
Receive the homage of our souls,
Erect Thy temple-throne.

2 We rear no altar—Thou hast died;
We deck no priestly shrine;
What need have we of creature aid?
The power to save is Thine.

3 We ask no bright shekinah-cloud
To glorify the place;
Give, Lord, the substance of that sign—
A plenitude of grace.

4 No rushing, mighty wind, we ask;
No tongues of flame desire;
Grant us the Spirit's quickening light,
His purifying fire.

5 Light up this house with glory, Lord;
The glory of that love
Which forms and saves a church below,
And makes a heaven above.
John Harris, 1859.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1020 — Opening a Place of Worship.
1020Opening a Place of Worship.148th.
1 GREAT King of Zion, now
Display Thy matchless grace;
In love the heavens bow,
With glory fill this place:
Beneath this roof, oh deign to show
How God can dwell with men below!

2 Here may Thine ears attend
Our interceding cries,
And grateful praise ascend
All fragrant to the skies:
Here may Thy word melodious sound,
And spread celestial joys around.

3 Here may th' attentive throng
Imbibe Thy truth and love,
And converts join the song
Of seraphim above
And willing crowds surround Thy board
With sacred joy and sweet accord.

4 Here may our unborn sons
And daughters sound Thy praise,
And shine, like polish'd stones,
Through long succeeding days;
Here, Lord, display Thy saving power,
Until the last triumphant hour.
Benjamin Francis, 1787;
Charles H. Spurgeon, 1866.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1021 — Thankfulness for the House.
1021Thankfulness for the House.L.M.
1 SING to the Lord with heart and voice
Ye children of His sovereign choice.
The work achieved, the temple raised,
Now be our God devoutly praised.

2 For all the treasure freely brought,
For all the toil in gladness wrought,
For warmth of zeal, and purpose strong,
Wake we to-day the thankful song.

3 Lord of the temple! once disown'd,
But now in worlds of light enthroned
Thy glory let Thy servants see,
Who dedicate this house to Thee.

4 Be Thy dear name, like ointment, shed
O'er every soul, on every head;
Make glorious, O our Saviour King,
The place where thus Thy chosen sing.

5 More grand the temple, and the strain
More sweet, when we Thy heaven shall gain,
And bid, for realms where angels dwell,
Thy courts on earth a glad farewell!
Joseph Tritton, 1861.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1022 — Re-opening.
1022Re-opening.C.M.
1 O GOD, before whose radiant throne
The heavenly armies bend,
Now graciously incline Thine ear,
And to our suit attend.

2 Where our forefathers join'd in praise,
We meet to praise Thy name,
Where they Thy faithful promise proved,
We find Thee still the same.

3 This house, these walls re-edified,
Are raised, Lord, for Thee;
In all the plenitude of grace,
In this assembly be.

4 Here may the dead be made alive,
Backsliding souls return;
More grace by gracious souls be felt,
And saints like seraphs burn.

5 Here build Thy church, maintain Thy cause,
Nor let it e'er decline;
But flourish till the Lord descends
In majesty divine.
John Rippon, 1810;
Charles H. Spurgeon, 1866.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Morning
1023 — Morning.
1023Morning.L.M.
1 AWAKE, my soul, and with the sun,
Thy daily stage of duty run,
Shake off dull sloth, and joyful rise,
To pay thy morning sacrifice.

2 Thy precious time misspent, redeem,
Each present day thy last esteem,
Improve thy talent with due care,
For the great day thyself prepare.

3 In conversation be sincere,
Keep conscience, as the noontide, clear;
Think how all-seeing God thy ways,
And all thy secret thoughts, surveys.

4 Wake, and lift up thyself, my heart,
And with the angels bear thy part,
Who all night long, unwearied, sing
High praise to the Eternal King.

5 I wake, I wake, ye heavenly choir,
May your devotion me inspire,
That I, like you, my age may spend,
Like you, may on my God attend.

6 May I, like you, in God delight,
Have all day long my God in sight.
Perform, like you, my Maker's will;
Oh may I never more do ill!

7 Lord, I my vows to Thee renew,
Disperse my sins as morning dew,
Guard my first springs of thought and will,
And with Thyself my spirit fill.

8 Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him all creatures here below,
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host,
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Thomas Ken, 1697.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1024 — A Hymn for Morning or Evening.
1024A Hymn for Morning or Evening.C.M.
1 HOSANNA, with a cheerful sound,
To God's upholding band;
Ten thousand snares attend us round,
And yet secure we stand.

2 That was a most amazing power
That raised us with a word,
And every day, and every hour,
We lean upon the Lord.

3 The evening rests our wearied head,
And angels guard the room,
We wake, and we admire the bed
That was not made our tomb.

4 The rising morning can't assure
That we shall end the day;
For death stands ready at the door
To take our lives away.

5 Our breath is forfeited by sin
To God's avenging law;
We own Thy grace, immortal King,
In every gasp we draw.

6 God is our sun, whose daily light
Our joy and safety brings;
Our feeble flesh lies safe at night
Beneath His shady wings.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1025 — Keep us, O Lord, this Day.
1025Keep us, O Lord, this Day.C.M.
1 NOW that the sun is beaming bright,
Once more to God we pray,
That He, the uncreated Light,
May guide our souls this day.

2 No sinful word, nor deed of wrong,
Nor thoughts that idly rove;
But simple truth be on our tongue,
And in our hearts be love.

3 And while the hours in order flow,
O Christ, securely fence
Our gates beleaguer'd by the foe,
The gate of every sense.

4 And grant that to Thine honour, Lord,
Our daily toil may tend;
That we begin it at Thy word,
And in Thy favour end.
St. Ambrose, Fourth Century;
Hymns for Public and Private Use, 1847.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1026 — Thanks.
1026Thanks.C.M.
1 LORD, for the mercies of the night,
My humble thanks, I pay;
And unto Thee I dedicate
The first-fruits of the day.

2 Let this day praise Thee, O my God,
And so let all my days;
And oh let mine eternal day
Be Thine eternal praise!
John Mason, 1683.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Evening
1027 — Seeking an Evening Blessing.
1027Seeking an Evening Blessing.8.7.
1 SAVIOUR, breathe an evening blessing,
Ere repose our spirits seal;
Sin and want we come confessing;
Thou canst save, and Thou canst heal.

2 Though destruction walk around us,
Though the arrow past us fly,
Angel-guards from Thee surround us,
We are safe, if Thou art nigh.

3 Though the night be dark and dreary,
Darkness cannot hide from Thee;
Thou art He, who, never weary,
Watchest where Thy people be.

4 Should swift death this night o'ertake us,
And our couch become our tomb;
May the morn, in heaven awake us,
Glad in light and deathless bloom.
James Edmeston, 1820.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1028 — "Abide with us."
1028"Abide with us."L.M.
1 SUN of my soul, Thou Saviour dear,
It is not night if Thou be near:
Oh! may no earth-born cloud arise
To hide Thee from Thy servant's eyes.

2 When the soft dews of kindly sleep
My wearied eyelids gently steep,
Be my last thought, how sweet to rest
For ever on my Saviour's breast!

3 Abide with me from morn till eve,
For without Thee I cannot live;
Abide with me when night is nigh,
For without Thee I dare not die.

4 If some poor wandering child of Thine
Have spurn'd to-day the voice divine,
Now, Lord, the gracious work begin;
Let him no more lie down in sin.

5 Watch by the sick; enrich the poor
With blessings from Thy boundless store;
Be every mourner's sleep to-night,
Like infant's slumbers, pure and light.

6 Come near and bless us when we wake,
Ere through the world our way we take;
Till in the ocean of Thy love
We lose ourselves in heaven above.
John Keble, 1827.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1029 — Prayer at Eventide.
1029Prayer at Eventide.7s.
1 SOFTLY now the light of day
Fades upon my sight away;
Free from care, from labour free,
Lord, I would commune with Thee!

2 Thou whose all-pervading eye
Nought escapes, without, within,
Pardon each infirmity,
Open fault and secret sin.

3 Soon for me the light of day
Shall for ever pass away;
Then, from sin and sorrow free,
Take me, Lord, to dwell with Thee!

4 Thou who, sinless, yet hast known
All of man's infirmity;
Then, from Thine eternal throne,
Jesus, look with pitying eye.
George W. Doane, 1826.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1030 — An Evening Song.
1030An Evening Song.C.M.
1 DREAD Sovereign, let my evening song
Like holy incense rise;
Assist the offerings of my tongue
To reach the lofty skies.

2 Through all the dangers of the day
Thy hand was still my guard;
And still to drive my wants away,
Thy mercy stood prepared.

3 Perpetual blessings from above
Encompass me around,
But oh how few returns of love
Hath my Creator found!

4 What have I done for Him that died
To save my wretched soul?
How are my follies multiplied,
Fast as my minutes roll!

5 Lord, with this guilty heart of mine
To Thy dear cross I flee;
And to Thy grace my soul resign,
To be renew'd by Thee.

6 Sprinkled afresh with pardoning blood,
I lay me down to rest,
As in the embraces of my God,
Or on my Saviour's breast.
Isaac Watts, 1709
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1031 — Beneath the Almighty Wings.
1031Beneath the Almighty Wings.L.M.
1 GLORY to Thee, my God, this night,
For all the blessings of the light;
Keep me, oh keep me, King of kings,
Beneath Thine own almighty wings.

2 Forgive me, Lord, for Thy dear Son,
The ill that I this day have done:
That with the world, myself, and Thee,
I, ere I sleep, at peace may be.

3 Teach me to live, that I may dread
The grave as little as my bed;
Teach me to die, that so I may
Rise glorious at the judgment day.

4 Oh may ray soul on Thee repose,
And with sweet sleep mine eyelids close;
Sleep that may me more vigorous make
To serve my God when I awake.

5 When in the night I sleepless He,
My soul with heavenly thoughts supply,
Let no ill dreams disturb my rest,
No powers of darkness me molest.

6 Oh when shall I in endless day,
For ever chase dark sleep away;
And endless praise with th' heavenly choir,
Incessant sing, and never tire?
Thomas Ken, 1697, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1032 — An Evening Hymn.
1032An Evening Hymn.C.M.
1 NOW from the altar of my heart,
Let incense-flames arise;
Assist me, Lord, to offer up
Mine evening sacrifice.

2 Minutes and mercies multiplied,
Have made up all this day;
Minutes came quick, but mercies were
More fleet and free than they.

3 New time, new favour, and new joys,
Do a new song require;
Till I should praise Thee as I would,
Accept my heart's desire.

4 Lord of my time, whose hand hath set
New time upon my score;
Thee may I praise for all my time,
When time shall be no more.
John Mason, 1683.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Harvest
1033 — Harvest.
1033Harvest.L.M.
1 GREAT God, as seasons disappear,
And changes mark the rolling year,
Thy favour still has crown'd our days,
And we would celebrate Thy praise.

2 The harvest-song we would repeat;
Thou givest us the finest wheat;
The joys of harvest we have known;
The praise, O Lord, is all Thine own.

3 Our tables spread, our garners stored,
Oh give us hearts to bless Thee, Lord,
Forbid it, Source of light and love,
That hearts and lives should barren prove.

4 Another harvest comes apace;
Ripen our spirits by Thy grace,
That we may calmly meet the blow
The sickle gives to lay us low.

5 That so, when angel-reapers come
To gather sheaves to Thy blest home,
Our spirits may be borne on high
To Thy safe garner in the sky.
Edmund Butcher. 1796. a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1034 — A Harvest Hymn.
1034A Harvest Hymn.C.M.
1 TO praise the ever-bounteous Lord,
My soul, wake all thy powers;
He calls, and at His voice come forth
The smiling harvest hours.

2 His covenant with the earth He keeps
My tongue His goodness sing;
Summer and winter know their time,
His harvest crowns the spring.

3 Well-pleased the toiling swains behold
The waving yellow crop;
With joy they bear the sheaves away,
And sow again in hope.

4 Thus teach me, gracious God, to sow
The seeds of righteousness:
Smile on my soul, and with Thy beams,
The ripening harvest bless.

5 Then in the last great harvest, I
Shall reap a glorious crop;
The harvest shall by far exceed
What I have sown in hope.

6 Oh may the promised blissful hour,
The welcome season come,
When all Thy servants shall unite
To shout the harvest home.

7 A joyful harvest they shall have
Who now in sadness sow;
And those shall live to sing above,
Who wept for sin below.
John Needham, 1768.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

New Year
1035 — Grateful Recollections.
1035Grateful Recollections.8.7.
1 COME, Thou fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace,
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above:
Praise the mount—oh fix me on it,
Mount of God's unchanging love.

2 Here I raise my Ebenezer;
Hither by Thine help I'm come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood.

3 Oh to grace how great a debtor
Daily I'm constrain'd to be!
Let that grace, now, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it;
Prone to leave the God I love—
Here's my heart, oh take and seal it,
Seal it from Thy courts above.
Selina, Countess of Huntingdon, 1760.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1036 — Ebenezer.
1036Ebenezer.S.M.
1 LET hearts and tongues unite,
And loud thanksgivings raise;
'Tis duty, mingled with delight,
To slug the Saviour's praise.

2 When in our blood we lay,
He would not let us die,
Because His love had fix'd a day
To bring salvation nigh.

3 In childhood and in youth
His eye was on us still;
Though strangers to His love and truth,
And prone to cross His will.

4 And since His name we knew,
How gracious has He been!
What dangers has He led us through,
What mercies have we seen!

5 Now through another year,
Supported by His care,
We raise our Ebenezer here,
"The Lord has help'd thus far."

6 Our lot in future years,
Unable to foresee,
He kindly to prevent our fears,
Says, "Leave it all to Me."

7 Yea, Lord, we wish to cast
Our cares upon Thy breast,
Help us to praise Thee for the past,
And trust Thee for the rest.
John Newton, 1779.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1037 — Another Year.
1037Another Year.L.M.
1 FATHER of mercies! God of love!
Whose kind compassion still we prove,
Our praise accept, and bless us here,
As brought to this—another year.

2 We sing Thy goodness all divine,
Whose radiant beams around us shine;
'Tis through Thy goodness we appear
Preserved to this—another year.

3 Our souls, our all we here resign;
Make us, and keep us ever Thine;
And grant that in Thy love and fear
We may begin—another year.

4 Be this our sweet experience still,
To know and do Thine holy will;
Then shall our souls, with joy sincere,
Bless Thee for this—another year.

5 Still, Lord, through life Thy love display,
And then in death's approaching day,
We'll joyful part with all that's here,
Nor wish on earth—another year.
Samuel Medley, 1789.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1038 — Goodness sought
1038Goodness soughtL.M.
1 GREAT GOD, we sing that mighty hand,
By which supported still we stand:
The opening year Thy mercy shows;
Let mercy crown it, till it close.

2 By day, by night, at home, abroad,
Still are we guarded by our God:
By His incessant bounty fed,
By His unerring counsel led.

3 With grateful hearts the past we own;
The future, all to us unknown,
We to Thy guardian care commit,
And peaceful leave before Thy feet.

4 In scenes exalted or depress'd,
Thou art our joy, and Thou our rest;
Thy goodness all our hopes shall raise,
Adored through all our changing days.

5 When death shall interrupt these songs,
And seal in silence mortal tongues,
Our helper, God, in whom we trust,
In better worlds our souls shall boast.
Philip Doddridge, 1755.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1039 — God's Help reviewed.
1039God's Help reviewed.L.M.
1 MY helper God! I bless His name:
The same His power, His grace the same;
The tokens of His friendly care
Open, and crown, and close the year.

2 I, 'midst ten thousand dangers, stand,
Supported by His guardian hand;
And see, when I survey my ways,
Ten thousand monuments of praise.

3 Thus far His arm hath led me on;
Thus far I make His mercy known;
And, while I tread this desert land,
New mercies shall new songs demand.

4 My grateful soul, on Jordan's shore,
Shall raise one sacred pillar more:
Then bear, in His bright courts above,
Inscriptions of immortal love.
Philip Doddridge, 1755.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1040 — A Birth-day Hymn.
1040A Birth-day Hymn.7s.
1 I MY Ebenezer raise
To my kind Redeemer's praise;
With a grateful heart I own
Hitherto Thy help I've known.

2 What may be my future lot
Well I know concerns me not;
This should set my heart at rest,
What Thy will ordains is best.

3 I my all to Thee resign;
Father, let Thy will be mine:
May but all Thy dealings prove
Fruits of Thy paternal love.

4 Guard me, Saviour, by Thy power,
Guard me in the trying hour:
Let Thy unremitted care
Save me from the lurking snare.

5 Let my few remaining days
Be directed to Thy praise;
Bo the last, the closing scene,
Shall be tranquil and serene.

6 To Thy will I leave the rest,
Grant me but this one request,
Both in life and death to prove
Tokens of Thy special love.
John Fawcett, 1782.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1041 — Shortness and Uncertainty of Life.
1041Shortness and Uncertainty of Life.7s.
1 WHILE with ceaseless course the sun
Rolls along the passing year,
Many souls their race have run,
Never more to meet us here.

2 Fix'd in an eternal state,
They have done with all below;
We a little longer wait,
But how little—none can know.

3 Swiftly thus our fleeting days
Bear us down life's rapid stream!
Upwards, Lord, our spirits raise;
All below is but a dream.

4 Bless Thy word to young and old;
Fill us with a Saviour's love;
And when life's short tale is told,
May we dwell with Thee above.
John Newton, 1779.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1042 — Prospect of another Year.
1042Prospect of another Year.7s.
1 FOR Thy mercy and Thy grace,
Constant through another year,
Hear our song of thankfulness;
Jesu, our Redeemer, hear.

2 In our weakness and distress,
Rock of Strength, be Thou our stay:
In the pathless wilderness
Be our true and living way.

3 Who of us death's awful road
In the coming year shall tread,
With Thy rod and staff, O God,
Comfort Thou his dying bed.

4 Make us faithful, make us pure,
Keep us evermore Thine own,
Help Thy servants to endure,
Fit us for the promised crown.

5 So within Thy palace gate
We shall praise, on golden strings,
Thee the only Potentate,
Lord of lords, and King of kings.
Henry Downton, 1843.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1043 — Watchnight.
1043Watchnight.148th.
1 YE virgin souls, arise,
With all the dead awake!
Unto salvation wise,
Oil in your vessels take:
Upstarting at the midnight cry,
"Behold your heavenly Bridegroom nigh!"

2 He comes, He comes, to call
The nations to His bar,
And raise to glory all
Who fit for glory are:
Make ready for your full reward;
Go forth with joy to meet your Lord.

3 Go, meet Him in the sky;
Your everlasting Friend:
Your Head to glorify,
With all His saints ascend:
Ye pure in heart, obtain the grace
To see, without a veil, His face.

4 The everlasting doors
Shall soon the saints receive,
Above yon angel-powers
In glorious joy to live!
Far from a world of grief and sin,
With God eternally shut in.

5 Then let us wait to hear
The trumpet's welcome sound;
To see our Lord appear,
Let us be watching found,
When Jesus doth the heavens bow,
Be found—as, Lord, Thou find'st us now!
Charles Wesley, 1749.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Marriage
1044 — Marriage.
1044Marriage.7s.
1 DEIGN this union to approve,
And confirm it, God of love,
Bless Thy servants; on their head
Now the oil of gladness shed:
In this nuptial bond to Thee
Let them consecrated be.

2 In prosperity, be near,
To preserve them in Thy fear;
In affliction, let Thy smile
All the woes of life beguile:
And when every change is past,
Take them to Thyself at last.
William Bengo Collyer, 1837.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1045 — A Wedding Hymn.
1045A Wedding Hymn.C.M.
1 SINCE Jesus freely did appear,
To grace a marriage feast,
O Lord, we ask Thy presence here,
To make a wedding-guest.

2 Upon the bridal pair look down,
Who now have plighted hands;
Their union with Thy favour crown,
And bless their nuptial bands.

3 With gifts of grace their hearts endow,
Of all rich dowries best;
Their substance bless, and peace bestow
To sweeten all the rest.

4 In purest love their souls unite,
That they with Christian care,
May make domestic burdens light,
By taking mutual share.
John Berridge, 1785, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1046 — Truly One.
1046Truly One.7s.
1 FATHER of the human race,
Sanction with Thy heavenly grace
What on earth hath now been done,
That these twain be truly one.

2 One in sickness and in health,
One in poverty and wealth,
And, as year rolls after year,
Each to other still more dear.

3 One in purpose, one in heart,
Till the mortal stroke shall part;
One in cheerful piety,
One for ever, Lord, with Thee.
William Bengo Collyer, 1837.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Dismission
1047 — "Show me a Token for Good."
1047"Show me a Token for Good."8.7.4.
GRANT us, Lord, some gracious token
Of Thy love before we part;
Crown Thy Word which has been spoken,
Life and peace to each impart!
And all blessings Which shall sanctify the heart.
Thomas Kelly, 1804;
John Rippon, 1829.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1048 — "I will not let Thee go except Thou bless me."
1048"I will not let Thee go except Thou bless me."8.7.4.
1 GOD of our salvation, hear us;
Bless, oh bless us, ere we go:
When we join the world, be near us,
Lest Thy people careless grow:
Saviour, keep us,
Keep us safe from every foe.

2 As our steps are drawing nearer
To our best and lasting home,
May our view of heaven grow clearer,
Hope more bright of joys to come;
And when dying,
May Thy presence cheer the gloom.
Thomas Kelly, 1815.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1049 — Hymn and Chorus at Parting.
1049Hymn and Chorus at Parting.6s.
1 COME, brethren, ere we part,
Bless the Redeemer's name;
Join every tongue and heart,
To adore and praise the Lamb.
Jesus, the sinner's Friend,
Him whom our souls adore,
His praises have no end;
Praise Him for evermore.

2 Lord, in Thy grace we came,
That blessing still impart;
We met in Jesu's name,
In Jesu's name we part.
Jesus, &c.

3 If here we meet no more,
May we, in realms above,
With all the saints adore Redeeming grace and love.
Jesus, &c.
Joseph Hart, 1762;
Robert Hawker, 1801.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1050 — Dismission.
1050Dismission.L.M.
1 COME, Christian brethren, ere we part
Join every voice and every heart,
One solemn hymn to God we raise,
The closing song of grateful praise.

2 Christians, we here may meet no more,
But there is yet a happier shore;
And there, released from toil and pain,
Dear brethren, we shall meet again.

3 And now to God, the Three in One,
Be everlasting glory done;
Raise, raise, ye saints, the sound again;
Ye nations join the loud Amen.
Henry Kirke White, 1805, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1051 — Parting.
1051Parting.S.M.
1 ONCE more, before we part,
We'll bless the Saviour's name,
Record His mercies every heart;
Sing every tongue the same.

2 Hoard up His sacred word,
And feed thereon and grow;
Go on to seek to know the Lord,
And practise what you know.
Joseph Hart, 1762.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1052 — At Dismission.
1052At Dismission.8.7.4.
1 LORD, dismiss us with Thy blessing,
Fill our hearts with joy and peace;
Let us each, Thy love possessing,
Triumph in redeeming grace:
O refresh us!
Travelling through this wilderness.

2 Thanks we give, and adoration,
For Thy gospel's joyful sound:
May the fruits of Thy salvation
In our hearts and lives abound
May Thy presence
With us, evermore, be found!

3 So whene'er the signal's given,
Us from earth to call away,
Borne on angel's wings to heaven,
Glad the summons to obey,
We shall surely
Reign with Christ in endless day!
Walter Shirley, 177
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1053 — The Benediction.
1053The Benediction.8.7
MAY the grace of Christ our Saviour
And the Father's boundless love,
With the Holy Spirit's favour,
Rest upon us from above!

Thus may we abide in union
With each other and the Lord;
And possess, in sweet communion,
Joys which earth cannot afford.
John Newton, 1779.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1054 — Benediction.
1054Benediction.C.M.
1 NOW may the God of peace and love
Who from th' imprisoning grave
Restored the Shepherd of the sheep,
Omnipotent to save;

2 Through the rich merits of that blood
Which He on Calvary spilt,
To make the eternal covenant sure
On which our hopes are built;

3 Perfect our souls in every grace,
To accomplish all His will,
And all that's pleasing in His sight
Inspire us to fulfil!

4 For the great Mediator's sake,
We for these blessings pray;
With glory let His name be crown'd
Through heaven's eternal day!
Thomas Gibbons, 1769.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Blessing and Thanks
1055 — Before Meat.
1055Before Meat.L.M.
OUR Father, bless the bounteous store
Wherewith Thou hast our table spread,
With grateful songs we all adore,
And bless the hand by which we're fed.
Charles H. Spurgeon, 1866.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1056 — Before Meat.
1056Before Meat.8.7.4.
HEAVENLY Father, grant Thy blessing
On the food before us spread,
All our tongues are now confessing,
By Thy hand alone we're fed,
And Thou givest,
Best of all, the living bread.
Charles H. Spurgeon, 1866.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1057 — Before Meat.
1057Before Meat.L.M.
BE present at our table, Lord,
Be here and everywhere adored,
These mercies bless, and grant that we
May feast in Paradise with Thee.
John Cennick, 1741, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1058 — After Meat.
1058After Meat.8.7.
JOIN to bless the bounteous Giver,
For the food He here bestows;
From His goodness like a river
Every earthly blessing flows.
Charles H. Spurgeon, 1866.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1059 — After Meat.
1059After Meat.C.M.
WE thank Thee, Father, for the love
Which feeds us here below,
And hope in fairer realms above,
Celestial feasts to know.
Charles H. Spurgeon, 1866
—Our Own Hymn-Book

"Omitted"
1060 — Not ashamed of Jesus.
1060Not ashamed of Jesus.L.M.

1 Jesus! and shall it ever be?
A mortal man ashamed of Thee!
Ashamed of Thee, whom angels praise,
Whose glories shine thro' endless days.

2 Ashamed of Jesus! sooner far
Let evening blush to own a star;
He sheds the beams of light divine
O'er this benighted soul of mine.

3 Ashamed of Jesus! just as soon
Let midnight be ashamed of noon:
'Tis midnight with my soul, till He,
Bright Morning Star, bid darkness flee

4 Ashamed of Jesus! that dear Friend
On whom my hopes of heaven depend!
No: when I blush, be this my shame,
That I no more revere His name.

5 Ashamed of Jesus! yes, I may,
When I've no guilt to wash away;
No tear to wipe, no good to crave,
No fears to quell, no soul to save.

6 Till then—nor is my boasting vain—
Till then I boast a Saviour slain!
And oh, may this my glory be,
That Christ is not ashamed of me!
Joseph Grigg, 1765.
Benjamin Francis, 1787.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

As the various versions of Psalms amount to 70 more than the numbering indicates, there is a total of 1130 Psalms and Hymns in this volume.

Our own Hymn book part 8

2012-01-26T15:54:00.000-08:00

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

832-935

click here for part 1

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Burial Hymns
832 — Burial of a Saint.
832Burial of a Saint.C.M.
1 WHY do we mourn departing friends,
Or shake at death's alarms!
'Tis but the voice that Jesus sends
To call them to His arms.

2 Why should we tremble to convey
Their bodies to the tomb?
There the dear flesh of Jesus lay,
And left a long perfume.

3 The graves of all His saints He bless'd,
And soften'd every bed:
Where should the dying members rest,
But with the dying Head?

4 Thence He arose, ascending high,
And show'd our feet the way;
Up to the Lord our flesh shall fly,
At the great rising day.

5 Then let the last loud trumpet sound,
And bid our kindred rise;
Awake, ye nations, under ground;
Ye saints, ascend the skies.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

833 — "Blessed are the Dead that die in the Lord."
833"Blessed are the Dead that die in the Lord."C.M.
1 HEAR what the voice from heaven proclaims
For all the pious dead.
Sweet is the savour of their names,
And soft their sleeping bed.

2 They die in Jesus, and are bless'd;
How kind their slumbers are!
From sufferings and from sins released,
And freed from every snare.

3 Far from this world of toil and strife,
They're present with the Lord:
The labours of their mortal life
End in a large reward.
Isaac Watts, 1709
—Our Own Hymn-Book

834 — The Grave a Bedchamber.
834The Grave a Bedchamber.L.M.
1 UNVEIL thy bosom, faithful tomb;
Take this new treasure to thy trust,
And give these sacred relics room
To seek a slumber in the dust.

2 Nor pain, nor grief, nor anxious fear,
Invades thy bounds; no mortal woes
Can reach the lovely sleepers here;
And angels watch their soft repose.

3 So Jesus slept: God's dying Son
Pass'd through the grave, and blest the bed,
Rest here, dear saint, till from His throne
The morning break, and pierce the shade,

4 Break from His throne, illustrious morn
Attend, O earth, His sovereign word;
Restore thy trust, a glorious form:
He must ascend to meet his Lord.
Isaac Watts, 1734
—Our Own Hymn-Book

835 — Housed and Happy.
835Housed and Happy.C.M.
1 OH happy they, who safely housed,
To Jesus' bosom fly,
Before the storm of wrath is roused;
Yes, happy they who die

2 Care, pain, and grief, the wild array
Of sorrows felt below,
The dread of trial's fiery day,
Of persecution's glow;

3 All, all is o'er, with those at rest,
For Jesus' sake forgiven!
No heavings of the anxious breast,
No sickening fear, in heaven.

4 Why linger then, with strange desire,
Where reeks the deadly strife,
And shrink, unwilling to retire,
To everlasting life?

5 Oh were it not for those he leaves
Lone in a desert land,
'Tis wondrous when a Christian grieves
To find his home at hand.
Ann Gilbert, 1842.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

836 — Submission.
836Submission.C.M.
1 PEACE!—tis the Lord Jehovah's hand
That blasts our joys in death,
Changes the visage once so dear,
And gathers back the breath.

2 'Tis He—the Potentate supreme
Of all the worlds above,
Whose steady counsels wisely rule,
Nor from their purpose move.

3 Our covenant God and Father He,
In Christ our bleeding Lord;
Whose grace can heal the bursting heart
With one reviving word.

4 Fair garlands of immortal bliss
He weaves for every brow;
And shall tumultuous passions rise,
If He corrects us now?

5 Silent I own Jehovah's name,
I kiss the scourging hand;
And yield my comforts, and my life
To Thy supreme command.
Philip Doddridge, 1755.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

837 — Funeral of a Young Person.
837Funeral of a Young Person.C.M.
1 WHEN blooming youth is snatch'd away
By death's resistless hand,
Our hearts the mournful tribute pay,
Which pity must demand.

2 While pity prompts the rising sigh,
Oh may this truth, impress'd
With awful power—"I too must die!"
Sink deep in every breast.

3 Let this vain world engage no more:
Behold the gaping tomb!
It bids us seize the present hour:
To-morrow death may come.

4 The voice of this alarming scene,
May every heart obey;
Nor be the heavenly warning vain,
Which calls to watch and Dray.

5 Oh, let us fly—to Jesus fly,
Whose powerful arm can save;
Then shall our hopes ascend on high;
And triumph o'er the grave.

6 Great God, Thy sovereign grace impart,
With cleansing, healing power;
This only can prepare the heart
For death's surprising hour.
Anne Steele, 1760.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

838 — Consolation concerning a Minister's Death.
838Consolation concerning a Minister's Death.C.M.
1 NOW let our mourning hearts revive,
And all our tears be dry;
Why should those eyes be drown'd in grief,
Which view a Saviour nigh?

2 What though the arm of conquering death,
Does God's own house invade;
What though the prophet and the priest
Be numbered with the dead?

3 Though earthly shepherds dwell in dust,
The aged and the young,
The watchful eye in darkness closed,
And mute the instructive tongue;

4 The eternal Shepherd still survives,
New comfort to impart;
His eye still guides us, and His voice
Still animates our heart.

5 "Lo, I am with you," saith the Lord,
"My church shall safe abide;
For I will ne'er forsake My own,
Whose souls in Me confide."

6 Through every scene of life and death,
This promise is our trust;
And this shall be our children's song,
When we are cold in dust.
Philip Doddridge, 1755.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Resurrection
839 — "I know that my Redeemer liveth."
839"I know that my Redeemer liveth."L.M.
1 I KNOW that my Redeemer lives:
This thought transporting pleasure gives,
And standing, at the latter day,
On earth, His glories will display.

2 And though this goodly mortal frame
Sink to the dust, from whence it came;
Though burled in the silent tomb,
Worms shall my skin and flesh consume;

3 Yet on that happy rising morn,
New life this body shall adorn;
These active powers refined shall be,
And God, my Saviour, I shall sec.

4 Though perish'd all my cold remains,
Though all consumed my heart and reins
Yet for myself, my wondering eyes
God shall behold, with glad surprise.
John Williams, 1801
—Our Own Hymn-Book

840 — "Behold, He cometh."
840"Behold, He cometh."C.M.
1 THE time draws nigh when from the clouds
Christ shall with shouts descend,
And the last trumpet's awful voice
The heavens and earth shall rend.

2 Then they who live shall changed be,
And they who sleep shall wake;
The graves shall yield their ancient charge,
And earth's foundations shake.

3 The saints of God, from death set free,
With joy shall mount on high;
The heavenly hosts with praises loud
Shall meet them in the sky.

4 Together to their Father's house
With joyful hearts they go,
And dwell for ever with the Lord,
Beyond the reach of woe.
Michael Bruce, 1768.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

841 — Hope of Heaven by the Resurrection of Christ.
841Hope of Heaven by the Resurrection of Christ.C.M.
1 BLESS'D be the everlasting God,
The Father of our Lord;
Be His abounding mercy praised,
His majesty adored.

2 When from the dead He raised His Son,
And call'd Him to the sky,
He gave our souls a lively hope
That they should never die.

3 What though our inbred sins require
Our flesh to see the dust;
Yet as the Lord our Saviour rose,
So all His followers must.

4 There's an inheritance divine
Reserved against that day;
'Tis uncorrupted, undefiled,
And cannot fade away.

5 Saints by the power of God are kept
Till the salvation come;
We walk by faith, as strangers here,
Till Christ shall call us home.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

842 — The Hope of Resurrection.
842The Hope of Resurrection.S.M.
1 AND must this body die?
This mortal frame decay?
And must these active limbs of mine
Lie mouldering in the clay?

2 Corruption, earth, and worms
Shall but refine this flesh,
Till my triumphant spirit comes
To put it on afresh.

3 God my Redeemer lives,
And often from the skies
Looks down and watches all my dust,
Till He shall bid it rise.

4 Array'd in glorious grace
Shall these vile bodies shine:
And every shape, and every face,
Look heavenly and divine.

5 These lively hopes we owe
To Jesus' dying love;
We would adore His grace below,
And sing His power above.

6 Dear Lord, accept the praise
Of these our humble songs,
Till tunes of nobler sound we raise
With our immortal tongues.
Isaac Watts, 1709
—Our Own Hymn-Book

843 — I shall arise.
843I shall arise.148th.
1 MY life's a shade, my days
A pace to death decline;
My Lord is Life, He'll raise
My dust again, even mine.
Sweet truth to me! I shall arise,
And with these eyes
My Saviour see.

2 My peaceful grave shall keep
My bones till that sweet day,
I wake from my long sleep
And leave my bed of clay.
Sweet truth to me!
I shall arise,
And with these eyes
My Saviour see.

3 My Saviour's angels shall
Their golden trumpets sound,
At whose most welcome call
My grave shall be unbound.
Sweet truth to me! I shall arise,
And with these eyes
My Saviour see.
Samuel Crossman, 1664.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

844 — Death wallowed up in Victory.
844Death wallowed up in Victory.112th.
1 WE sing His love who once was slain,
Who soon o'er death revived again,
That all His saints through Him might have
Eternal conquests o'er the grave,
Soon shall the trumpet sound, and we
Shall rise to immortality.

2 The saints who now in Jesus sleep,
His own almighty power shall keep,
Till dawns the bright illustrious day,
When death itself shall die away.
Soon shall, &c.

3 How loud shall our glad voices sing,
When Christ His risen saints shall bring
From beds of dust, and silent clay,
To realms of everlasting day!
Soon shall, &c.

4 When Jesus we in glory meet,
Our utmost joys shall be complete:
When landed on that heavenly shore,
Death and the curse will be no more!
Soon shall, &c.

5 Hasten, dear Lord, the glorious day,
And this delightful scene display:
When all Thy saints from death shall rise,
Raptured in bliss beyond the skies.
Soon shall, &c
Rowland Hill, 1796.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Aspirations for Heaven
845 — "To be with Christ is far better."
845"To be with Christ is far better."C.M.
1 OH, how I long to reach ray home,
My glorious home in heaven!
And wish the joyful hour were come,
The welcome mandate given!

2 Oh, how I long to lay aside
These worn-out weeds of clay;
And, led by my celestial Guide,
T' explore yon azure way!

3 Oh, how I long to be with Christ,
Where all His glory beams!
To be from this dark world dismiss'd,
Which His dear name blasphemes!

4 Oh, how I long that world to hall,
Where sin can ne'er defile!
Where not a cloud shall ever veil
From me my Saviour's smile!

5 Oh, how I long to join the choir
Who worship at His feet!
Lord, grant me soon my heart's desire!
Soon, soon Thy work complete!
Charlotte Elliot, 1834.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

846 — "For ever with the Lord."
846"For ever with the Lord."S.M.
1 "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 foreseeing 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 "For ever with the Lord!"
Father, if tis Thy will,
The promise of that faithful word,
Even here to me fulfill.

6 Be Thou at my right hand,
Then can I never fail,
Uphold Thou me, and I shall stand,
Fight, and I must prevail.

7 So when my latest breath
Shall rend the veil in twain,
By death I shall escape from death,
And life eternal gain.

8 Knowing as I am known,
How shall I love that word,
And oft repeat before the throne,
"For ever with the Lord!"

9 Then, though the soul enjoy
Communion high and sweet,
While worms this body must destroy,
Both shall in glory meet.

10 That resurrection word,
That shout of victory,
Once more, "For ever with the Lord!"
Amen—so let it be!
James Montgomery, 1835.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

847 — Let me be with Thee.
847Let me be with Thee.L.M.
1 LET me bo with Thee where Thou art,
My Saviour, my eternal rest!
Then only will this longing heart
Be fully and for ever blest.

2 Let me be with Thee where Thou art,
Thy unveil'd glory to behold;
Then only will this wandering heart
Cease to be faithless, treacherous, cold.

3 Let me be with Thee, where Thou art,
Where spotless saints Thy name adore;
Then only will this sinful heart
Be evil and denied no more.

4 Let me be with Thee, where Thou art,
Where none can die, where none remove;
Where life nor death my soul can part,
From Thy blest presence and Thy love.
Charlotte Elliott, 1836.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

848 — The Pilgrim's Song.
848The Pilgrim's Song.11s.
1 MY rest is in heaven, my rest is not here,
Then why should I tremble when trials are near?
Be hush'd my dark spirit, the worst that can come
But shortens thy journey, and hastens thee home.

2 It is not for me to be seeking my bliss,
Or building my hopes in a region like this;
I look for a city that hands have not piled,
I pant for a country by sin undefiled.

3 Afflictions may press me, they cannot destroy,
One glimpse of His love turns them all into joy;
And the bitterest tears, if He smile but on them,
Like dew in the sunshine, grow diamond and gem.

4 Let doubt, then, and danger my progress oppose,
They only make heaven more sweet at the close:
Come joy or come sorrow, whate'er may befall,
An hour with my God will make up for them all.

5 A scrip on my back, and & staff in my hand,
I march on in haste through an enemy's land;
The road may be rough, but it cannot be long,
And I'll smooth it with hope, and cheer it with song.
Henry Francis Lyte, 1834.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

849 — "This is not your Rest."
849"This is not your Rest."8.7.
1 THIS is not my place of resting,
Mine's a city yet to come;
Onward to it I am hasting—
On to my eternal home.

2 In it all is light and glory;
O'er it shines a nightless day:
Every trace of sin's sad story,
All the curse, hath pass'd away.

3 There the Lamb, our Shepherd leads us,
By the streams of life along,
On the freshest pastures feeds us,
Turns our sighing into song.

4 Soon we pass this desert dreary,
Soon we bid farewell to pain:
Never more arc sad or weary,
Never, never sin again!
Horatius Bonar, 1856.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

850 — Rising to God.
850Rising to God.L.M.
1 NOW let our souls on wings sublime
Rise from the vanities of time,
Draw back the parting veil, and see
The glories of eternity.

2 Twice born by a celestial birth,
Why should we grovel here on earth?
Why grasp at transitory toys,
So near to heaven's eternal joys?

3 Shall aught beguile us on the road,
When we are travelling back to God?
For strangers into life we come,
And dying is but going home.

4 Welcome, sweet hour of full discharge,
That sets my longing soul at large,
Unbinds my chains, breaks up my cell,
And gives me with my God to dwell.

5 To dwell with God, to feel His love,
Is the full heaven enjoy'd above;
And the sweet expectation now
Is the young dawn of heaven below.
Thomas Gibbons, 1762.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

851 — "Present with the Lord."
851"Present with the Lord."C.M.
1 THERE is a house not made with hands,
Eternal and on high,
And here my spirit waiting stands
Till God shall bid it fly.

2 Shortly this prison of my clay
Must be dissolved and fall:
Then, O my soul! with joy obey
Thy heavenly Father's call.

3 'Tis He, by His almighty grace,
That forms thee fit for heaven,
And, as an earnest of the place,
Has His own Spirit given.

4 We walk by faith of joys to come,
Faith lives upon His word:
But while the body is our home,
We're absent from the Lord.

5 'Tis pleasant to believe Thy grace,
But we had rather see;
We would be absent from the flesh,
And present, Lord, with Thee.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

852 — The Church Triumphant.
852The Church Triumphant.C.M.
1 GIVE me the wings of faith to rise
Within the veil, and see
The saints above, how great their joys,
How bright their glories be.

2 Once they were mourning here below,
And wet their couch with tears;
They wrestled hard, as we do now,
With sins, and doubts, and fears.

3 I ask them whence their victory came?
They, with united breath,
Ascribe their conquest to the Lamb,
Their triumph to His death.

4 They mark'd the footsteps that He trod,
His zeal inspired their breast,
And, following their incarnate God,
Possess the promised rest.

5 Our glorious Leader claims our praise
For His own pattern given,
While the long cloud of witnesses
Show the same path to heaven.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

853 — Longing to worship in Heaven.
853Longing to worship in Heaven.C.M.
1 FATHER, I long. I faint to see
The place of Thine abode;
I'd leave Thy earthly courts, and flee
Up to Thy seat, my God!

2 Here I behold Thy distant face,
And 'tis a pleasing sight;
But to abide in Thine embrace
Is infinite delight.

3 I'd part with all the joys of sense
To gaze upon Thy throne:
Pleasures spring fresh for ever thence,
Unspeakable, unknown.

4 There all the heavenly hosts are seen,
In shining ranks they move:
And drink immortal vigour in,
With wonder and with love.

5 Then at Thy feet with awful fear
The adoring armies fall;
With joy they shrink to nothing there,
Before th' Eternal ALL.

6 There I would vie with all the host
In duty and in bliss;
While less than nothing, I could boast,
And vanity confess.

7 The more Thy glories strike mine eyes,
The humbler I shall lie;
Thus, while I sink, my joys shall rise
Immeasurably high.
Isaac Watts, 1709
—Our Own Hymn-Book

854 — "For here have toe no continuing City."
854"For here have toe no continuing City."L.M.
1 WE'VE no abiding city here;
This may distress the worldling's mind,
But should not cost the saint a tear,
Who hopes a better rest to find.

2 We've no abiding city here;
Sad truth, were this to be our home;
But let this thought our spirits cheer,
We seek a city yet to come.

3 We've no abiding city here;
Then let us live as pilgrims do:
Let not the world our rest appear,
But let us haste from all below.

4 We've no abiding city here;
We seek a city out of sight:
Zion its name—the Lord is there;
It shines with everlasting light.

5 O sweet abode of peace and love,
Where pilgrims freed from toil are blest!
Had I the pinions of the dove,
I'd fly to thee, and be at rest.

6 But hush, my soul, nor dare repine!
The time my God appoints is best:
While here, to do His will be mine:
And His to fix my time of rest.
Thomas Kelly, 1804.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

855 — The Sight of God and Christ in Heaven.
855The Sight of God and Christ in Heaven.L.M.
1 DESCEND from heaven, Immortal Dove,
Stoop down and take us on Thy wings,
And mount and bear us far above
The reach of these inferior things!

2 Beyond, beyond this lower sky,
Up where eternal ages roll,
Where solid pleasures never die,
And fruits immortal feast the soul!

3 Oh for a sight, a pleasing sight,
Of our Almighty Fathers throne!
There sits our Saviour crown'd with light,
Clothed in a body like our own.

Adoring saints around Him stand,
And thrones and powers before Him fall;
The God shines gracious through the Man,
And sheds sweet glories on them all.

Oh what amazing joys they feel
While to their golden harps they sing,
And sit on every heavenly hill,
And spread the triumphs of their King!

When shall the day, dear Lord, appear,
That I shall mount to dwell above,
And stand and bow amongst them there,
And view Thy face, and sing, and love?
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

856 — The Soul's Flight.
856The Soul's Flight.8.7.7.7
1 WHAT is life? 'tis but a vapour,
Soon it vanishes away;
Life is like a dying taper:
O my soul, why wish to stay?
Why not spread thy wings and fly
Straight to yonder world of joy?

2 See that glory, how resplendent!
Brighter far than fancy paints;
There in majesty transcendent,
Jesus reigns, the Ring of Saints.
Spread thy wings, my soul, and fly
Straight to yonder world of joy.

3 Joyful crowds His throne surrounding,
Sing with rapture of His love;
Through the heavens His praises sounding,
Filling all the courts above,
Spread thy wings, my soul, and fly
Straight to yonder world of joy.

4 Go and share His people's glory;
'Midst the ransom'd crowd appear;
Thine a joyful wondrous story,
One that angels love to hear.
Spread thy wings, my soul, and fly
Straight to yonder world of joy.
Thomas Kelly, 1809.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

857 — "I have fought a good Fight."
857"I have fought a good Fight."C.M.
1 WITH heavenly weapons I have fought
The battles of the Lord:
Finish'd my course, and kept the faith,
And wait the sure reward.

2 God hath laid up in heaven for me
A crown which cannot fade;
The righteous Judge at that great day
Shall place it an my head.

3 Nor hath the King of grace decreed
This prize for me alone:
But all that love, and long to see
The appearance of His Son.

4 Jesus, the Lord, shall guard me safe
From every ill design;
And to His heavenly kingdom keep
This feeble soul of mine.

5 God is my everlasting aid,
And hell shall rage in vain;
To Him be highest glory paid,
And endless praise—Amen.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

858 — Hopes of Heaven our Support.
858Hopes of Heaven our Support.C.M.
1 WHEN I can read my title clear
To mansions in the skies,
I bid farewell to every fear,
And wipe my weeping eyes.

2 Should earth against my soul engage,
And hellish darts be hurl'd,
Then I can smile at Satan's rage,
And face a frowning world.

3 Let cares like a wild deluge come,
And storms of sorrow fall,
May I but safely reach my home,
My God, my heaven, my all!

4 There shall I bathe my weary soul
In seas of heavenly rest,
And not a wave of trouble roll
Across my peaceful breast.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

859 — "The whole Family in Heaven and Earth."
859"The whole Family in Heaven and Earth."C.M.
1 COME, let us join our friends above
Who have obtain'd the prize,
And on the eagle wings of love
To joy celestial rise.

2 Let all the saints terrestrial sing
With those to glory gone;
For all the servants of our King,
In earth and heaven, are one.

3 One family we dwell in Him,
One church above, beneath,
Though now divided by the stream,
The narrow stream of death.

4 One army of the living God,
To His command we bow;
Part of His host have cross'd the flood,
And part are crossing now.

5 What numbers to their endless home
This solemn moment fly;
And we are to the margin come,
And we expect to die:

6 E'en now by faith we join our hands
With those that went before;
And greet the blood-besprinkled bands
On the eternal shore.

7 Oh that we now might grasp our Guide!
Oh that the word were given!
Come, Lord of hosts, the waves divide,
And land us all in heaven!
Charles Wesley, 1759.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

860 — The Christian's Journey.
860The Christian's Journey.6.6.8.6.4.7.
1 FROM Egypt lately come,
Where death and darkness reign,
We seek our new, our better home,
Where we our rest shall gain.
Hallelujah!
We are on our way to God.

2 To Canaan's sacred bound,
We haste with songs of joy;
Where peace and liberty are found,
And sweets that never cloy.
Hallelujah, &c.

3 Our toils and conflicts cease
On Canaan's happy shore;
We there shall dwell in endless peace,
And never hunger more.
Hallelujah, &c.

4 But hark! those distant sounds
That strike our listening ears;
They come from Canaan's happy bounds
Where God our King appears.
Hallelujah, &c.

5 There, in celestial strains,
Enraptured myriads sing:
There love in every bosom reigns,
For God Himself is King.
Hallelujah, &c.

6 We soon shall join the throng,
Their pleasures we shall share;
And sing the everlasting song,
With all the ransom'd there.
Hallelujah, &c.

7 How sweet the prospect is!
It cheers the pilgrim's breast;
We're journeying through the wilderness,
But soon shall gain our rest.
Hallelujah, &c.
Thomas Kelly, 1812.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Heaven
861 — The Ascent to Heaven.
861The Ascent to Heaven.8.7.
1 SEE! the Captain of salvation,
Lead His armies up the sky;
Rise above the conflagration,
Leave the world to burn and die.

2 Lo! I see the fair immortals,
Enter to the blissful seats;
Glory opes her waiting portals.
And the Saviour's train admits.

3 All the chosen of the Father,
All for whom the Lamb was slain,
All the church appear together.
Wash'd from every sinful stain.

4 His dear smiles the place enlightens
More than thousand suns could do;
All around His presence brightens,
Changeless, yet for ever new.

5 Blessed state! beyond conception!
Who its vast delights can tell?
May it be my blissful portion,
With my Saviour there to dwell.
Richard Lee, 1794.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

862 — The Blissful Regions.
862The Blissful Regions.C.M.
1 FAR from these narrow scenes of night
Unbounded glories rise;
And realms of infinite delight,
Unknown to mortal eyes.

2 Fair distant land! could mortal eyes
But half its charms explore,
How would our spirits long to rise,
And dwell on earth no more.

3 No cloud those blissful regions know,
For ever bright and fair;
For sin, the source of mortal woe,
Can never enter there.

4 Prepare us, Lord, by grace, divine,
For Thy bright courts on high:
Then bid our spirits rise, and join
The chorus of the sky.
Anne Steele, 1760.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

863 — Jerusalem the Golden.
863Jerusalem the Golden.7.6.
1 JERUSALEM the golden,
With milk and honey blest,
Beneath thy contemplation
Sink heart and voice oppress'd:
I know not, oh I know not
What joys await us there:
What radiancy of glory,
What bliss beyond compare!

2 They stand, those halls of Sion,
Conjubilant with song,
And bright with many an angel,
And all the martyr throng:
The Prince is ever in them,
The daylight is serene;
The pastures of the blessed
Are deck'd in glorious sheen.

3 There is the throne of David,
And there, from care released,
The song of them that triumph,
The shout of them that feast;
And they, who with their Leader
Have conquer'd in the fight,
For ever and for ever
Are clad in robes of white!
John Mason Neale, 1851.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

864 — O Heavenly Jerusalem.
864O Heavenly Jerusalem.7.6.
1 O HEAVENLY Jerusalem,
Of everlasting halls,
Thrice blessed are the people
Thou storest in thy walls.

2 Thou art the golden mansion,
Where saints for ever sing;
The seat of God's own chosen,
The palace of the King.

3 There God forever sitteth,
Himself of all the crown;
The Lamb the light that shineth.
And never goeth down.

4 Nought to this seat approacheth
Their sweet peace to molest;
They sing their God for ever,
Nor day nor night they rest.

5 Calm hope from thence is leaning,
To her our longings bend!
No short-lived toil shall daunt us
For joys that cannot end.

6 To Christ the Sun that lightens
His church above, below;
To Father and to Spirit
All things created bow.
Isaac Williams. 1739.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

865 — Jerusalem on high.
865Jerusalem on high.148th.
1 JERUSALEM on high
My song and city is,
My home whene'er I die,
The centre of my bliss.
O happy place!
When shall I be,
My God, with Thee,
And see Thy face?

2 There dwells my Lord, my King,
Judged here unfit to live;
There angels to Him sing,
And lowly homage give.
Oh happy place! &c.

3 The patriarchs of old,
There from their travels cease;
The prophets there behold,
Their long'd-for Prince of Peace.
Oh happy place! &c.

4 The Lamb's apostles there
I might with joy behold,
The harpers I might hear
Harping on harps of gold.
Oh happy place! &c.

5 The bleeding martyrs, they
Within those courts are found,
Clothed in pure array,
Their scars with glory crown'd.
Oh happy place! &c.

6 Ah me! ah me that I
In Kedar's tents here stay!
No place like this on high!
Thither, Lord! guide my way.
Oh happy place! &c.
Samuel Crossman, 1664
—Our Own Hymn-Book

866 — The Heavenly Jerusalem.
866The Heavenly Jerusalem.C.M.
1 JERUSALEM! my happy home!
Name ever dear to me;
When shall my labours have an end,
In joy, and peace, and thee?

2 When shall these eyes thy heaven-built walls
And pearly gates behold?
Thy bulwarks, with salvation strong,
And streets of shining gold?

3 Oh when, thou city of my God,
Shall I thy courts ascend,
Where congregations ne'er break up,
And sabbaths have no end?

4 There happier bowers than Eden's bloom,
Nor sin nor sorrow know:
Blest seats, through rude and stormy scenes,
I onward press to you.

5 Why should I shrink at pain and woe?
Or feel at death dismay?
I've Canaan's goodly land in view,
And realms of endless day.

6 Apostles, martyrs, prophets there
Around my Saviour stand;
And soon my friends in Christ below
Will join the glorious band.

7 Jerusalem, my happy home!
My soul still pants for thee;
Then shall my labours have an end,
When I thy joys shall see.
Eckington Collection, 1790?
—Our Own Hymn-Book

867 — Jerusalem.
867Jerusalem.C.M.
1 JERUSALEM, my happy home,
When shall I come to thee?
When shall my sorrows have an end,
Thy joys when shall I see?

2 O happy harbour of the saints!
O sweet and pleasant soil!
In thee no sorrows may be found,
No grief, no care, no toll.

3 Thy walls are made of precious stones,
Thy bulwarks diamond square;
Thy gates are of right orient pearl,
Exceeding rich and rare.

4 Thy turrets and thy pinnacles
With carbuncles do shine;
Thy very streets are paved with gold,
Surpassing clear and fine.

5 O my sweet home, Jerusalem,
Would God I were in thee!
Would God my woes were at an end,
Thy joys that I might see!
Francis Baker, 1616?
—Our Own Hymn-Book

868 — The Paradise Eternal.
868The Paradise Eternal.7.6.
1 O PARADISE eternal!
What bliss to enter thee,
And once within thy portals,
Secure for ever be!

2 In thee no sin nor sorrow,
No pain nor death is known;
But pure glad life, enduring
As heaven's benignant throne.

3 There all around shall love us,
And we return their love;
One band of happy spirits,
One family above.

4 There God shall be our portion,
And we His jewels be;
And gracing His bright mansions,
His smile reflect and see.

5 So songs shall rise for ever,
While all creation fair,
Still more and more revealed,
Shall wake fresh praises there.

6 O Paradise eternal,
What joys in thee are known!
O God of mercy, guide us,
Till all be felt our own!
Thomas Davis, 1864.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

869 — Oh for the Robes of Brightness!
869Oh for the Robes of Brightness!7.6.
1 OH for the robes of whiteness!
Oh, for the tearless eyes!
Oh, for the glorious brightness
Of the unclouded skies!

2 Oh, for the no more weeping,
within that land of love,
The endless joy of keeping
The bridal feast above!

3 Oh, for the bliss of flying,
My risen Lord to meet!
Oh, for the rest of lying
For ever at His feet!

4 Oh, for the hour of seeing
My Saviour face to face!
The hope of ever being
In that sweet meeting-place!

5 Jesus! Thou King of Glory,
I soon shall dwell with Thee;
I soon shall sing the story
Of Thy great love to me.

6 Meanwhile, my thoughts shall enter
E'en now before Thy throne,
That all my love may centre
In Thee, and Thee alone.
Charitie Lees Smith, 1861.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

870 — Spiritual and eternal Joys.
870Spiritual and eternal Joys.C.M.
1 FROM Thee, my God, my joys shall rise
And run eternal rounds,
Beyond the limits of the skies,
And all created bounds.

2 The holy triumphs of my soul
Shall death itself outbrave;
Leave dull mortality behind,
And fly beyond the grave.

3 There, where my blessed Jesus reigns,
In heaven's unmeasured space,
I'll spend a long eternity
In pleasure and in praise.

4 Millions of years my wondering eyes,
Shall o'er Thy beauties rove;
And endless ages I'll adore.
The glories of Thy love.

5 Sweet Jesus, every smile of Thine
Shall fresh endearments bring;
And thousand tastes of new delight
From all Thy graces spring.

6 Haste, my Beloved, fetch my soul
Up to Thy bless'd abode:
Fly, for my spirit longs to see
My Saviour and my God.
Isaac Watts, 1708.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

871 — The Contrast.
871The Contrast.S.M.
1 THE people of the Lord
Are on their way to heaven;
They there obtain their great reward,
The prize will there be given.

2 'Tis conflict here below;
'Tis triumph there, and peace:
On earth we wrestle with the foe,
In heaven our conflicts cease.

3 'Tis gloom and darkness here;
'Tis light and joy above:
There all is pure and all is clear;
There all is peace and love.

4 There rest shall follow toll,
And ease succeed to care;
The victors there divide the spoil;
They sing and triumph there.

5 Then let us joyful sing;
The conflict is not long:
We hope in heaven to praise our King
In one eternal song.
Thomas Kelly, 1820.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

872 — The everlasting Song.
872The everlasting Song.C.M.
1 EARTH has engross'd my love too long,
'Tis time I lift mine eyes
Upward, dear Father, to Thy throne,
And to my native skies.

2 There the blest man, my Saviour, sits:
The God! how bright He shines!
And scatters infinite delights
On all the happy minds.

3 Seraphs with elevated strains
Circle the throne around;
And move and charm the starry plains
With an immortal sound.

4 Jesus, the Lord, their harps employs:—
Jesus, my Love, they sing!
Jesus, the life of both our joys.
Sounds sweet from every string.

5 Hark, how beyond the narrow bound
Of time and space they run;
And echo in majestic sounds
The Godhead of the Son.

6 And now they sink the lofty tune,
And gentler notes they play;
And bring the Father's Equal down,
To dwell in humble clay.

7 But when to Calvary they turn,
Silent their harps abide;
Suspended songs a moment mourn
The God that loved and died.

8 Then, all at once, to living strains,
They summon every chord,
Tell how He triumph'd o'er His pains,
And chant the rising Lord.

9 Now let me mount and join their song,
And be an angel too;
My heart, my ear, my hand, my tongue—
Here's joyful work for you.

10 I would begin the music here,
And so my soul should rise:
Oh for some heavenly notes to bear
My passions to the skies!

11 There ye that love my Saviour sit,
There I would fain have place,
Among your thrones or at your feet,
So I might see His face.
Isaac Watts, 1706.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

873 — The white-robed Band
873The white-robed BandL.M.
1 O HAPPY saints, who dwell in light,
And walk with Jesus, clothed in white
Safe landed on that peaceful shore,
Where pilgrims meet to part no more.

2 Released from sin, and toll and grief,
Death was their gate to endless life;
An open'd cage to let them fly,
And build their happy nest on high.

3 And now they range the heavenly plains,
And sing their hymns in melting strains;
And now their souls begin to prove
The heights and depths of Jesus' love.

4 He cheers them with eternal smile,
They sing hosannas all the while;
Or, overwhelm'd with rapture sweet,
Sink down adoring at His feet.

5 Ah! Lord, with tardy steps I creep,
And sometimes sing, and sometimes weep;
Yet strip me of this house of clay,
And I will sing as loud as they.
John Berridge, 1785.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

874 — On Jordan's Brink.
874On Jordan's Brink.C.M.
1 ON Jordan's stormy banks I stand,
And cast a wishful eye
To Canaan's fair and happy land,
Where my possessions lie.

2 Oh, the transporting, rapturous scene
That rises to my sight!
Sweet fields array'd in living green,
And rivers of delight!

3 There generous fruits that never fail,
On trees immortal grow;
There rocks and hills, and brooks and vales,
With milk and honey flow.

4 All o'er those wide extended plains,
Shines one eternal day;
There God the Sun for ever reigns,
And scatters night away.

5 No chilling winds, or poisonous breath,
Can reach that healthful shore:
Sickness and sorrow, pain and death,
Are felt and fear'd no more.

6 When shall I reach that happy place,
And be for ever blest?
When shall I see my Father's face,
And in His bosom rest?

7 Fill'd with delight, my raptured soul
Can here no longer stay:
Though Jordan's waves around me roll,
Fearless I'd launch away.
Samuel Stennett, 1787.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

875 — Sweet Fields.
875Sweet Fields.C.M.
1 THERE is a land of pure delight,
Where saints immortal reign;
Infinite day excludes the night,
And pleasures banish pain.

2 There everlasting spring abides,
And never-withering flowers:
Death, like a narrow sea, divides
This heavenly land from ours.

3 Sweet fields beyond the swelling flood
Stand dress'd in living green;
So to the Jews old Canaan stood,
While Jordan roll'd between.

4 But timorous mortals start and shrink
To cross this narrow sea,
And linger, shivering on the brink,
And fear to launch away.

5 Oh! could we make our doubts remove,
Those gloomy doubts that rise,
And see the Canaan that we love
With unbeclouded eyes!

6 Could we but climb where Moses stood,
And view the landscape o'er,
Not Jordan's stream, nor death's cold flood,
Should fright us from the shore!
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

876 — The Goodly Land.
876The Goodly Land.C.M.
1 OUR journey is a thorny maze,
But we march upward still;
Forget the troubles of the way,
And reach at Zion's hill.

2 See the kind angels at the gates,
Inviting us to come!
There Jesus the Forerunner waits,
To welcome travellers home!

3 There, on a green and flowery mount,
Our weary souls shall sit,
And with transporting joys recount
The labours of our feet.

4 No vain discourse shall fill our tongue,
Nor trifles vex our ear:
Infinite grace shall fill our song,
And God rejoice to hear.

5 Eternal glories to the King
That brought us safely through,
Our tongues shall never cease to sing,
And endless praise renew.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

877 — The Redeemed in Heaven.
877The Redeemed in Heaven.7s.
1 WHO are these array'd in white,
Brighter than the noonday sun,
Foremost of the sons of light,
Nearest the eternal throne?

3 These are they who bore the cross,
Faithful to their Master died,
suffer'd in His righteous cause,
Followers of the Crucified.

3 Out of great distress they came,
And their robes by faith below,
In the blood of Christ the Lamb,
They have wash'd as white as snow.

4 More than conquerors at last,
Here they find their trials o'er:
They have all their sufferings pass'd,
Hunger now and thirst no more.

5 He that on the throne doth reign
Them for evermore shall feed,
With the tree of life sustain,
To the living fountain lead.

6 He shall all their griefs remove,
He shall all their wants supply;
God Himself, the God of lore,
Tears shall wipe from every eye.
Charles Wesley, 1745.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

878 — Jesus adored in Heaven.
878Jesus adored in Heaven.7s.
1 PALMS of glory, raiment bright,
Crowns that never fade away,
Gird and deck the saints in light,
Priests, and kings, and conquerors they.

2 Yet the conquerors bring their palms
To the Lamb amidst the throne,
And proclaim in joyful psalms
Victory through His cross alone.

3 Rings for harps their crowns resign,
Crying, as they strike the chords,
"Take the kingdom, it is Thine,
King of kings, and Lord of lords!"

4 Round the altar priests confess,
If their robes are white as snow,
'Twas the Saviour's righteousness,
And His blood that made them so.

5 Who were these? on earth they dwelt;
Sinners once of Adam's race;
Guilt, and fear, and Buffering felt;
But were saved by sovereign grace.

6 They were mortal, too, like us:
Ah! when we, like them, must die,
May our souls, translated thus,
Triumph, reign, and shine on high!
James Montgomery, 1829.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

879 — The Realms of the Blest.
879The Realms of the Blest.8s.
1 WE speak of the realms of the blest,
That country so bright and so fair,
And oft are its glories confess'd;
But what must it be to be there!

2 We speak of its pathways of gold,
Its walls deck'd with jewels so rare,
Its wonders and pleasures untold,
But what must it be to be there!

3 We speak of its freedom from sin,
From sorrow, temptation, and care,
From trials without and within;
But what must it be to be there!

4 We speak of its service of love,
The robes which the glorified wear,
The church of the first-born above;
But what must it be to be there!

5 Do thou, Lord, midst gladness or woe,
For heaven our spirits prepare,
And shortly we also shall know,
And feel what it is to be there!
Elizabeth Mills, 1829, a
—Our Own Hymn-Book

880 — Heaven anticipated.
880Heaven anticipated.C.M.
1 TOO long, alas, I vainly sought
For happiness below,
But earthly comforts, dearly bought,
No solid good bestow.

2 At length, through Jesu's grace, I found
The good and promised land
Where milk and honey much abound,
And grapes in clusters stand.

3 My soul has tasted of the grapes,
And now it longs to go
Where my dear Lord His vineyard keeps,
And all the clusters grow.

4 Upon the true and living vine
My famish'd soul would feast,
And banquet on the fruit divine,
An everlasting guest.
John Berridge, 1785;
From John Cennick, 1744.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

State of the Lost
881 — Gratitude for Escape.
881Gratitude for Escape.L.M.
1 LOOK down, my soul, on hell's domains,
That world of agony and pains!
What crowds are now associate there,
Of widely different character.

2 Oh were it not for grace divine,
This case so dreadful had been mine!
Hell gaped for me! but, Lord, Thy hand
Snatch'd from the fire the kindling brand.

3 And now, though wrath was my desert,
I hope to share a better part;
But heaven mast wonder sure to see
A sinner enter, vile as me.

4 Oh grace, rich grace, delightful theme!
All heaven shall echo with the same;
While angels greet a sinner thus—
"Art thou become like one of us?"
John Ryland, 1777.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

882 — The everlasting Absence of God intolerable.
882The everlasting Absence of God intolerable.C.M.
1 THAT awful day will surely come,
(Th' appointed hour makes haste,)
When I must stand before my Judge,
And pass the solemn test.

2 Thou lovely chief of all my joys,
Thou sovereign of my heart!
How could I bear to hear Thy voice
Pronounce the sound, "Depart"?

3 Oh wretched state of deep despair;
To see my God remove,
And fix my doleful station where
I must not taste His love!

4 Jesus, I throw my arms around,
And hang upon Thy breast;
Without a gracious smile from Thee
My spirit cannot rest.

5 Oh! tell me that my worthless name
Is graven on Thy hands;
Show me some promise in Thy book,
Where my salvation stands!

6 Give me one kind assuring word
To sink my fears again;
And cheerfully my soul shall wait
Her threescore years and ten.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

883 — The Second Death.
883The Second Death.S.M.
1 OH where shall rest be found,
Rest for the weary soul?
'Twere vain the ocean's depths to sound,
Or pierce to either pole.

2 Beyond this vale of tears
There is a life above,
Unmeasured by the flight of years,
And all that life is love.

3 There is a death whose pang
Outlasts the fleeting breath;
Oh, what eternal horrors hang
Around "the second death"!

4 Lord God of truth and grace,
Teach us that death to shun;
Lest we be banish'd from Thy face,
And evermore undone.

5 Here would we end our quest;
Alone are found in Thee,
The life of perfect love—the rest
Of immortality.
James Montgomery, 1819
—Our Own Hymn-Book

The Church
884 — Glorious Things spoken of Zion.
884Glorious Things spoken of Zion.8.7.
1 GLORIOUS things of thee are spoke
Zion, city of our God!
He whose word cannot be broken,
Form'd thee for His own abode:
On the Rock of Ages founded,
What can shake thy sure repose?
With salvation's walls surrounded,
Thou mayst smile at all thy foes.

2 See! the stream of living waters,
Springing from eternal love,
Well supply thy sons and daughters,
And all fear of want remove:
Who can faint while such a river
Ever flows their thirst t' assuage?
Grace which, like the Lord, the giver,
Never fails from age to age.

3 Round each habitation hovering,
See the cloud and fire appear!
For a glory and a covering,
Showing that the Lord is near:
Thus deriving from their banner
Light by night and shade by day,
Safe they feed upon the manna
Which He gives them when they pray

4 Blest inhabitants of Zion,
Wash'd in the Redeemer's blood,
Jesus, whom their souls rely on,
Makes them kings and priests to God.
'Tis His love His people raises
Over self to reign as kings;
And as priests, His solemn praises
Each for a thank-offering brings.

5 Saviour, if of Zion's city,
I through grace a member am,
Let the world deride or pity,
I will glory in Thy name:
Fading is the worldling's pleasure,
All his boasted pomp and show!
Solid joys and lasting treasure,
None but Zion's children know.
John Newton, 1779.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

885 — Sinai and Sion.
885Sinai and Sion.C.M.
1 NOT to the terrors of the Lord,
The tempest, fire, and smoke;
Not to the thunder of that word
Which God on Sinai spoke:

2 But we are come to Sion's hill,
The city of our God,
Where milder words declare His will,
And spread His love abroad.

3 Behold th' innumerable host
Of angels clothed in light!
Behold the spirits of the just
Whose faith is turn'd to sight!

4 Behold the bless'd assembly there,
Whose names are writ in heaven;
And God, the Judge of all, declares
Their vilest sins forgiven.

5 The saints on earth, and all the dead,
But one communion make;
All join in Christ, their living Head,
And of His grace partake.

6 In such society as this
My weary soul would rest:
The man that dwells where Jesus is,
Must be for ever bless'd.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

886 — God's Faithfulness to His Church.
886God's Faithfulness to His Church.8.7.4.
1 ZION stands by hills surrounded,
Zion kept by power divine;
All her foes shall be confounded,
Though the world in arms combine:
Happy Zion,
What a favour'd lot is thine!

2 Every human tie may perish;
Friend to friend unfaithful prove;
Mothers cease their own to cherish;
Heaven and earth at last remove;
But no changes
Can attend Jehovah's love.

3 Zion's Friend in nothing alters,
Though all others may and do;
His is love that never falters,
Always to its object true.
Happy Zion!
Crown'd with mercies ever new.

4 If thy God should show displeasure,
'Tis to save, and not destroy;
If He punish, tis in measure;
'Tis to rid thee of alloy.
Be thou patient;
Soon thy grief shall turn to joy.

5 In the furnace God may prove thee,
Thence to bring thee forth more bright
But can never cease to love thee:
Thou art precious in His sight:
God is with thee,
God thine everlasting light.
Thomas Kelly, 1806.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

887
8877.6.
1 O Jesus Christ, most holy!
Head of the church, Thy bride!
Each day in us more fully
Thy name be magnified.

2 Oh may in each believer
Thy love its power display,
And none among us ever
From Thee, our Shepherd, stray.
Count Zinzendorf;
tr. by C. G. Clemens, 1789.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Christian Fellowship
888 — The Communion of Saints.
888The Communion of Saints.7s.
1 PARTNERS of a glorious hope,
Lift your hearts and voices up;
Jointly let us rise and sing
Christ our Prophet, Priest, and Ring.
Monuments of Jesu's grace,
Speak we by our lives His praise,
Walk in Him we have received;
Show we not in vain believed.

2 While we walk with God in light,
God our hearts doth still unite;
Dearest fellowship we prove,
Fellowship in Jesu's love:
Sweetly each, with each combined,
In the bonds of duty join'd,
Feels the cleansing blood applied,
Daily feels that Christ hath died.

3 Still, O Lord, our faith increase;
Cleanse from all unrighteousness:
Thee the unholy cannot see:
Make, oh make us meet for Thee!
Every vile affection kill;
Root out every seed of ill;
Utterly abolish sin;
Write Thy law of love within.

4 Hence may all our actions flow;
Love the proof that Christ we know:
Mutual love the token be,
Lord, that we belong to Thee:
Love, Thine image, love impart!
Stamp it on our face and heart!
Only love to us be given;
Lord, we ask no other heaven.
Charles Wesley, 1740.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

889 — Fellow Citizens with the Saints.
889Fellow Citizens with the Saints.C.M.
1 HAPPY the souls to Jesus join'd
And saved by grace alone.
Walking in all His ways, they find
Their heaven on earth begun.

2 The church triumphant in Thy love,
Their mighty joys we know:
They sing the Lamb in hymns above,
And we in hymns below.

3 Thee, in Thy glorious realm, they praise,
And bow before Thy throne;
We in the kingdom of Thy grace;
The kingdoms are but one.

4 The holy to the holiest leads;
From thence our spirits rise;
And he that in Thy statutes treads,
Shall meet Thee in the skies.
Charles Wesley, 1745.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

890 — Saints on Earth and in Heaven.
890Saints on Earth and in Heaven.C.M.
1 IN one fraternal bond of love,
One fellowship of mind,
The saints below and saints above
Their bliss and glory find.

2 Here, in their house of pilgrimage,
Thy statutes are their song;
There, through one bright, eternal age,
Thy praises they prolong.

3 Lord, may our union form a part
Of that thrice happy whole,
Derive its pulse from Thee, the heart,
Its life from Thee, the soul.
James Montgomery, 1825.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

891 — Christians one Family.
891Christians one Family.7s.
1 LORD, we all look up to Thee,
As one flock, one family:
May all strife between us cease,
As we love Thee, Prince of Peace.

2 Make us of one heart and mind,
Gentle, meek, forgiving, kind,
Lowly both in thought and word,
Like Thyself, beloved Lord.

3 Let us for each other care;
Each the other's burden bear:
Each to each by love endear;
One in faith, and hope, and fear.

4 Free from all that hearts divide,
Let us thus in Thee abide;
All the depths of love express,
All the heights of holiness.
Charles Wesley, 1749;
Thomas Davis, 1864.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

892 — Love to the Brethren.
892Love to the Brethren.S.M.
1 BLEST be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.

2 Before our Father's throne
We pour our ardent prayers:
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,
Our comforts and our cares.

3 We share our mutual woes,
Our mutual burdens bear;
And often for each other flows
The sympathizing tear.

4 When we asunder part,
It gives us inward pain;
But we shall still be join'd in heart,
And hope to meet again.

5 This glorious hope revives
Our courage by the way;
While each in expectation lives,
And longs to see the day.

6 From sorrow, toil, and pain,
And sin we shall be free:
And perfect love and friendship reign
Through all eternity.
John Fawcett, 1782.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

893 — Receiving Members.
893Receiving Members.C.M.
1 COME in, thou blessed of the Lord,
Stranger nor foe art thou;
We welcome thee with warm accord,
Our friend, our brother now.

2 The hand of fellowship, the heart
Of love, we offer thee:
Leaving the world, thou dost but part
From lies and vanity.

3 The cup of blessing which we bless,
The heavenly bread we break,
(Our Saviour's blood and righteousness)
Freely with us partake.

4 Come with us, we will do thee good,
As God to us hath done;
Stand but in Him, as those have stood,
Whose faith the victory won.

5 And when, by turns, we pass away,
As star by star grows dim,
May each, translated into day,
Be lost, and found in Him!
James Montgomery, 1836
—Our Own Hymn-Book

894 — Receiving Members.
894Receiving Members.8.7.4.
1 NOW we'll render to the Saviour,
Praise for all that He has wrought;
For the precious, full salvation,
Which has now to souls been brought.
Hallelujah!
Jesus shall have all the praise!

2 Heaven has rung with joy and transport,
While we here have been convened,
Over the returning sinner,
Number'd now with the redeem'd;
Hallelujah!
Jesus shall have all the praise!
Albert Midlane, 1865.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

895 — A Welcome to Christian Friends.
895A Welcome to Christian Friends.L.M.
1 KINDRED in Christ, for His dear sake,
A hearty welcome here receive:
May we together now partake,
The joys which only He can give

2 To you and us by grace 'tis given
To know the Saviour's precious name;
And shortly we shall meet in heaven,
Our hope, our way, our end the same.

3 May He by whose kind care we meet,
Send His good Spirit from above,
Make our communications sweet,
And cause our hearts to burn with love.

4 Forgotten be each worldly theme
When Christians see each other thus:
We only wish to speak of Him
Who lived, and died, and reigns for us.

5 We'll talk of all He did and said,
And suffer'd for us here below;
The path He mark'd for us to tread,
And what He's doing for us now.

6 Thus, as the moments pass away,
We'll love, and wonder, and adore;
And hasten on the glorious day,
When we shall meet to part no more.
John Newton, 1779.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

896 — Meeting and Parting.
896Meeting and Parting.7s.
1 AS the sun's enlivening eye
Shines on every place the same;
So the Lord is always nigh
To the souls that love His name.

2 When they move at duty's call,
He is with them by the way:
He is ever with them all,
Those who go, and those who stay.

3 From His holy mercy-seat
Nothing can their souls confine,
Still in spirit they may meet,
Still in sweet communion join.

4 For a season call'd to part,
Let us then ourselves commend
To the gracious eye and heart
Of our ever-present Friend.

5 Jesus, hear our humble prayer!
Tender Shepherd of Thy sheep!
Let Thy mercy and Thy care
All our souls in safety keep.

6 In Thy strength may we be strong!
Sweeten every cross and pain:
Give us, if we live, ere long
Here to meet in peace again.
John Newton, 1779.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Pastors
897 — Choosing a Minister.
897Choosing a Minister.8.7.
1 LORD, Thy church, without a pastor,
Cries to Thee in her distress;
Hear us, gracious Lord and Master,
And with heavenly guidance bless.

2 Walking midst Thy lamps all golden,
Thou preservest still the light;
Stars in Thy right hand are holden,
Stars to cheer Thy church's night.

3 Find us, Lord, the man appointed
Pastor of this flock to be,
One with holy oil anointed,
Meet for us, and dear to Thee.

4 Send a man, O King in Zion.
Made according to Thine heart,
Meek as lamb, and bold as lion,
Wise to act a shepherd's part.

5 Grant us now Thy heavenly leading,
Over every heart preside,
Now, in answer to our pleading,
All our consultations guide.
Charles H. Spurgeon, 1866.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

898 — Watching for Souls.
898Watching for Souls.C.M.
1 LET Zion's watchmen all awake,
And take the alarm they give!
Now let them from the mouth of God,
Their awful charge receive.

2 'Tis not a cause of small import
The pastor's care demands;
But what might fill an angel's heart,
And fill'd a Saviour's hands.

3 They watch for souls for which the Lord
Did heavenly bliss forego;
For souls which must for ever live
In raptures, or in woe.

4 All to the great tribunal haste,
The account to render there;
And shouldst Thou strictly mark our faults,
Lord, how should we appear?

5 May they that Jesus, whom they preach,
Their own Redeemer see;
And watch Thou daily o'er their souls,
That they may watch for Thee.
Philip Doddridge, 1755.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

899 — Welcoming a new Minister.
899Welcoming a new Minister.L.M.
1 WE bid thee welcome in the name
Of Jesus, our exalted Head;
Come as a servant, so He came,
And we receive thee in His stead.

2 Come as a shepherd; guard and keep
This fold from hell, and earth, and sin:
Nourish the lambs, and feed the sheep,
The wounded heal, the lost bring in.

3 Come as a teacher sent from God,
Charged His whole counsel to declare:
Lift o'er our ranks the prophet's rod,
While we uphold thy hands with prayer

4 Come as a messenger of peace,
Fill'd with the Spirit, fired with love;
Live to behold our large increase,
And die to meet us all above.
James Montgomery, 1825.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

900 — Minister bold for his Lord.
900Minister bold for his Lord.L.M.
1 SHALL I, for fear of feeble man,
Thy Spirit's course in me restrain?
Or undismay'd in deed and word,
Be a true witness for my Lord?

2 Awed by a mortal's frown, shall I
Conceal the Word of God Most High?
How then before Thee shall I dare
To stand, or how Thy anger bear?

3 Shall I, to soothe th' unholy throng,
Soften Thy truths and smooth my tongue?
To gain earth's gilded toys, or flee
The cross endured, my God, by Thee?

4 The love of Christ doth me constrain
To seek the wandering souls of men;
With cries, entreaties, tears, to save,
To snatch them from the fiery wave.

5 My life, my blood, I here present,
If for Thy truth they may be spent:
Fulfil Thy sovereign counsel, Lord!
Thy will be done, Thy name adored!

6 Give me Thy strength, O God of power!
Then let winds blow, or thunders roar,
Thy faithful witness will I be:
'Tis fix'd! I can do all through Thee!
John Joseph Winkler, 1714;
tr. by John Wesley, 1739.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

901 — Prayer for a Minister.
901Prayer for a Minister.L.M.
1 WITH heavenly power, O Lord, defend
Him whom we now to Thee commend:
His person bless, his soul secure,
And make him to the end endure.

2 Gird him with all-sufficient grace;
Direct his feet in paths of peace;
Thy truth and faithfulness fulfil,
And help him to obey Thy will.

3 Before him Thy protection send;
Oh love him, save him to the end:
Nor let him as Thy pilgrim rove,
Without the convoy of Thy love.

4 Enlarge, inflame, and fill his heart;
In him Thy mighty power exert;
That thousands yet unborn may praise
The wonders of redeeming grace.
Rowland Hill's Coll., 1774, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

902 — Prayer for Ministers.
902Prayer for Ministers.L.M.
1 FATHER of mercies, bow Thine ear,
Attentive to our earnest prayer;
We plead for those who plead for Thee;
Successful pleaders may they be!

2 Clothe Thou with energy divine
Their words, and let those words be Thine;
To them Thy sacred truth reveal,
Suppress their fear, inflame their zeal.

3 Teach them aright to sow the seed:
Teach them Thy chosen flock to feed;
Teach them immortal souls to gain,
Nor let them labour. Lord. in vain.

4 Let thronging multitudes around
Hear from their lips the joyful sound,
In humble strains Thy grace adore,
And feel Thy new-creating power.

5 Let sinners break their massy chains,
Distressed souls forget their pains;
Let light through distant realms be spread,
Till Zion rears her drooping head.
Benjamin Beddome, 1818.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

903 — Dangerous Illness of a Minister.
903Dangerous Illness of a Minister.L.M.
1 O THOU, before whose gracious throne
We bow our suppliant spirits down,
Avert Thy swift descending stroke,
Nor smite the shepherd of the flock.

2 Restore him, sinking to the grave;
Stretch out Thine arm, make haste to save:
Back to our hopes and wishes give,
And bid our friend and father live.

3 Bound to each soul by tenderest ties,
In every breast his image lies;
Thy pitying aid, O God impart,
Nor rend him from each bleeding heart.

4 Yet if our supplications fall,
And prayers and tears can nought prevail,
Be Thou his strength, be Thou his stay,
Support him through the gloomy way.

5 Around him may Thy angels wait,
Deck'd with their robes of heavenly state,
To teach his happy soul to rise,
And waft him to his native skies.
George Keith, 1787.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

904 — Beacons or Elders.
904Beacons or Elders.8.7.
1 RISEN Lord, Thou hast received
Gifts to bless the sons of men,
That with souls who have believed,
God might dwell on earth again.

2 Now these gifts be pleased to send us,
Elders, deacons, still supply,
Men whom Thou art pleased to lend us,
All the saints to edify.

3 Guide us while we here select them,
Let the Holy Ghost be nigh,
Do Thou, Lord, Thyself elect them,
And ordain them from on high.
[Pause while the election is made.]

4 Lord, Thy church Invokes Thy blessing
On her chosen (elders', deacons') head,
Here we stand, our need confessing,
Waiting till Thy grace be shed.

5 Pour on them Thy rich anointing,
Fill Thy servants with Thy power,
Prove them of Thine own appointing,
Bless them from this very hour.
Charles H. Spurgeon, 1866.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

The Lord's Day
905 — Seeking a Blessing on the coming Sabbath.
905Seeking a Blessing on the coming Sabbath.7s., 6 lines.
1 SAFELY through another week
God has brought us on our way;
Let us now a blessing seek,
On the approaching Sabbath-day;
Day of all the week the best,
Emblem of eternal rest.

2 Mercies multiplied each hour
Through the week our praise demand;
Guarded by almighty power,
Fed and guided by His hand:
Though ungrateful we have been,
Only made returns of sin.

3 While we pray for pardoning grace,
Through the dear Redeemer's name,
Show Thy reconciled face,
Shine away our sin and shame:
From our worldly care set free,
May we rest this night with Thee!

4 When the morn shall bid us rise,
May we feel Thy presence near;
May Thy glory meet our eyes
When we in Thy house appear!
There afford us, Lord, a taste
Of our everlasting feast.

5 May the gospel's joyful sound
Conquer sinners, comfort saints,
Make the fruits of grace abound,
Bring relief for all complaints:
Thus may all our Sabbaths prove,
Till we join the church above.
John Newton, 1779.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

906 — Another Sabbath is begun.
906Another Sabbath is begun.L.M.
1 ANOTHER six days' work is done,
Another Sabbath is begun;
Return, my soul, enjoy thy rest;
Improve the day thy God has blest.

2 Come, bless the Lord, whose love assigns
So sweet a rest to wearied minds;
Provides an antepast of heaven,
And gives this day the food of seven.

3 Oh that our thoughts and thanks may rise,
As grateful incense to the skies;
And draw from heaven that sweet repose
Which none but ho that feels it knows.

4 This heavenly calm within the breast,
Is the dear pledge of glorious rest,
Which for the church of God remains;
The end of cares, the end of pains.

5 In holy duties let the day,
In holy pleasures pass away;
How sweet a Sabbath thus to spend,
In hope of one that ne'er shall end!
Joseph Stennett, 1732, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

907 — Welcome, sweet nay of Rest.
907Welcome, sweet nay of Rest.S.M.
1 WELCOME, sweet day of rest,
That saw the Lord arise:
Welcome to this reviving breast,
And these rejoicing eyes!

2 The King Himself comes near,
And feasts His saints to-day;
Here we may sit and see Him here,
And love, and praise, and pray.

3 One day amidst the place
Where my dear God hath been,
Is sweeter than ten thousand days
Of pleasurable sin.

4 My willing soul would stay
In such a frame as this,
And sit and sing herself away
To everlasting bliss.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

908 — The Joyful Morn
908The Joyful Morn8.8.6.
1 THE festal morn, my God, has come,
That calls me to Thy honour'd dome,
Thy presence to adore;
My feet the summons shall attend,
With willing steps Thy courts ascend,
And tread the hallow'd floor.

2 Hither from Judah's utmost end,
The heaven-protected tribes ascend,
Their offerings hither bring:
Here, eager to attest their joy,
In hymns of praise their tongues employ.
And hail th' immortal King.

3 Be peace by each implored on thee,
O Sion, while with bended knee,
To Jacob's God we pray;
How blest, who calls himself Thy friend!
Success his labour shall attend,
And safety guard his way.

4 Seat of my friends and brethren, hail!
How can my tongue, O Sion, fall,
To bless thy loved abode?
How cease the zeal that in me glows,
Thy good to seek, whose walls enclose
The mansions of my God!
James Merrick, 1765, a
—Our Own Hymn-Book

909 — Hosannah.
909Hosannah.C.M.
1 THIS is the day the Lord hath made,
He calls the hours His own;
Let heaven rejoice, let earth be glad,
And praise surround the throne.

2 To-day He rose and left the dead;
And Satan's empire fell;
To-day the saints His triumphs spread,
And all His wonders tell.

3 Hosannah to th' anointed King,
To David's holy Son!
Help us, O Lord! descend and bring
Salvation from Thy throne.

4 Blest be the Lord, who comes to men,
With messages of grace;
Who comes in God His Father's name,
To save our sinful race.

5 Hosannah in the highest strains
The church on earth can raise;
The highest heavens, in which He reigns,
Shall give Him nobler praise.
Isaac Watts, 1719.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

910 — Sweet Day, so calm, so bright.
910Sweet Day, so calm, so bright.S.M.
1 SWEET is the task, O Lord,
Thy glorious acts to sing,
To praise Thy name, and hear Thy word,
And grateful offerings bring.

2 Sweet at the dawning hour,
Thy boundless love to tell,
And when the night-wind shuts the flower,
Still on the theme to dwell.

3 Sweet, on this day of rest,
To join in heart and voice
With those who love and serve Thee best,
And in Thy name rejoice.

4 To songs of praise and joy
Be every Sabbath given,
That such may be our blest employ
Eternally in heaven.
Henry Francis Lyte, 1841.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

911 — Jesus rose on the first Day of the Week.
911Jesus rose on the first Day of the Week.C.M.
1 BLESS'D morning, whose young dawning rays
Beheld our rising God;
That saw Him triumph o'er the dust,
And leave His dark abode!

2 In the cold prison of a tomb
The dead Redeemer lay,
Till the revolving skies had brought
The third, th' appointed day.

3 Hell and the grave unite their force
To hold our God in vain;
The sleeping Conqueror arose,
And burst their feeble chain.

4 To Thy great name, almighty Lord,
These sacred hours we pay;
And loud hosannas shall proclaim
The triumph of the day.

5 Salvation and immortal praise
To our victorious King;
Let heaven and earth, and rocks, and seas,
With glad hosannas ring.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

912 — The Eternal Sabbath anticipated.
912The Eternal Sabbath anticipated.L.M.
1 LORD of the Sabbath, hear our vows,
On this Thy day, in this Thy house;
And own, as grateful sacrifice,
The songs which from the desert, rise.

2 Thine earthly Sabbaths, Lord, we love,
But there's a nobler rest above;
To that our labouring souls aspire,
With ardent pangs of strong desire.

3 No more fatigue, no more distress,
Nor sin nor hell shall reach the place;
No groans to mingle with the songs
Which warble from immortal tongues.

4 No rude alarms of raging foes;
No cares to break the long repose;
No midnight shade, no clouded sun;
But sacred, high, eternal noon.

5 O long-expected day, begin;
Dawn on these realms of woe and sin:
Fain would we leave this weary road,
And sleep in death, to rest with God.
Philip Doddridge, 1755.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

913 — Wake up, my Heart.
913Wake up, my Heart.148th.
1 AWAKE, our drowsy souls,
Shake off each slothful band
The wonders of this day
Our noblest songs demand
Auspicious morn! thy blissful rays
Bright seraphs hail in songs of praise.

2 At thy approaching dawn,
Reluctant death resign'd
The glorious Prince of life,
In dark domains confined:
The angelic host around Him bends,
And 'midst their shouts the God ascends.

3 All hail, triumphant Lord!
Heaven with hosannas rings;
While earth, in humbler strains,
Thy praise responsive sings;
"Worthy art Thou, who once wast slain,
Through endless years to live and reign."

4 Gird on, great God, Thy sword,
Ascend Thy conquering car,
While justice, truth, and love,
Maintain the glorious war:
Victorious, Thou Thy foes shalt tread,
And sin and hell in triumph lead.

5 Make bare Thy potent arm,
And wing the unerring dart,
With salutary pangs,
To each rebellious heart:
Then dying souls for life shall sue,
Numerous as drops of morning dew.
Elizabeth Scott, 1763.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

914 — Public Worship.
914Public Worship.8.7.4.
1 HAIL, ye days of solemn meeting!
Hail, ye days of praise and prayer
Far from earthly scenes retreating,
In your blessings we would share:
Sacred seasons,
In your blessings we would share.

2 Be Thou near us, blessed Saviour.
Still at morn and eve the same;
Give us faith that cannot waver,
Kindle in us heaven's own flame.
Blessed Saviour,
Kindle in us heaven's own flame.

3 When the fervent prayer is glowing,
Sacred Spirit, hear that prayer;
When the joyous song is flowing,
Let that song Thine impress bear:
Sacred Spirit,
Let that song Thine impress bear.

4 Angel-bands! these scenes frequenting,
Often may your praises wake;
Oft may joy o'er souls repenting,
From your harps melodious break:
Oft may anthems
From your harps melodious break.
American Hymn, 1810?
—Our Own Hymn-Book

915 — Divine Worship.
915Divine Worship.8.7.4.
1 IN Thy name, O Lord, assembling,
We Thy people, now draw near;
Teach us to rejoice with trembling,
Speak and let Thy servants hear;
Hear with meekness;
Hear Thy word with godly fear.

2 While our days on earth are lengthen'd,
May we give them, Lord, to Thee:
Cheer'd by hope, and daily strengthen'd,
May we run, nor weary be;
Till Thy glory,
Without clouds in heaven we see.

3 There in worship, purer, sweeter,
All Thy people shall adore;
Tasting of enjoyment greater
Than they could conceive before;
Full enjoyment;
Full, unmix'd, and evermore.
Thomas Kelly, 1815.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

916 — Going to Worship.
916Going to Worship.7s.
1 TO Thy temple I repair;
Lord, I love to worship there;
When, within the veil, I meet
Christ upon the mercy-seat.

2 Thou, through Him, art reconciled;
I, through Him, become Thy child;
Abba, Father! give me grace
In Thy courts to seek Thy face!

3 While Thy glorious praise is sung,
Touch my lips, unloose my tongue,
That my joyful soul may bless
Christ the Lord, my righteousness.

4 While the prayers of saints ascend,
God of love! to mine attend;
Hear me, for Thy Spirit pleads;
Hear, for Jesus intercedes!

5 While I hearken to Thy law,
Fill my soul with humble awe;
Till Thy gospel bring to me,
Life and immortality:

6 While Thy ministers proclaim
Peace and pardon in Thy name,
Through their voice, by faith, may I
Hear Thee speaking from on high.

7 From Thy house when I return,
May my heart within me burn;
And at evening let me say,
"I have walk'd with God to-day."
James Montgomery, 1821
—Our Own Hymn-Book

917 — Sweet Rest.
917Sweet Rest.C.M.
1 MY Lord, my love, was crucified,
He all the pains did bear;
But in the sweetness of His rest
He makes His servants share.

2 How sweetly rest Thy saints above
Which in Thy bosom lie!
The church below doth rest in hope
Of that felicity.

3 Welcome and dear unto my soul
Are these sweet feasts of love;
But what a Sabbath shall I keep
When I shall rest above!

4 I bless Thy wise and wondrous love,
Which binds us to be free;
Which makes us leave our earthly snares,
That we may come to Thee!

5 I come, I wait, I hear, I pray!
Thy footsteps, Lord, I trace!
I sing to think this is the way
Unto my Saviour's face!
John Mason, 1683.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

918 — Sabbath Evening Recollections.
918Sabbath Evening Recollections.S.M.
1 THE light of Sabbath eve
Is fading fast away;
What pleasing record will it leave
To crown the closing day?

2 Is it a Sabbath spent
Fruitless, and vain, and void?
Or have these precious moments lent
Been sacredly employed?

3 How dreadful and how drear,
In yon dark world of pain,
Will Sabbath seasons lost appear,
That cannot come again.

4 God of these Sabbath hours,
Oh may we never dare
To waste, in worldly thoughts of ours,
These sacred days of prayer!
James Edmeston, 1821.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

919 — Abide with us, for it is toward Evening.
919Abide with us, for it is toward Evening.7s.
1 HOLY Father! whom we praise
With imperfect accents here
Ancient of eternal days!
Lord of heaven and earth and air;
Stooping from amid the blaze
Of the flaming seraphim,
Hear and help us while we raise
This our Sabbath evening hymn.

2 We nave trod Thy temple, Lord;
We have join'd the public praise;
We have heard Thy holy "Word;
We have sought Thy heavenly grace:
All Thy goodness we record,
All our powers to Thee we bring;
Let Thy faithfulness afford
Now the shadow of Thy wing.

3 We have seen Thy dying love,
Jesus! once for sinners slain;
We would follow Thee above!
We like Thee would rise and reign.
Let revolving Sabbaths prove
Seasons of delight in Thee;
Let Thy presence, Holy Dove,
Fit us for eternity.
Thomas Binney, 1825.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

920 — The End of the Sabbath.
920The End of the Sabbath.7s.
1 ERE another Sabbath close,
Ere again we seek repose,
Lord, our song ascends to Thee,
At Thy feet we bow the knee.

2 For the mercies of the day,
For this rest upon our way,
Thanks to Thee alone be given,
Lord of earth, and King of heaven.

3 Cold our services have been,
Mingled every prayer with sin:
But Thou canst and wilt forgive;
By Thy grace alone we live.

4 Whilst this thorny path we tread,
May Thy love our footsteps lead;
When our journey here is past,
May we rest with Thee at last.

5 Let these earthly Sabbaths prove
Foretastes of our joys above;
While their steps Thy pilgrims bend
To the rest which knows no end.
B. W. Noel's Selection, 1833.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Baptism
921 — Buried with Him in Baptism.
921Buried with Him in Baptism.7.6.
1 AROUND Thy grave, Lord Jesus,
Thine empty grave, we stand,
With hearts all full of praises,
To keep Thy bless'd command:
By faith our souls rejoicing,
To trace Thy path of love
Through death's dark angry billows,
Up to the throne above.

2 Lord Jesus, we remember
The travail of Thy soul,
When in Thy love's deep pity
The waves did o'er Thee roll:
Baptized in death's cold waters,
For us Thy blood was shed;
For us the Lord of Glory
Was number'd with the dead.

3 O Lord, Thou now art risen,
Thy travail all is o'er,
For sin Thou once hast suffered,
Thou livest to die no more;
Sin, death, and hell are vanquish'd
By Thee, Thy church's Head:
And lo! we share Thy triumphs,
Thou First-born from the dead.

4 Into Thy death baptized,
We own with Thee we died;
With Thee, our life, are risen,
And in Thee glorified;
From sin, the world, and Satan,
We're ransom'd by Thy blood,
And now would walk as strangers
Alive with Thee to God.
James George Deck, 1845.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

922 — The Place where Jesus lay.
922The Place where Jesus lay.L.M.
1 COME, happy souls, adore the Lamb,
Who loved our race ere time began,
Who veil'd His Godhead in our clay,
And in the humble manger lay.

2 To Jordan's stream the Spirit led,
To mark the path His saints should tread,
With joy they trace the sacred way,
To see the place where Jesus lay.

3 Baptized by John in Jordan's wave,
The Saviour left His watery grave;
Heaven own'd the deed, approved the way,
And bless'd the place where Jesus lay.

4 Come, all who love His precious name:
Come, tread His steps and learn of Him;
Happy beyond expression they
Who find the place where Jesus lay.
Thomas Baldwin, 1843.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

923 — Praise to Jesus buried and risen.
923Praise to Jesus buried and risen.C.M.
1 COME, ye who bow to sovereign grace,
Record Immanuel's love;
Join in a song of noble praise,
To Him who reigns above.

2 Once in the gloomy grave He lay,
But, by His rising power,
He bore the gates of death away:
Hail! mighty Conqueror.

3 Here we declare in emblem plain,
Our burial in His grave;
And since in Him we rose again,
We rise from out the wave.

4 No trust in water do we place,
'Tis but an outward sign;
The great reality is grace,
The fountain, blood divine.
James Upton, 1814:
Charles H. Spurgeon, 1866.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

924 — Dead with Jesus.
924Dead with Jesus.C.M.
1 O LORD, whilst we confess the worth
Of this, the outward seal,
Teach us the truths herein get forth,
Our very own to feel.

2 Death to the world we here avow,
Death to each fleshly lust;
Newness of life our portion now,
A risen Lord our trust.

3 And we, O Lord, who now partake
Of Thine eternal life,
With every sin, for Thy dear sake,
Would be at constant strife.

4 Baptized Into the Father's name,
We'd walk as sons of God;
Baptized in Thine, with joy we claim,
The merits of Thy blood.

5 Baptized into the Holy Ghost,
We'd prove His mighty power;
And making Thee our only boast,
Obey Thee hour by hour.
Mary Bowly, 1845.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

925 — The Example of Jesus.
925The Example of Jesus.C.M.
1 BURIED beneath the yielding wave,
The dear Redeemer lies;
Faith views Him in the watery grave,
And thence beholds Him rise.

2 Thus it becomes His saints to-day,
Their ardent zeal to express;
And, in the Lord's appointed way.
Fulfil all righteousness.

3 With joy we in His footsteps tread,
And would His cause maintain,
Like Him be number'd with the dead,
And with Him rise and reign.

4 His presence oft revives our hearts,
And drives our fears away;
When He commands, and strength imparts,
We cheerfully obey.

5 Now we, dear Jesus, would to Thee
Our grateful voices raise;
Wash'd in the fountain of Thy blood,
Our lives shall all be praise.
Benjamin Beddome, 1818.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

926 — Practical Improvement of Baptism.
926Practical Improvement of Baptism.C.M.
1 HEARKEN, ye children of your God,
Ye heirs of glory, hear;
For accents so divine as these
Might charm the dullest ear.

2 Baptized into your Saviour's death,
Your souls to sin must die;
With Christ your Lord ye live anew,
With Christ ascend on high.

3 There by His Father's hand He sits,
Enthroned divinely fair;
Yet owns Himself your Brother still,
And your forerunner there.

4 Rise, from these earthly trifles, rise
On wings of faith and love;
With Christ your choicest treasure lies,
And be your hearts above.

5 But earth and sin will drag us down,
When we attempt to fly;
Lord, send Thy strong attractive force
To raise and fix us high.
Philip Doddridge, 1755.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

927 — The Believer constrained by the Love of Christ to follow Him.
927The Believer constrained by the Love of Christ to follow Him.C.M.
1 DEAR Lord. and will Thy pardoning love
Embrace a wretch so vile?
Wilt Thou my load of guilt remove,
And bless me with Thy smile?

2 Hast Thou for me the cross endured,
And all the shame despised?
And shall I be ashamed, O Lord,
With Thee to be baptized

3 Didst Thou the great example lead,
In Jordan's swelling flood?
And shall my pride disdain the deed
That's worthy of my God?

4 Dear Lord, the ardour of Thy love
Reproves my cold delays;
And now my willing footsteps move
In Thy delightful ways.
John Fellows, 1773, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

928 — "Hinder me not."
928"Hinder me not."C.M.
1 IN all my Lord's appointed ways,
My journey I'll pursue;
"Hinder me not," ye much-loved saints,
For I must go with you.

2 Through floods and flames, if Jesus lead,
I'll follow where He goes;
"Hinder me not," shall be my cry,
Though earth and hell oppose.

3 Through duty, and through trials too,
I'll go at His command;
"Hinder me not," for I am bound
To my Immanuel's land.

4 And when my Saviour calls me home,
Still this my cry shall be,
"Hinder me not," come, welcome death,
I'll gladly go with thee.
John Ryland, 1773, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

929 — "If ye love Me, keep My Commandments."
929"If ye love Me, keep My Commandments."8.7.
1 LORD, in humble, sweet submission,
Here we meet to follow Thee;
Trusting in Thy great salvation,
Which alone can make us free.

2 Nought have we to claim as merit;
All the duties we can do,
Can no crown of life inherit:
All the praise to Thee is due.

3 Yet we come in Christian duty,
Down beneath the wave to go;
Oh, the bliss! the heavenly beauty!
Christ, the Lord, was buried go.

4 Come, ye children of the kingdom,
Follow Him beneath the wave:
Rise and show His resurrection,
And proclaim His power to save.

5 Is there here a weeping Mary,
Waiting near the Saviour's tomb;
Heavy-laden, sick, and weary,
Crying, "Oh that I could come!"

6 Welcome, all ye friends of Jesus,
Welcome to His church below;
Venture wholly on the Saviour,
Come, and with His people go.
Robert T. Daniel, 1850.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

930 — Buried with Christ in Baptism.
930Buried with Christ in Baptism.8.7.
1 JESUS, mighty King in Sion!
Thou alone our guide shalt be;
Thy commission we rely on,
We would follow none but Thee.

2 As an emblem of Thy passion
And Thy victory o'er the grave,
We who know Thy great salvation,
Are baptized beneath the wave.

3 Fearless of the world's despising,
We the ancient path pursue;
Buried with our Lord, arising
To a life divinely new.
John Fellows, 1773, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

931 — Taking up the Cross.
931Taking up the Cross.8.7.4.
1 HAST Thou said, exalted Jesus,
Take thy cross and follow Me?
Shall the word with terror seize us,
Shall we from the burden flee?
Lord, I'll take it,
And rejoicing, follow Thee.

2 While this liquid tomb surveying,
Emblem of my Saviour's grave;
Shall I shun its brink, betraying
Feelings worthy of a slave?
No! I'll enter;
Jesus enter'd Jordan's wave.

3 Sweet the sign that thus reminds me,
Saviour, of Thy love to me;
Sweeter still the love that binds me
In its deathless bond to Thee.
Oh, what pleasure,
Buried with my Lord to be!

4 Should it rend some fond connection,
Should I suffer shame or loss,
Yet the fragrant, blest reflection,
I have been where Jesus was,
Will revive me
When I faint beneath the cross.

5 Fellowship with Him possessing,
Let me die to all around,
So I rise t' enjoy the blessing
Kept for those in Jesus found,
When th' archangel
Wakes the sleeper under ground.

6 Then baptized in love and glory,
Lamb of God, Thy praise I'll sing,
Loudly with the immortal story
All the harps of heaven shall ring.
Saints and seraphs,
Sound it loud from every string.
John Eustace Giles, 1837.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

932 — Following Jesus.
932Following Jesus.S.M.
1 SAVIOUR, Thy law we love,
Thy pure example bless,
And with a firm, unwavering zeal,
Would in Thy footsteps press

2 Not to the fiery pains
By which the martyrs bled;
Not to the scourge, the thorn, the cross,
Our favour'd feet are led.

3 But, at this peaceful tide,
Assembled in Thy fear,
The homage of obedient hearts,
We humbly offer here.
Lydia Huntley Sigourney, 1841.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

933 — A Doxology for Baptism.
933A Doxology for Baptism.S.M.
1 FATHER of all, to Thee
Let endless praises rise,
Who for such rebel worms as we
Salvation didst devise.

2 Incarnate Deity,
Let all the ransom'd race
Render in thanks their lives to Thee,
For Thy redeeming grace.

3 Spirit of holiness,
Oh let us all adore
Thy sacred energy, and bless
Thine heart-renewing power.

4 Baptized into Thy name,
Almighty One in Three,
Thy grace and goodness we'll proclaim,
Through all eternity.
Charles Wesley, 1747, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

934 — Death, Burial, and Resurrection.
934Death, Burial, and Resurrection.S.M.
1 HERE, O ye faithful, see,
Your Lord baptised in woe,
Immersed in seas of agony,
Which all His soul o'erflow.

2 Here we behold the grave
Which held our buried Head;
We claim a burial in the wave
Because with Jesus dead.

3 Here, too, we see Him rise,
And live no more to die;
And one with Him by sacred ties
We rise to live on high.
Charles H. Spurgeon, 1866.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

935 — Burial with Christ.
935Burial with Christ.C.M.
1 SAVIOUR, we seek the watery tomb,
Illumed by love divine;
Far from the deep tremendous gloom
Of that which was once Thine.

2 Down to the hallow'd grave we go,
Obedient to Thy word;
'Tis thus the world around shall know
We're buried with the Lord.

3 'Tis thus we bid its pomps adieu,
And boldly venture in:
Oh may we rise to live anew,
And only die to sin!
Maria Grace Saffery, 1828.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Our own Hymn book part 7

2012-01-26T15:53:00.000-08:00

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

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click here for part 1

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Christian Privileges
Adoption
728 — Adoption.
728Adoption.S.M.
1 BEHOLD what wondrous grace
The Father hath bestow'd
On sinners of a mortal race.
To call them sons of God!

2 'Tis no surprising thing,
That we should be unknown:
The Jewish world knew not their King,
God's everlasting Son.

3 Nor doth it yet appear
How great we must be made,
But when we see our Saviour here,
We shall be like our Head.

4 A hope so much divine
May trials well endure,
May purge our souls from sense and sin,
As Christ the Lord is pure.

5 If in my Father's love,
I share a filial part,
Send down Thy Spirit, like a dove.
To rest upon my heart.

6 We would no longer lie
Like slaves beneath the throne;
My faith shall Abba Father cry,
And Thou the kindred own.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

729 — Sons of God blessed.
729Sons of God blessed.7s.
1 BLESSED are the sons of God;
They are bought with Jesus' blood,
They are ransom'd from the grave,
Life eternal they shall have.
With them number'd may we be,
Now and through eternity.

2 God did love them in His Son,
Long before the world begun;
They the seal of this receive,
When on Jesus they believe:
With, &c

3 They are justified by grace,
They enjoy a solid peace;
All their sins are wash'd away,
They shall stand in God's great day.
With, &c.

4 They produce the fruits of grace
In the works of righteousness!
Born of God, they hate all sin,
God's pure word remains within:
With, &c.

5 They have fellowship with God,
Through the Mediator's blood;
One with God, through Jesus one,
Glory is in them begun:
With, &c

6 Though they suffer much on earth,
Strangers to the worldling's mirth,
Yet they have an inward joy,
Pleasures which can never cloy:
With them number'd may we be.
Now and through eternity!
Joseph Humphreys, 1743.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Unchanging Love
730 — Praise to Vie God of Love.
730Praise to Vie God of Love.8.7.4.
1 FATHER, 'twas Thy love that knew us
Earth's foundations long before:
That same love to Jesus drew us
By its sweet constraining power,
And will keep us
Safely now, and evermore.

2 God of love, our souls adore Thee!
We would still Thy grace proclaim,
Till we cast our crowns before Thee,
And in glory praise Thy name:
Hallelujah!
Be to God and to the Lamb!
James George Deck, 1837
—Our Own Hymn-Book

731 — The Refiner sitting by the Fire,
731The Refiner sitting by the Fire,C.M.
1 GOD'S furnace doth in Zion stand;
But Zion's God sits by,
As the refiner views his gold
With an observant eye.

2 His thoughts are high, His love is wise,
His wounds a cure intend;
And though He does not always smile,
He loves unto the end.

3 Thy love is constant to its line,
Though clouds oft come between:
Oh could my faith but pierce these clouds,
It might be always seen.

4 But I am weak, and forced to cry,
Take up my soul to Thee:
Then, as Thou ever art the same,
So shall I ever be.

5 Then shall I ever, ever sing,
Whilst Thou dost ever shine:
I have Thine own dear pledge for this;
Lord, Thou art ever mine.
John Mason, 1683.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

732 — The firm Foundation.
732The firm Foundation.11s.
1 HOW firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
You who unto Jesus for refuge have fled?

2 In every condition—in sickness, in health,
In poverty's vale, or abounding in wealth;
At home and abroad, on the land, on the sea,
"As thy days may demand shall thy strength ever be."

3 "Fear not, I am with thee, oh, be not dismay'd!
I, I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by My righteous omnipotent hand.

4 "When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of grief shall not thee overflow:
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

5 "When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace all-sufficient shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

6 "E'en down to old age, all My people shall prove
My sovereign, eternal, unchangeable love;
And when hoary hairs shall their temples adorn,
Like lambs they shall still in My bosom be borne.

7 "The soul that on Jesus hath lean'd for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavour to shake,
I'll never, no never, no never forsake!"
George Keith, 1787.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

733 — "I will never leave thee."
733"I will never leave thee."11s.
1 O ZION, afflicted with wave upon wave,
Whom no man can comfort, whom no man can save;
With darkness surrounded, by terrors dismay'd,
In toiling and rowing thy strength is decay'd.

2 Loud roaring the billows now nigh overwhelm.
But skilful's the Pilot who sits at the helm,
His wisdom conducts thee, His power thee defends,
In safety and quiet thy warfare He ends.

3 "O fearful! O faithless!" in mercy He cries,
"My promise, My truth, are they light in thine eyes?
Still, still I am with thee, My promise shall stand,
Through tempest and tossing I'll bring thee to land.

4 "Forget thee I will not, I cannot, thy name
Engraved on My heart doth for ever remain:
The palms of My hands whilst I look on I see
The wounds I received when suffering for thee.

5 "I feel at My heart all thy sighs and thy groans,
For thou art most near Me, My flesh and My bones.
In all thy distresses thy Head feels the pain.
Yet all are most needful, not one is in vain.

6 "Then trust Me, and fear not; thy life is secure;
My wisdom is perfect, supreme is My power;
In love I correct thee, thy soul to refine,
To make thee at length in My likeness to shine.

7 "The foolish, the fearful, the weak are My care,
The helpless, the hopeless, I hear their sad prayer:
From all their afflictions My glory shall spring,
And the deeper their sorrows, the louder they'll sing."
James Grant, 1784, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

734 — Begone, Unbelief.
734Begone, Unbelief.10.10.11.11.
1 BEGONE, unbelief, my Saviour is near,
And for my relief will surely appear;
By prayer let me wrestle, and He will perform,
With Christ in the vessel, I smile at the storm.

2 Though dark be my way, since He is my guide,
'Tis mine to obey, 'tis His to provide;
Though cisterns be broken, and creatures all fail,
The word He has spoken shall surely prevail.

3 His love in time past forbids me to think
He'll leave me at last in trouble to sink;
Each sweet Ebenezer I have in review,
Confirms His good pleasure to help me quite through.

4 Determined to save, He watch'd o'er my path
When, Satan's blind slave, I sported with death:
And can He have taught me to trust in His name,
And thus far have brought me to put me to shame?

5 Why should I complain of want or distress,
Temptation or pain? He told me no less;
The heirs of salvation, I know from His word,
Through much tribulation must follow their Lord.

6 How bitter that cup no heart can conceive,
Which He drank quite up, that sinners might live!
His way was much rougher and darker than mine;
Did Christ, my Lord, suffer, and shall I repine?

7 Since all that I meet shall work for my good,
The bitter is sweet, the medicine is food;
Though painful at present 'twill cease before long,
And then, oh how pleasant, the conqueror's song!
John Newton, 1779.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

735 — Lovest Them Me?"
735Lovest Them Me?"7s.
1 HARK, my soul! it is the Lord;
'Tis thy Saviour, hear His word;
Jesus speaks, and speaks to thee:
"Say, poor sinner, lov'st thou Me?

2 "I deliver'd thee when bound,
And, when bleeding, heal'd thy wound;
Sought thee wand'ring, set thee right,
Turn'd thy darkness into light.

3 "Can a woman's tender care
Cease toward the child she bare?
Yes, she may forgetful be,
Yet will I remember thee.

4 "Mine is an unchanging love,
Higher than the heights above:
Deeper than the depths beneath,
Free and faithful, strong as death

5 "Thou shalt see My glory soon,
When the work of grace is done:
Partner of My throne shall be,
Say, poor sinner, lov'st thou Me?"

6 Lord, it is my chief complaint,
That my love is weak and faint;
Yet I love Thee and adore—
Oh for grace to love Thee more!
William Cowper, 1771.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

736 — "Who shall separate?"
736"Who shall separate?"7s., 6 lines.
1 HALLELUJAH! who shall part
Christ's own church from Christ's own heart?
Sever from the Saviour's side
Souls for whom the Saviour died?
Dash one precious jewel down
From Immanuel's blood-bought crown?

2 Hallelujah! shall the sword
Part us from our glorious Lord?
Trouble dark or dire disgrace
E'er the Spirit's seal efface?
Famine, nakedness, or hate,
Bride and Bridegroom separate!

3 Hallelujah! life nor death.
Powers above nor powers beneath,
Monarch's might, nor tyrant's doom,
Things that are, nor things to come.
Men nor angels, e'er shall part
Christ's own church from Christ's own heart.
William Dickinson, 1846.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Security in Christ
737 — Saints' Trial and Safety.
737Saints' Trial and Safety.S.M.
1 FIRM and unmoved are they
That rest their souls on God;
Firm as the mount where David dwelt,
Or where the ark abode.

2 As mountains stood to guard
The city's sacred ground,
So God and His almighty love
Embrace His saints around.

3 What though the Father's rod
Drop a chastising stroke:
Yet, lest it wound their souls too deep,
Its fury shall be broke.

4 Nor shall the tyrant's rage
Too long oppress the saint;
The God of Israel will support
His children, lest they faint.

5 But if our slavish fear
Will choose the road to hell,
We must expect our portion there,
Where bolder sinners dwell.
Isaac Watts, 1719.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

738 — Accepted and safe.
738Accepted and safe.8s.
1 A DEBTOR to mercy alone,
Of covenant mercy I sing;
Nor fear, with Thy righteousness on,
My person and offering to bring:
The terrors of law, and of God,
With me can have nothing to do;
My Saviour's obedience and blood
Hide all my transgressions from view.

2 The work which His goodness began,
The arm of His strength will complete;
His promise is yea and amen,
And never was forfeited yet:
Things future nor things that are now,
Not all things below nor above,
Can make Him His purpose forego,
Or sever my soul from His love.

3 My name from the palms of His hands,
Eternity will not erase;
Impress'd on His heart it remains
In marks of indelible grace:
Yes, I to the end shall endure,
As sure as the earnest is given;
More happy, but not more secure,
The glorified spirits in heaven.
Augustus M. Toplady, 1771.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Final Preservation
739 — Preserved in Jesus.
739Preserved in Jesus.C.M.
1 REJOICE, believer, in the Lord,
Who makes your cause His own;
The hope that's built upon His word
Can ne'er be overthrown.

2 Though many foes beset your road,
And feeble is your arm,
Your life is hid with Christ in God,
Beyond the reach of harm.

3 Weak as you are, you shall not faint;
Or fainting, shall not die;
Jesus, the strength of every saint,
Will aid you from on high.

4 Though sometimes unperceived by sense,
Faith sees Him always near,
A guide, a glory, a defence;
Then what have you to fear?

5 As surely as He overcame,
And triumph'd once for you;
So surely you that love His name
Shall triumph in Him too.
John Newton, 1779.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

740 — "My Words shall not pass away."
740"My Words shall not pass away."L.M.
1 THE moon and stars shall lose their light:
The sun shall sink in endless night;
Both heaven and earth shall pass away;
The works of nature all decay.

2 But they that in the Lord confide,
And shelter in His wounded side,
Shall see the danger overpast,
Stand every storm, and live at last.

3 What Christ has said must be fulfill'd,
On this firm rock believers build:
His word shall stand, His truth prevail,
And not one jot or tittle fail.
Joseph Hart, 1759.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

741 — He will keep us.
741He will keep us.8.7.4.
1 SAVIOUR! through the desert lead us;
Without Thee we cannot go:
Thou from cruel chains hast freed us
Thou hast laid the tyrant low:
Let Thy presence
Cheer us all our journey through.

2 With a price Thy love has bought us;
Saviour! what a love is Thine!
Hitherto Thy power has brought us;
Power and love in Thee combine!
Lord of Glory!
Ever on Thy household shine.

3 Through a desert waste and cheerless
Though our destined journey lie,
Rendered by Thy presence fearless,
We may every foe defy:
Nought shall move us,
While we see our Saviour nigh.

4 When we halt (no track discovering),
Fearful lest we go astray,
O'er our path Thy pillar hovering,
Fire by night and cloud by day,
Shall direct us:
Thus we shall not miss our way,

5 When we hunger Thou wilt feed us,
Manna shall our camp surround;
Faint and thirsty, Thou wilt heed us,
Streams shall from the rock abound:
Happy Israel!
What a Saviour Thou hast found!
Thomas Kelly, 1804.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

742 — Saints in the Hands of Christ.
742Saints in the Hands of Christ.C.M.
1 FIRM as the earth Thy gospel stands,
My Lord, my hope, my trust;
If I am found in Jesus hands,
My soul can ne'er be lost.

2 His honour is engaged to save
The meanest of His sheep;
All that His heavenly Father gave
His hands securely keep.

3 Nor death nor hell shall e'er remove
His favourites from His breast;
In the dear bosom of His love
They must for ever rest.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

743Final Perseverance.7s.
743 Final Perseverance. C.M.
1 WHERE God begins His gracious work,
That work He will complete,
For round the objects of His love,
All power and mercy meet.

2 Man may repent him of his work,
And fail in his intent;
God is above the power of change,
He never can repent.

3 Each object of His love is sure
To reach the heavenly goal;
For neither sin nor Satan can
Destroy the blood-wash'd soul.

4 Satan may vex, and unbelief
The saved one may annoy,
But he must conquer; yes, as sure
As Jesus reigns in joy.

5 The precious blood of God's dear Son
Shall ne'er be spilt in vain;
The soul on Christ believing, must
With Christ for ever reign.
Albert Midlane, 1862.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Support in Affliction
744 — "As thy Day, thy Strength shall be."
744"As thy Day, thy Strength shall be."7s.
1 WAIT, my soul, upon the Lord,
To His gracious promise flee,
Laying hold upon His word,
"As Thy day, thy strength shall be."

2 If the sorrows of thy case
Seem peculiar still to thee,
God has promised needful grace,
"As thy day, thy strength shall be."

3 Days of trial, days of grief,
In succession thou mayst see;
This is still thy sweet relief,
"As thy day thy strength shall be."

4 Rock of Ages, I'm secure
With Thy promise full and free,
Faithful, positive and sure:
"As thy day, thy strength shall be."
William Freeman Lloyd, 1835.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

745 — "As thy Day, thy Strength shall be."
745"As thy Day, thy Strength shall be."L.M.
1 AFFLICTED soul, to Jesus dear,
Thy Saviour's gracious promise hear;
His faithful word declares to thee
That, "as thy day, thy strength shall be."

2 Let not thy heart despond, and say,
How shall I stand the trying day?
He has engaged, by firm decree,
That, "as thy day, thy strength shall be."

3 Should persecution rage and flame,
Still trust in thy Redeemer's name;
In fiery trials thou shalt see
That, "as thy day, thy strength shall be."

4 When call'd to bear the weighty cross,
Or sore affliction, pain, or loss,
Or deep distress, or poverty,
Still, "as thy day, thy strength shall be."

5 When ghastly death appears in view,
Christ's presence shall thy fears subdue;
He comes to set thy spirit free;
And, "as thy day, thy strength shall be."
James Fawcett, 1782.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

746 — Sweetness of gracious Meditations.
746Sweetness of gracious Meditations.C.M.
1 WHEN languor and disease invade
This trembling house of clay,
'Tis sweet to look beyond the cage,
And long to fly away.

2 Sweet to look inward and attend
The whispers of His love;
Sweet to look upward to the place
Where Jesus pleads above.

3 Sweet to look back and see my name
In life's fair book set down;
Sweet to look forward and behold
Eternal joys my own.

4 Sweet to reflect how grace divine
My sins on Jesus laid;
Sweet to remember that His blood
My debt of sufferings paid.

5 Sweet in His righteousness to stand,
Which saves from second death;
Sweet to experience, day by day,
His Spirit's quickening breath.

6 Sweet on His faithfulness to rest,
Whose love can never end;
Sweet on His covenant of grace,
For all things to depend.

7 Sweet in the confidence of faith,
To trust His firm decrees;
Sweet to lie passive in His hand,
And know no will but His.

8 Sweet to rejoice in lively hope,
That, when my change shall come,
Angels will hover round my bed,
And waft my spirit home.

9 There shall my disimprison'd soul
Behold Him and adore;
Be with His likeness satisfied,
And grieve and sin no more.

10 Shall see Him wear that very flesh
On which my guilt was lain;
His love Intense, His merit fresh,
As though but newly slain.

11 Soon, too, my slumbering dust shall hear
The trumpet's quickening sound;
And by my Saviour's power rebuilt
At His right hand be found.

12 These eyes shall see Him in that day,
The God that died for me;
And all my rising bones shall say,
Lord, who is like to Thee?

13 If such the sweetness of the stream,
What must the fountain be,
Where saints and angels draw their bliss
Immediately from Thee!
Augustus M. Toplady, 1780.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

747 — Joy under Losses.
747Joy under Losses.C.M.
1 WHAT though no flowers the fig-tree clothe,
Though vines their fruit deny,
The labour of the olive fail,
And fields no meat supply:

2 Though from the fold, with sad surprise,
My flock cut off I see;
Though famine pine in empty stalls,
Where herds were wont to be:

3 Yet in the Lord will I be glad,
And glory in His love;
In Him I'll joy, who will the God
Of my salvation prove.

4 God is the treasure of my soul;
The source of lasting joy;
A joy which want shall not impair,
Nor death itself destroy.
William Cameron, 1781
—Our Own Hymn-Book

748 — Chosen in the Furnace of Affliction.
748Chosen in the Furnace of Affliction.8.7.4.
1 SONS of God, in tribulation,
Let your eyes the Saviour view,
He's the rock of our salvation,
He was tried and tempted too;
All to succour
Every tempted, burden'd son.

2 'Tis, if need be, He reproves us,
Lest we settle on our lees;
Yet, He in the furnace loves us,
'Tis express'd in words like these:
"I am with thee,
Israel, passing through the fire."

3 To His church, His joy, and treasure,
Every trial works for good:
They are dealt in weight and measure,
Yet how little understood;
Not in anger,
But from His dear covenant love.

4 With afflictions He may scourge us,
Send a cross for every day;
Blast our gourds, but not to purge us
From our sins, as some would say;
They were number'd
On the Scape Goat's head of old.

5 If to-day He deigns to bless us
With a sense of pardon'd sin,
He to-morrow may distress us,
Make us feel the plague within,
All to make us
Sick of self, and fond of Him.
John Kent, 1803.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

749 — Sweet Affliction.
749Sweet Affliction.8.7.4.
1 IN the floods of tribulation,
While the billows o'er me roll,
Jesus whispers consolation,
And supports my fainting soul;
Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! praise the Lord.

2 Thus the lion yields me honey,
From the eater food is given,
Strengthen'd thus I still press forward,
Singing as I wade to heaven,
Sweet affliction,
And my sins are all forgiven.

3 'Mid the gloom, the vivid lightnings
With Increasing brightness play;
'Mid the thorn-brake beauteous flow'rets
Look more beautiful and gay;
Halleluiah!
Hallelujah! praise the Lord.

4 So, in darkest dispensations,
Doth my faithful Lord appear,
With His richest consolations
To re-animate and cheer:
Sweet affliction,
Thus to bring my Saviour near.

5 Floods of tribulations heighten,
Billows still around me roar,
Those that know not Christ ye frighten,
But my soul defies your power:
Halleluiah!
Hallelujah! praise the Lord.

6 In the sacred page recorded
Thus the word securely stands,
"Fear not, I'm in trouble near thee,
Nought shall pluck you from My hands:
Sweet affliction,
Every word my love demands.

7 All I meet I find assists me
In my path to heavenly joy:
Where, though trials now attend me,
Trials never more annoy.
Halleluiah,
Hallelujah! praise the Lord.

8 Blest there with a weight of glory,
Still the path I'll ne'er forget,
But, exulting, cry, it led me
To my blessed Saviour's seat;
Sweet affliction,
Which has brought to Jesus' feet.
Samuel Pearce, 1800
—Our Own Hymn-Book

750 — Welcoming the Cross.
750Welcoming the Cross.7s.
1 'TIS my happiness below
Not to live without the cross,
But the Saviour's power to know,
Sanctifying every loss:
Trials must and will befall;
But, with humble faith to see
Love inscribed upon them all—
This is happiness to me.

2 God in Israel sows the seeds
Of affliction, pain, and toil;
These spring up and choke the weeds
Which would else o'erspread the soil:
Trials make the promise sweet;
Trials give new life to prayer;
Trials bring me to His feet,
Lay me low and keep me there.

3 Did I meet no trials here,
No chastisement by the way,
Might I not, with reason, fear
I should prove a castaway?
Bastards may escape the rod,
Sunk in earthly vain delight;
But the true-born child of God
Must not, would not if he might.
William Cowper, 1779.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

751 — The suffering People.
751The suffering People.L.M.
1 "DOOR and afflicted," Lord, are Thine,
Among the great unfit to shine;
But though the world may think it strange,
They would not with the world exchange.

2 "Poor and afflicted," 'tis their lot,
They know it, and they murmur not;
'Twould ill become them to refuse
The state their Master deign'd to choose.

3 "Poor and afflicted," yet they sing,
For Jesus is their glorious King;
Through sufferings perfect now He reigns
And shares in all their griefs and pains.

4 "Poor and afflicted," but ere long
They join the bright, celestial throng;
Their sufferings then will reach a close,
And heaven afford them sweet repose.

5 And while they walk the thorny way,
They oft are heard to sigh and say,
Dear Saviour, come, oh quickly come,
And take Thy mourning pilgrims home.
Thomas Kelly, 1804.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

752 — Affliction leading to glory.
752Affliction leading to glory.C.M.
1 OFTEN the clouds of deepest woe
So sweet a message bear,
Dark chough they seem, 'twere hard to find
A frown of anger there.

2 It needs our hearts be wean'd from earth,
It needs that we be driven,
By loss of every earthly stay,
To seek our joys in heaven.

3 For we must follow in the path
Our Lord and Saviour run;
We must not find a resting-place
Where He we love had none.
Caroline Fry, 1826?
—Our Own Hymn-Book

753 — The grateful Review.
753The grateful Review.L.M.
1 THUS far my God hath led me on,
And made His truth and mercy known;
My hopes and fears alternate rise,
And comforts mingle with my sighs.

2 Through this wide wilderness I roam,
Far distant from my blissful home;
Lord, let Thy presence be my stay,
And guard me in this dangerous way.

3 Temptations everywhere annoy,
And sins and snares my peace destroy;
My earthly joys are from me torn,
And oft an absent God I mourn.

4 My soul, with various tempests toss'd,
Her hopes o'erturn'd, her projects cross'd,
Sees every day new straits attend.
And wonders where the scene will end.

5 Is this, dear Lord, that thorny road
Which leads us to the mount of God?
Are these the toils Thy people know,
While in the wilderness below?

6 'Tis even so, Thy faithful love
Doth thus Thy children's graces prove;
'Tis thus our pride and self must fall,
That Jesus may be all in all.
John Fawcett, 1783.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

754 — None shall pluck me from Thy Hand.
754None shall pluck me from Thy Hand.8.7.7.7.
1 CLOUDS and darkness round about Thee
For a season veil Thy face,
Still I trust, and cannot doubt Thee,
Jesus full of truth and grace;
Resting on Thy words I stand,
None shall pluck me from Thy hand.

2 Oh, rebuke me not in anger!
Suffer not my faith to fail!
Let not pain, temptation, languor,
O'er my struggling heart prevail!
Holding fast Thy word I stand.
None shall pluck me from Thy hand.

3 In my heart Thy words I cherish.
Though unseen Thou still art near;
Since Thy sheep shall never perish,
What have I to do with fear?
Trusting in Thy word I stand,
None shall pluck me from Thy hand.
Charlotte Elliott, 1834.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

755 — "Fear not, for I am with thee."
755"Fear not, for I am with thee."C.M.
1 INCARNATE God! the soul that knows
Thy name's mysterious power,
Shall dwell in undisturb'd repose,
Nor fear the trying hour.

2 Angels, unseen, attend the saints,
And bear them in their arms,
To cheer their spirit when it faints,
And guard their life from harms.

3 The angels' Lord Himself is nigh
To them that love His name;
Ready to save them when they cry,
And put their foes to shame.

4 Crosses and changes are their lot,
Long as they sojourn here;
But since their Saviour changes not,
What have His saints to fear?
John Newton, 1779.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

756 — "It is I, be not afraid."
756"It is I, be not afraid."C.M.
1 WHEN waves of trouble round me swell,
My soul is not dismay'd:
I hear a voice I know full well—
" 'Tis I—be not afraid."

2 When black the threatening skies appear,
And storms my path invade,
Those accents tranquillize each fear,
" 'Tis I—be not afraid."

3 There is a gulf that must be cross'd;
Saviour, be near to aid!
Whisper when my frail bark is toss'd,
" 'Tis I—be not afraid."

4 There is a dark and fearful vale,
Death hides within its shade;
Oh say, when flesh and heart shall fail,
" 'Tis I—be not afraid."
Charlotte Elliott, 1834.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

A Happy Portion
757 — The Christian's Treasure.
757The Christian's Treasure.L.M.
1 HOW vast the treasure we possess!
How rich Thy bounty, King of grace!
This world is ours, and worlds to come:
Earth is our lodge, and heaven our home.

2 All things are ours; the gift of God,
The purchase of a Saviour's blood;
While the good Spirit shows us how
To use and to improve them too.

3 If peace and plenty crown my days,
They help me, Lord, to speak Thy praise;
If bread of sorrows be my food,
Those sorrows work my real good.

4 I would not change my blest estate,
For all that earth calls good or great;
And while my faith can keep her hold,
I envy not the sinner's gold.

5 Father, I wait Thy daily will:
Thou shalt divide my portion still:
Grant me on earth what seems Thee best,
Till death and heaven reveal the rest.
Isaac Watts, 1721.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

758 — "Say ye to the Righteous, it shall be well with him."
758"Say ye to the Righteous, it shall be well with him."S.M.
1 WHAT cheering words are these!
Their sweetness who can tell?
In time and to eternal days,
'Tis with the righteous well.

2 Well, when they see His face,
Or sink amidst the flood;
Well in affliction's thorny maze,
Or on the mount with God

3 'Tis well when joys arise,
'Tis well when sorrows flow,
'Tis well when darkness veils the skies,
And strong temptations blow.

4 'Tis well when at His throne
They wrestle, weep, and pray,
'Tis well when at His feet they groan,
Yet bring their wants away.

5 'Tis well when they can sing
As sinners bought with blood,
And when they touch the mournful string,
And mourn an absent God.

6 'Tis well when on the mount
They feast on dying love,
And 'tis as well in God's account,
When they the furnace prove.
John Kent, 1803.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

759 — The favoured Saint.
759The favoured Saint.8.7.4.
1 GRACIOUS Lord, my heart is fixed,
Sing I will, and sing of Thee,
Since the cup that justice mixed,
Thou hast drank, and drank for me:
Great Deliverer!
Thou hast set the prisoner free.

2 Many were the chains that bound me,
But the Lord has loosed them all;
Arms of mercy now surround me.
Favours these, nor few nor small:
Saviour, keep me!
Keep Thy servant lest He fall.

3 Fair the scene that lies before me,
Life eternal Jesus gives;
While He waves His banner o'er me,
Peace and joy my soul receives:
Sure His promise!
I shall live because He lives.

4 When the world would bid me leave Thee,
Telling me of shame and loss,
Saviour, guard me, lest I grieve Thee,
Lest I cease to love Thy cross:
This is treasure!
All the rest I count but dross.
Thomas Kelly, 1806.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Union to Christ
760 — The Reign of Grace.
760The Reign of Grace.8.7.4.
1 SOVEREIGN grace o'er sin abounding,
Ransom'd souls the tidings swell;
'Tis a deep that knows no sounding.
Who its breadth or length can tell?
On its glories
Let my soul for ever dwell.

2 What from Christ my soul shall sever,
Bound by everlasting bands?
Once in Him, in Him for ever;
Thus th' eternal covenant stands;
None shall pluck me
From the Strength of Israel's hands.

3 Heirs of God, joint heirs with Jesus,
Long ere time its race begun;
To His name eternal praises!
Oh! what wonders love hath done!
One with Jesus,
By eternal union one.

4 On such love, my soul, still ponder,
Love so great, so rich, so free;
Say, whilst lost in holy wonder,
Why, O Lord, such love to me?
Hallelujah.
Grace shall reign eternally.
John Kent, 1827.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

761 — Union with Jesus.
761Union with Jesus.L.M.
1 'TWIXT Jesus and the chosen race
Subsists a bond of sovereign grace,
That hell, with its infernal train,
Shall ne'er dissolve nor rend in twain.

2 Hail! sacred union, firm and strong,
How great the grace, how sweet the song,
That worms of earth should ever be
One with Incarnate Deity!

3 One in the tomb, one when He rose,
One when He triumph'd o'er His foes,
One when in heaven He took His seat,
While seraphs sang all hell's defeat.

4 This sacred tie forbids their fears,
For all He is or has is theirs;
With Him, their Head, they stand or fall,
Their life, their surety, and their all.
John Kent, 1827, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

762 — One with Jesus.
762One with Jesus.C.M.
1 LORD, Jesus, are we one with Thee?
Oh height! Oh depth of love!
With Thee we died upon the tree,
In Thee we live above.

2 Such was Thy grace, that for our sake
Thou didst from heaven come down,
Thou didst of flesh and blood partake,
In all our sorrows one.

3 Our sins, our guilt, in love divine,
Confess'd and borne by Thee;
The gall, the curse, the wrath were Thine,
To set Thy members free.

4 Ascended now in glory bright,
Still one with us Thou art,
Nor life, nor death, nor depth, nor height,
Thy saints and Thee can part.

5 Oh teach us, Lord, to know and own
This wondrous mystery,
That Thou with us art truly one,
And we are one with Thee!

6 Soon, soon shall come that glorious day,
When, seated on Thy throne,
Thou shalt to wondering worlds display,
That Thou with us art one!
James George Beck, 1837.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

763 — Union to Christ.
763Union to Christ.S.M.
1 DEAR Saviour, I am Thine
By everlasting bands;
My name, my heart, I would resign;
My soul is in Thy hands.

2 To Thee I still would cleave
With ever-growing zeal:
If millions tempt me Christ to leave,
They never shall prevail.

3 His Spirit shall unite
My soul to Him my Head;
Shall form me to His image bright,
And teach His path to tread.

4 Death may my soul divide
From this abode of clay;
But love shall keep me near Thy side
Through all the gloomy way.

5 Since Christ and we are one,
Why should we doubt or fear?
If He in heaven hath fix'd His throne,
He'll fix His members there.
Philip Doddridge, 1755.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

The Golden Book of Communion with Jesus
764 — Sweet Communion.
764Sweet Communion.C.M.
1 I WOULD commune with Thee, my God;
E'en to Thy seat I come;
I leave my joys, I leave my sins,
And seek in Thee my home.

2 I stand upon the mount of God,
With sunlight in my soul;
I hear the storms in vales beneath;
I hear the thunders roll:

3 But I am calm with Thee, my God,
Beneath these glorious skies;
And to the heights on which I stand,
Nor storms nor clouds can rise.

4 Oh, this is life! Oh, this is joy,
My God, to find Thee so;
Thy face to see, Thy voice to hear,
And all Thy love to know.
George Burden Bubier, 1856.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

765 — Retirement and Meditation.
765Retirement and Meditation.L.M.
1 MY God, permit me not to be
A stranger to myself and Thee;
Amidst a thousand thoughts I rove,
Forgetful of my highest love.

2 Why should my passions mix with earth,
And thus debase my heavenly birth?
Why should I cleave to things below,
And let my God, my Saviour, go?

3 Call me away from flesh and sense;
One sovereign word can draw me thence;
I would obey the voice divine,
And all inferior joys resign.

4 Be earth with all her scenes withdrawn;
Let noise and vanity be gone:
In secret silence of the mind
My heaven, and there my God, I find.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

766 — "When wilt Thou comet"
766"When wilt Thou comet"C.M.
1 WHEN wilt Thou come unto me, Lord?
Oh come, my Lord most dear!
Come near, come nearer, nearer still,
I'm blest when Thou art near.

2 When wilt thou come unto me, Lord?
I languish for the sight;
Ten thousand sun when Thou art hid,
Are shades instead of light.

3 When wilt Thou come unto me, Lord?
Until Thou dost appear,
I count each moment for a day.
Each minute for a year.

4 There's no such thing as pleasure here,
My Jesus is my all;
As Thou dost shine or disappear,
My pleasures rise or fall.

5 Come, spread Thy savour on my frame,
No sweetness is so sweet;
Till I get up to sing Thy name,
Where all Thy singers meet.
Thomas Shepherd, 1692.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

767 — Jesus only.
767Jesus only.7s.
1 EVER to the Saviour cling,
Trust in Him and none beside;
Never let an earthly thing
Hide from thee the Crucified.

2 Ever cast on Him thy care,
He invites thee so to do;
Never let thy soul despair,
He will surely help thee through.

3 Ever live as in the view
Of the day of glory, near;
Never be to Christ untrue,
Thou shalt soon His glory share.
Albert Midlane, 1864.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

768 — None but Jesus.
768None but Jesus.C.M.
1 OH might this worthless heart of mine,
The Saviour's temple be!
Emptied of every love but Thine,
And shut to all but Thee!

2 I long to find Thy presence there,
I long to see Thy face;
Almighty Lord, my heart prepare
The Saviour to embrace.
Augustus M. Toplady, 1759.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

769 — Emptied of Earth.
769Emptied of Earth.L.M.
1 EMPTIED of earth I fain would be,
Of sin, myself, and all but Thee;
Only reserved for Christ that died,
Surrender'd to the Crucified:

2 Sequester'd from the noise and strife,
The lust, the pomp, and pride of life;
For heaven alone my heart prepare,
And have my conversation there.

3 Nothing, save Jesus, would I know;
My friend and my companion Thou!
Lord, seize my heart, assert Thy right,
And put all other loves to flight.

4 The idols tread beneath Thy feet,
And to Thyself the conquest get:
Let sin no more oppose my Lord,
Slain by the Spirit's two-edged sword.

5 Larger communion let me prove
With Thee, blest object of my love;
But, oh! for this no power have I;
My strength is at Thy feet to lie.
Augustus M. Toplady, 1759.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

770 — Go up, my Heart.
770Go up, my Heart.6s.
1 GO up, go up, my heart,
Dwell with thy God above;
For here thou canst not rest,
Nor here give out thy love.

2 Go up, go up, my heart,
Be not a trifler here:
Ascend above these clouds,
Dwell in a higher sphere.

3 Let not thy love flow out
To things so soil'd and dim;
Go up to heaven and God,
Take up thy love to Him.

4 Waste not thy precious stores
On creature-love below;
To God that wealth belongs,
On Him that wealth bestow.
Horatius Bonar. 1856.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

771 — Jesus' Presence desired.
771Jesus' Presence desired.C.M.
1 LORD, let me see Thy beauteous face!
It yields a heaven below;
And angels round the throne will say,
'Tis all the heaven they know.

2 A glimpse—a single glimpse of Thee,
Would more delight my soul
Than this vain world, with all its joys,
Could I possess the whole.
Beddome and Rippon, 1800.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

772 — "They saw no man, save Jesus."
772"They saw no man, save Jesus."S.M.
1 O PATIENT, spotless One!
Our hearts in meekness train,
To bear Thy yoke, and learn of Thee,
That we may rest obtain.

2 Jesus! Thou art enough
The mind and heart to fill;
Thy life to calm the anxious soul,
Thy love its fear dispel.

3 Oh fix our earnest gaze,
So wholly, Lord, on Thee,
That with Thy beauty occupied,
We elsewhere none may see.
Hymns for the Children of God, 1851.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

773 — Take my Heart.
773Take my Heart.8.7.4.
1 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 own me Thine!

2 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.
Joachim Neander, 1673;
tr. by Catherine Winkworth, 1858, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

774 — God all, and in all.
774God all, and in all.S.M.
1 MY God, my life, my love,
To Thee, to Thee I call:
I cannot live, if Thou remove,
For Thou art all in all.

2 Thy shining grace can cheer
This dungeon where I dwell;
'Tis paradise when Thou art here,
If Thou depart, 'tis hell.

3 The smilings of Thy face,
How amiable they are!
'Tis heaven to rest in Thine embrace,
And nowhere else but there.

4 To Thee, and Thee alone,
The angels owe their bliss;
They sit around Thy gracious throne,
And dwell where Jesus is.

5 Not all the harps above
Can make a heavenly place,
If God His residence remove,
Or but conceal His face.

6 Nor earth, nor all the sky,
Can one delight afford;
No, not a drop of real joy,
Without Thy presence, Lord.

7 Thou art the sea of love,
Where all my pleasures roll;
The circle where my passions move,
And centre of my soul.

8 To Thee my spirits fly
With infinite desire;
And yet, how far from Thee I lie!
Dear Jesus, raise me higher.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

775 — God my exceeding Joy.
775God my exceeding Joy.C.M.
1 WHERE God doth dwell, sure heaven is there,
And singing there must be:
Since. Lord, Thy presence makes my heaven,
Whom should I sing but Thee?

2 My God, my reconciled God,
Creator of my peace;
Thee will I love, and praise, and sing,
Till life and breath shall cease.

3 My soul doth magnify the Lord,
My spirit doth rejoice;
To Thee, my Saviour and my God,
I lift my joyful voice;

4 I need not go abroad for joys,
I have a feast at home;
My sighs are turned into songs,
My heart has ceased to roam.

5 Down from above the blessed Dove
Is come into my breast,
To witness Thine eternal love,
And give my spirit rest.

6 My God, I'll praise Thee while I live,
And praise Thee when I die,
And praise Thee when I rise again,
And to eternity.
John Mason, 1683, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

776 — My sole Delight.
776My sole Delight.C.M.
1 MY God, my God! who art my All,
Where art Thou to be found?
Thy presence is my sole abode,
My comforts there abound.

2 My wishes terminate above;
Thou art my whole delight;
Why dost Thou hide Thy holy face,
And roll Thyself in night?

3 Nor friends, nor comforts shall I wish,
Nor pleasures want to know;
Thou art the source of perfect bliss,
Thou art a heaven below.

4 More welcome would be Thy return,
Of greater far delight,
Than to the pilgrim beauteous morn,
Who wander'd all the night.
William Williams, 1759.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

777 — Perfect Happiness in the Cross.
777Perfect Happiness in the Cross.8.8.6.
1 LONG plunged in sorrow, I resign
My soul to that dear hand of Thine,
Without reserve or fear;
That hand shall wipe my streaming eyes,
Or into smiles of glad surprise
Transform the falling tear.

2 My sole possession is Thy love;
In earth beneath, or heaven above,
I have no other store;
And, though with fervent suit I pray,
And importune Thee night and day,
I ask Thee nothing more.

3 Adieu! ye vain delights of earth,
Insipid sports, and childish mirth,
I taste no sweets in you;
Unknown delights are in the cross,
All joy beside to me is dross,
And Jesus thought so too.

4 The cross! Oh, ravishment and bliss,
How grateful e'en its anguish is,
Its bitterness, how sweet!
There every sense, and all the mind,
In all her faculties refined,
Taste happiness complete.
Jeanne Marie Guyon, 1722;
tr. by William Cowper, 1801
—Our Own Hymn-Book

778 — At Home everywhere with Jesus.
778At Home everywhere with Jesus.L.M.
1 O THOU, by long experience tried,
Near whom no grief can long abide;
My Love! how full of sweet content
I pass my years of banishment!

2 All scenes alike engaging prove
To souls impress'd with sacred love!
Where'er they dwell, they dwell in Thee!
In heaven, in earth, or on the sea.

3 To me remains no place nor time;
My country is in every clime;
I can be calm and free from care
On any shore, since God is there.

4 While place we seek or place we shun,
The soul finds happiness in none;
But with a God to guide our way,
"Us equal joy to go or stay.

5 Could I be cast where Thou art not,
That were indeed a dreadful lot;
But regions none remote I call,
Secure of finding God in all.
Jeanne Marie Guyon, 1722;
tr. by William Cowper, 1801
—Our Own Hymn-Book

779 — Perfect Safety in Jesus.
779Perfect Safety in Jesus.L.M.
1 MY country, Lord, art Thou alone;
Nor other can I claim or own:
The point where all my wishes meet;
My law, my love, life's only sweet!

2 I hold by nothing here below;
Appoint my journey, and I go;
Though pierced by scorn, oppress'd by pride,
I feel Thee good—feel nought beside.

3 No frowns of men can hurtful prove
To souls on fire with heavenly love;
Though men and devils both condemn,
No gloomy days arise from them.

4 Ah, then! to His embrace repair;
My soul, thou art no stranger there:
There love divine shall be thy guard,
And peace and safety thy reward.
Jeanne Marie Guyon, 1790;
tr. by William Cowper, 1801.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

780 — Jesus our Heart's Theme.
780Jesus our Heart's Theme.C.M.
1 I THINK of Thee, my God, by night,
And talk of Thee by day,
Thy love my treasure and delight,
Thy truth my strength and stay.

2 The day is dark, the night is long,
Unblest with thoughts of Thee,
And dull to me the sweetest song,
Unless its theme Thou be.

3 So all day long, and all the night,
Lord, let Thy presence be,
Mine air, my breath, my shade, my light,
Myself absorb'd in Thee.
John S. B. Monsell, 1863.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

781 — Grief that others love not Jesus.
781Grief that others love not Jesus.L.M.
1 AH! reign wherever man is found,
My Spouse beloved and divine!
Then I am rich, and I abound,
When every human heart is Thine.

2 A thousand sorrows pierce my soul,
To think that all are not Thine own:
Ah! be adored from pole to pole!
Where is thy zeal? arise; be known!

3 All hearts are cold, in every place,
Yet earthly good with warmth pursue;
Dissolve them with a flash of grace,
Thaw these of ice, and give us new!
Jeanne Marie Guyon, 1790;
tr. by William Cowper, 1801.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

782 — The unsearchable Love of God.
782The unsearchable Love of God.L.M.
1 O LOVE of God, how strong and true!
Eternal, and yet ever new,
Uncomprehended and unbought,
Beyond all knowledge and all thought.

2 We read Thee best in Him who came
To bear for us the cross of shame;
Sent by the Father from on high,
Our life to live, our death to die.

3 We read Thy power to bless and save,
Even in the darkness of the grave;
Still more in resurrection light,
We read the fulness of Thy might.

4 O love of God, our shield and stay,
Through all the perils of our way;
Eternal love, in Thee we rest,
For ever safe, for ever blest!
Horatius Bonar, 1861
—Our Own Hymn-Book

783 — "My Spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour."
783"My Spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour."7.6.
1 TO Thee, O dear, dear Saviour!
My spirit turns for rest,
My peace is in Thy favour,
My pillow on Thy breast.

2 Though all the world deceive me,
I know that I am Thine,
And Thou wilt never leave me,
O blessed Saviour, mine.

3 O Thou whose mercy found me,
From bondage set me free,
And then for ever bound me,
With three-fold cords to Thee.

4 Oh for a heart to love Thee
More truly as I ought,
And nothing place above Thee,
In deed, or word, or thought.

5 Oh for that choicest blessing
Of living in Thy love,
And thus on earth possessing,
The peace of heaven above.
John S. B. Monsell, 1863.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

784 — Condescending Love.
784Condescending Love.C.M.
1 OH see how Jesus trusts Himself
Unto our childish love,
As though by His free ways with us
Our earnestness to prove!

2 His sacred name a common word
On earth He loves to hear;
There is no majesty in Him
Which love may not come near.

3 The light of love is round His feet,
His paths are never dim!
And He comes nigh to us when we
Dare not come nigh to Him.

4 Let us be simple with Him, then,
Not backward, stiff, or cold,
As though our Bethlehem could be
What Sina was of old.
Frederick William Faber, 1852.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

785 — "Whom having not seen we love."
785"Whom having not seen we love."C.M.
1 Jesus, these eyes have never seen
That radiant form of Thine!
The veil of sense hangs dark between
Thy blessed face and mine!

2 I see Thee not, I hear Thee not,
Yet art Thou oft with me;
And earth hath ne'er so dear a spot.
As where I meet with Thee.

3 Like some bright dream that comes unsought,
When slumbers o'er me roll,
Thine image ever fills my thought,
And charms my ravish'd soul.

4 Yet though I have not Been, and still
Must rest in faith alone;
I love Thee, dearest Lord! and will,
Unseen, but not unknown.

5 When death these mortal eyes shall seal
And still this throbbing heart,
The rending veil shall Thee reveal,
All glorious as Thou art!
Ray Palmer, 1858.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

786 — "Thy Name is as Ointment poured forth."
786"Thy Name is as Ointment poured forth."C.M.
1 JESUS, the very thought of Thee
With sweetness fills my breast;
But sweeter far Thy face to see,
And in Thy presence rest.

2 Nor voice can sing, nor heart can frame,
Nor can the memory find,
A sweeter sound than Thy blest name,
O Saviour of mankind!

3 Oh, hope of every contrite heart!
Oh, joy of all the meek!
To those who fall, how kind Thou art!
How good to those who seek!

4 But what to those who find? Ah! this
Nor tongue nor pen can show;
The love of Jesus—what it is,
None but His loved ones know.

5 Jesus, our only joy be Thou,
As Thou our crown wilt be;
Jesus, be Thou our glory now,
And through eternity.
Bernard of Clairvaux, 1153;
tr. by Edward Caswall, 1849.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

787 — Most glorious King.
787Most glorious King.C.M.
1 O JESU, King most wonderful,
Thou Conqueror renown'd,
Thou sweetness most ineffable,
In whom all joys are found!

2 When once Thou visitest the heart,
Then truth begins to shine,
Then earthly vanities depart,
Then kindles love divine.

3 O Jesu, Light of all below,
Thou Fount of living fire,
Surpassing all the joys we know,
And all we can desire

4 Jesu, may all confess Thy name,
Thy wondrous love adore;
And, seeking Thee, themselves inflame
To seek Thee more and more.

5 Thee, Jesu, may our voices bless:
Thee may we love alone:
And ever in our lives express
The image of Thine own.
Edward Caswall, 1849.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

788 — "We love Him because He first loved us."
788"We love Him because He first loved us."C.M.
1 MY God, I love Thee; not because
I hope for heaven thereby,
Nor yet because who love Thee not
Must burn eternally.

2 Thou, O my Jesus, Thou didst me
Upon the cross embrace;
For me didst bear the nails, and spear,
And manifold disgrace.

3 And griefs, and torments numberless,
And sweat of agony;
Yea, death itself; and all for me
Who was Thine enemy.

4 Then why, O blessed Jesu Christ,
Should I not love Thee well?
Not for the hope of winning heaven,
Nor of escaping hell;

5 Not with the hope of gaining aught,
Not seeking a reward;
But as Thyself hast loved me,
O ever-loving Lord.

6 So would I love Thee, dearest Lord,
And in Thy praise will sing;
Solely because Thou art my God,
And my Eternal King.
Francis Xavier, 1552.
tr. by Edward Caswall, 1849.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

789 — We love Him for Himself.
789We love Him for Himself.S.M.
1 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.
John Austin, 1668
—Our Own Hymn-Book

790 — Christ or nothing.
790Christ or nothing.7.6.
1 IF my Lord Himself reveal,
No other good I want;
Only Christ my wounds can heal,
Or silence my complaint.

2 He that suffer'd in my stead,
Shall my Physician be:
I will not be comforted
Till Jesus comforts me.
Augustus M. Toplady, 1759
—Our Own Hymn-Book

791 — Jesus and His Righteousness prized.
791Jesus and His Righteousness prized.C.M.
1 THE more my conduct I survey,
Or Thee my Master see,
My own sufficience dies away,
I find my need of Thee.

2 Were I a martyr at the stake
I'd plead my Saviour's name:
Intreat a pardon for His sake,
And urge no other claim.

3 If blest with that exalted love
Which tunes a seraph's tongue;
Yet from the cross I would not move,
For there my hopes are hung.

4 Could I get nearer to the throne
Than is the common length,
My soul with gratitude should own,
'Tis done by borrow'd strength.

5 O Thou, the antidote of fear,
The charmer of my heart;
My comforts bloom when Thou art near,
And fade if Thou depart.

6 Let others boast whate'er they please,
Their hopes I'll not contest:
Smile Thou and I can live at ease,
Or die divinely blest.
Thomas Greene, 1780.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

792 — Christ is all.
792Christ is all.C.M.
1 COMPARED with Christ, in all beside
No comeliness I see;
The one thing needful, dearest Lord,
Is to be one with Thee.

2 The sense of Thy expiring love
Into my soul convey:
Thyself bestow; for Thee alone
I absolutely pray.

3 Less than Thyself will not suffice,
My comfort to restore:
More than Thyself I cannot crave,
And Thou canst give no more.

4 Loved of my God, for Him again
With love intense I burn:
Chosen of Thee e'er time began,
I choose Thee in return.

5 Whate'er consists not with Thy love,
Oh teach me to resign:
I'm rich to all the intents of bliss,
If Thou, O God, art mine.
Augustus M. Toplady, 1772.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

793 — Idols destroyed and Jesus loved.
793Idols destroyed and Jesus loved.7s.
1 SOON as faith the Lord can see
Bleeding on a cross for me,
Quick my idols all depart,
Jesus gets and fills my heart.

2 None among the sons of men,
None among the heavenly train,
Can with Jesus then compare,
None so sweet, and none so fair!

3 Then my tongue would fain express
All His love and loveliness;
But I lisp, and falter forth
Broken words, not half His worth.

4 Vex'd I try and try again,
Still my efforts all are vain:
Living tongues are dumb at best,
We must die to speak of Christ.
John Berridge, 1785.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

794 — Jesus our only Care.
794Jesus our only Care.7.6.
1 CAN my heaven-born soul submit
To care for things below?
Nay, but never from the feet
Of Jesus may I go:

2 Anxious, Lord, for nothing here,
Alone I look to Thee:
Humbly cast my ev'ry care
On Him that cares for me.
Augustus M. Toplady, 1759, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

795 — Jesus our chief Delight.
795Jesus our chief Delight.L.M.
1 JESUS, my Lord, my chief delight,
For Thee I long, for Thee I pray,
Amid the shadows of the night,
Amid the business of the day.

2 When shall I see Thy smiling face,
That face which often I have seen?
Arise, Thou Sun of Righteousness,
Scatter the clouds that intervene.

3 Thou art the glorious gift of God
To sinners weary and distress'd;
The first of all His gifts bestow'd,
And certain pledge of all the rest.

4 Could I but say this gift is mine,
The world should lie beneath my feet;
Though poor, no more would I repine,
Or look with envy on the great.

5 The precious jewel I would keep,
And lodge it deep within my heart;
At home, abroad, awake, asleep,
It never should from thence depart!
Benjamin Beddome, 1818.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

796 — Desiring to abide with Jesus.
796Desiring to abide with Jesus.C.M.
1 OH, let my Jesus teach me how
I may in Him abide;
From wandering save my foolish heart,
And keep it near Thy side.

2 Thy side is all the tower I have
To screen me from my foes,
And in that side a fountain is,
Which healeth human woes.

3 Put round my heart Thy cord of love,
It hath a kindly sway,
But bind me fast, and draw me still,
Still nearer every day.
John Berridge, 1785.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

797 — "Who loved me, and gave Himself for me"
797"Who loved me, and gave Himself for me"8. 8. 6.
1 O LOVE divine, how sweet Thou art!
When shall I find my willing heart
All taken up by Thee?
I thirst, I faint, I die to prove
The greatness of redeeming lore,
The love of Christ to me!

2 Stronger His love than death or hell;
Its riches are unsearchable:
The first-born sons of light
Desire in vain its depths to see;
They cannot reach the mystery.
The length, and breadth, and height.

3 God only knows the love of God:
Oh that it now were shed abroad
In this poor stony heart:
For love I sigh, for love I pine:
This only portion, Lord, be mine,
Be mine this better part.

4 Oh that I could for ever sit
With Mary at the Master's feet;
Be this my happy choice:
My only care, delight, and bliss,
My joy, my heaven on earth, be this,
To hear the Bridegroom's voice.
Charles Wesley, 1748.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

798 — Rest in Divine Love desired.
798Rest in Divine Love desired.8s., 6 lines.
1 THOU hidden love of God, whose height,
Whose depth unfathom'd, no man knows;
I see from far Thy beauteous light,
Inly I sigh for Thy repose:
My heart is pain'd, nor can it be
At rest, till it finds rest in Thee.

2 Is there a thing beneath the sun
That strives with Thee my heart to share?
Ah, tear it thence, and reign alone,
The Lord of every motion there!
Then shall my heart from earth be free,
When it hath found repose in Thee.

3 Bach moment draw from earth away
My heart, that lowly waits Thy call;
Speak to my inmost soul, and say,
"I am thy Love, thy God, thy All!"
To feel Thy power, to hear Thy voice,
To taste Thy lore, be all my choice.
Gerhard Tersteegen, 1731.
tr. by John Wesley, 1739.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

799 — Abide in me.
799Abide in me.7s.
1 THOU, who art the incarnate God,
In mine heart make Thine abode:
Come, dear Lord, and come to stay,
Not just smile and go away!

2 Let not clouds Thy face eclipse,
Let not anger seal Thy lips:
Thy fair count'nance let me see;
With Thy sweet voice speak to me.

3 Rise then, Sun of Righteousness,
Me with Thy sweet beamings bless;
Winter then may stay or flee,
Lord, 'tis all alike to me.

4 If in life I have Thy grace,
And at death behold Thy face:
Life may stay, or life may flee,
Lord, 'tis all alike to me.
John Ryland, 1776.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

800 — Saviour, look on Thy Beloved.
800Saviour, look on Thy Beloved.8.7.
1 SAVIOUR, look on Thy beloved;
Triumph over all my foes;
Turn to happy joy my mourning;
Turn to gladness all my woes.

2 Live or die, or work or Buffer,
Let my weary soul abide,
In all changes whatsoever,
Sure and steadfast by Thy side.

3 Nothing will preserve my goings,
But salvation full and free;
Nothing will my feet dishearten,
But my absence, Lord, from Thee.

4 Nothing can delay my progress,
Nothing can disturb my rest,
If I shall, where'er I wander,
Lean my spirit on Thy breast.
William Williams, 1772.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

801 — Jesus is enough.
801Jesus is enough.C.M.
1 Jesus, my Saviour, is enough
When all is gone and spent;
He fills and over-fills my soul,
Thus I am pure content.

2 My covenant with flesh and blood,
And every sinful thing,
Is broken, and is steadfast made,
With Jesus Christ my King.

3 Vanish from me, ye objects vain,
All scenes of lower kind;
A pleasure equal to my wish
In God alone I find.
William Williams, 1759.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

802 — Beauties of Jesus.
802Beauties of Jesus.8.7.4.
1 WHITE and ruddy is my Beloved,
All His heavenly beauties shine;
Nature can't produce an object,
Nor so glorious, so divine;
He hath wholly
Won my soul to realms above.

2 Farewell, all ye meaner creatures,
For in Him is every store;
Wealth, or friends, or darling beauty,
Shall not draw me any more;
In my Saviour,
I have found a glorious whole.

3 Such as find Thee find such sweetness
Deep, mysterious, and unknown;
Far above all worldly pleasures,
If they were to meet in one;
My Beloved,
O'er the mountains haste away.
William Williams, 1772.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

803 — Jesus, reign in us.
803Jesus, reign in us.8.7.
1 Jesus, whose almighty sceptre
Rules creation all around,
In whose bowels love and mercy,
Grace, and pity, full are found.

2 In ray spirit rule and conquer,
There set up Thy eternal throne;
Win my heart from every creature,
Thee to love, and Thee alone.

3 In Thy bleeding wounds most happy,
Nought will do for wretched me,
But a Saviour full of mercy,
Dying, innocent, and free.

4 Climb, my soul, unto the mountain,
Ever-blessed Calvary,
See the wounded Victim bleeding,
Nailed to a cursed tree.

5 Love to miserable sinners,
Love unfathom'd, love to death,
Was the only end and motive,
To resign His gracious breath.
William Williams, 1772.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

804 — My Jesus, I love Thee.
804My Jesus, I love Thee.11s.
1 MY Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine,
For Thee all the follies of sin I resign;
My gracious Redeemer, my Saviour art Thou,
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.

2 I love Thee because Thou hast first loved me,
And purchased my pardon on Calvary's tree;
I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow,
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.

3 I will love Thee in life, I will love Thee in death,
And praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath;
And say when the death-dew lies cold on my brow,
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.

4 In mansions of glory and endless delight,
I'll ever adore Thee in heaven so bright;
I'll sing with the glittering crown on my brow;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.
London Hymn Book, 1864.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

805 — Weaned from the World.
805Weaned from the World.L.M.
1 I THIRST, but not as once I did,
The vain delights of earth to share;
Thy wounds, Immanuel, all forbid
That I should seek my pleasures there.

2 It was the sight of Thy dear cross
First wean'd my soul from earthly things;
And taught me to esteem as dross
The mirth of fools and pomp of kings.

3 Dear fountain of delight unknown!
No longer sink below the brim;
But overflow, and pour me down
A living and life-giving stream!
William Cowper, 1779.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

806 — Longing to be with Jesus.
806Longing to be with Jesus.C.M.
1 MY soul amid this stormy world,
Is like some flutter'd dove;
And fain would be as swift of wing,
To flee to Him I love.

2 The cords that bound my heart to earth
Are broken by His hand;
Before His cross I found myself
A stranger in the land.

3 That visage marr'd, those sorrows deep,
The vinegar and gall,
These were His golden chains of love
His captive to enthral.

4 My heart is with Him on His throne,
And ill can brook delay;
Each moment listening for the voice,
"Rise up, and come away."

5 With hope deferred, oft sick and faint,
"Why tarries He?" I cry:
Let not the Saviour chide my haste,
For then would I reply:

6 "May not an exile, Lord, desire
His own sweet land to see?
May not a captive seek release,
A prisoner to be free?

7 "A child, when far away, may long
For home and kindred dear;
And she that waits her absent lord
May sigh till he appear.

8 "I would, my Lord and Saviour, know,
That which no measure knows:
Would search the mystery of Thy love,
The depths of all Thy woes.

9 "I fain would strike my harp divine
Before the Father's throne,
There cast my crown of righteousness,
And sing what grace has done.

10 "Ah, leave me not in this base world,
A stranger still to roam;
Come, Lord, and take me to Thyself,
Come, Jesus, quickly come!"
Robert C. Chapman, 1837.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

807 — Jesus our Choice.
807Jesus our Choice.L.M.
1 THOUGH all the world my choice deride,
Yet Jesus shall my portion be;
For I am pleased with none beside;
The fairest of the fair is He.

2 Sweet is the vision of Thy face,
And kindness o'er Thy lips is shed;
Lovely art Thou, and full of grace,
And glory beams around Thy head.

3 Thy sufferings I embrace with Thee,
Thy poverty and shameful cross;
The pleasures of the world I flee,
And deem its treasures only dross.

4 Be daily dearer to my heart,
And ever let me feel Thee near;
Then willingly with all I'd part,
Nor count it worthy of a tear.
Gerhard Tersteegen, 1731;
tr. by Samuel Jackson, 1832.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

808 — His Name is lovely.
808His Name is lovely.7s.
1 OTHER name than my dear Lord's,
Never to my heart affords
Equal influence to move
Its deep springs of joy and love.

2 He from youth has been my guide,
He to hoar hairs will provide,
Every light and every shade,
On my path His presence made.

3 He hath been my joy in woe,
Cheer'd my heart when it was low,
And, with warnings softly sad,
Calm'd my heart when it was glad.

4 Change or chance could ne'er befall,
But He proved mine all in all;
All He asks in answer is,
That I should be wholly His.

5 Oh that I may ever prove,
By a life of earnest love,
How, by right of grace divine,
I am His, and He is mine.
John S. B. Monsell, 1863.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

809 — "I did know Thee in the Wilderness."
809"I did know Thee in the Wilderness."C.M.
1 I KNEW Thee in the land of drought,
Thy comfort and control,
Thy truth encompass'd me about,
Thy love refresh'd my soul.

2 I knew Thee when the world was waste,
And Thou alone wast fair,
On Thee my heart its fondness placed,
My soul reposed its care.

3 And if Thine alter'd hand doth now
My sky with sunshine fill,
Who amid all so fair as Thou?
Oh let me know Thee still:

4 Still turn to Thee in days of light,
As well as nights of care,
Thou brightest amid all that's bright!
Thou fairest of the fair!

5 My sun is, Lord, where'er Thou art,
My cloud, where self I see,
My drought in an ungrateful heart,
My freshest springs in Thee!
John S. B. Monsell, 1863.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

810 — Hark, the Voice of my Beloved.
810Hark, the Voice of my Beloved.8.7.4.
1 HARK! the voice of my Beloved,
Lo, He comes in greatest need,
Leaping on the lofty mountains,
Skipping over hills with speed,
To deliver,
Me unworthy from all woe.

2 In a dungeon deep He found me,
Without water, without light,
Bound in chains of horrid darkness,
Gloomy, thick, Egyptian night;
He recover'd
Thence my soul with price immense.

3 And for this let men and angels,
All the heavenly hosts above,
Choirs of seraphims elected,
With their golden harps of love,
Praise and worship,
My Redeemer without end.

4 Let believers raise their anthems;
All the saints in one accord,
Mix'd with angels and archangels,
Sing their dear Redeeming Lord;
Love eternal,
Inconceivable, unknown.
William Williams, 1772, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

811 — The Strength of Christ's Love.
811The Strength of Christ's Love.L.M.
1 OH let my name engraven stand,
My Jesus, on Thy heart and hand:
Seal me upon Thine arm, and wear
That pledge of love for ever there.

2 Stronger than death Thy love is known,
Which floods of wrath could never drown;
And hell and earth in vain combine
To quench a fire so much divine.

3 But I am jealous of my heart,
Lest it should once from Thee depart;
Then let Thy name be well impress'd
As a fair signet on my breast.

4 Till Thou hast brought me to Thy home,
Where fears and doubts can never come.
Thy countenance let me often see,
And often Thou shalt hear from me.

5 Come, my Beloved, haste away,
Cut short the hours of Thy delay:
Fly like a youthful hart or roe
Over the hills where spices grow.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

812 — On Jesu's Heart and Arm.
812On Jesu's Heart and Arm.C.M.
1 I ASK my dying Saviour dear
To set me on His heart;
And if my Jesus fix me there,
Nor life, nor death shall part.

2 As Aaron bore upon his breast
The names of Jacob's sons,
So bear my name among the rest
Of Thy dear chosen ones.

3 But sea me also on Thine arm,
Or yet I am not right;
I need Thy love to ward off harm,
And need Thy shoulder's might.

4 This double seal makes all things sure,
And keeps me safe and well;
Thy heart and shoulder will secure
From all the host of hell.
John Berridge, 1785.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

813 — "To live is Christ, and to die is Gain."
813"To live is Christ, and to die is Gain."7s.
1 CHRIST, of all my hopes the ground,
Christ, the spring of all my joy,
Still in Thee may I be found,
Still for Thee my powers employ.

2 Fountain of o'erflowing grace,
Freely from Thy fulness give;
Till I close my earthly race,
May I prove it, "Christ to live."

3 Firmly trusting in Thy blood,
Nothing shall my heart confound;
Safely I shall pass the flood,
Safely reach Immanuel's ground.

4 When I touch the blessed shore,
Back the closing waves shall roll;
Death's dark stream shall never more
Part from Thee my ravish'd soul.

5 Thus, oh thus, an entrance give
To the land of cloudless sky!
Having known it, "Christ to live,"
Let me know it, "Gain to die."
Ralph Wardlaw, 1817.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

814 — Christ dwells in Heaven, but visits His Saints on Earth.
814Christ dwells in Heaven, but visits His Saints on Earth.L.M.
1 MY best-beloved keeps His throne
On hills of light, in worlds unknown;
But He descends and shows His face
In the young gardens of His grace.

2 He has engross'd my wannest love;
No earthly charms my soul can move:
I have a mansion in His heart,
Nor death nor hell shall make us part.

3 He takes my soul ere I'm aware,
And shows me where His glories are:
No chariot of Amminadib
The heavenly rapture can describe.

4 Oh, may my spirit daily rise
On wings of faith above the skies,
Till death shall make my last remove,
To dwell for ever with my love.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

815 — "With Thee is the Fountain of Life."
815"With Thee is the Fountain of Life."7s.
1 OBJECT of my first desire,
Jesus crucified for me!
All to happiness aspire,
Only to be found in Thee!

2 Thee to please and Thee to know,
Constitute our bliss below;
Thee to see and Thee to love,
Constitute our bliss above.

3 Lord, it is not life to lire,
If Thy presence Thou deny;
Lord, if Thou Thy presence give,
'Tis no longer death to die!

4 Source and giver of repose!
Singly from Thy smile it flows,
Peace and happiness are Thine,
Mine they are, if Thou art mine!
Augustus M. Toplady, 1774.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

816 — Love the Source of Love.
816Love the Source of Love.L.M.
1 WHAT wondrous cause could move Thy heart
To take on Thee my curse and smart?
When Thou foreknewest I should be
So cold and negligent to Thee?

2 The cause was love, I sink with shame be,
Before my sacred Jesu's name,
That Thou shouldst bleed and slaughter'd
Because, because Thou lovedst me.

3 Thou lovedst me, oh boundless grace!
Who can such wondrous mercy trace?
I, who unfaithful, foolish am,
Yet find Thee still a patient lamb.
Clare Taylor, 1742.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

817 — He is precious.
817He is precious.8.7.
1 PRECIOUS is the name of Jesus,
Who can half its worth unfold?
Far beyond angelic praises,
Sweetly sung to harps of gold.

2 Precious when to Calvary groaning,
He sustained the cursed tree;
Precious when His death atoning
Made an end of sin for me.

3 Precious when the bloody scourges
Caused the sacred drops to roll;
Precious when of wrath the surges
Overwhelm'd His holy soul.

4 Precious in His death victorious,
He the host of hell o'erthrows;
In His resurrection glorious,
Victor crown'd o'er all His foes.

5 Precious, Lord! beyond expressing,
Are Thy beauties all divine;
Glory, honour, power, and blessing
Be henceforth for ever Thine.
John Kent, 1841.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

818 — Beneath His Cross.
818Beneath His Cross.L.M.
1 BENEATH Thy cross I lay me down
And mourn to see Thy bloody crown:
Love drops in blood from every vein,
Love is the spring of all His pain.

2 Here, Jesus, I shall ever stay,
And spend my longing hours away,
Think on Thy bleeding wounds and pain,
And contemplate Thy woes again.

3 The rage of Satan, and of sin,
Of foes without, and fears within,
Shall ne'er my conquering soul remove,
Or from Thy cross or from Thy love.

4 Secured from harms beneath Thy shade,
Here death and hell shall ne'er invade,
Nor Sinai, with its thundering noise,
Shall e'er disturb my happier joys.

5 Oh, unmolested happy rest!
Where inward fears are all suppress'd,
Here I shall love and live secure,
And patiently my cross endure.
William Williams, 1772.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

819 — Holy Admiration of Jesus.
819Holy Admiration of Jesus.L.M.
1 JESUS, when faith with fixed eyes,
Beholds Thy wondrous sacrifice,
Love rises to an ardent flame,
And we all other hope disclaim.

2 With cold affections who can see
The thorns, the scourge, the nails, the tree,
Thy flowing tears, and purple sweat,
Thy bleeding hands, and head, and feet?

3 Look, saints, into His opening side,
The breach how large, how deep, how wide!
Thence issues forth a double flood
Of cleansing water, pardoning blood.

4 Hence. O my soul, a balsam flows
To heal thy wounds, and cure thy woes;
Immortal joys come streaming down,
Joys, like His griefs, immense, unknown.

5 Thus I could ever, ever sing
The sufferings of my heavenly King;
With glowing pleasure spread abroad
The mysteries of a dying God.
Benjamin Beddome, 1818.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

820 — Christ the Eternal Life.
820Christ the Eternal Life.L.M.
1 Jesus, our Kinsman and our God,
Array'd in majesty and blood,
Thou art our life; our souls in Thee
Possess a full felicity.

2 All our immortal hopes are laid
In Thee, our Surety and our Head;
Thy cross. Thy cradle, and Thy throne,
Are big with glories yet unknown.

3 Oh, let my soul for ever lie
Beneath the blessings of Thine eye;
'Tis heaven on earth, 'tis heaven above,
To see Thy face, and taste Thy love.
Isaac Watts, 1734.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Death
821 — Guide me, O Thou Great Jehovah.
821Guide me, O Thou Great Jehovah.8.7.4.
1 GUIDE me, O Thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but Thou art mighty,
Hold me with Thy powerful hand;
Bread of heaven!
Feed me now and evermore.

2 Open now the crystal fountain
Whence the healing streams do flow;
Let the fiery cloudy pillar,
Lead me all my journey through:
Strong Deliv'rer!
Be Thou still my strength and shield.

3 When I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fears subside;
Death of deaths, and hell's destruction,
Land me safe on Canaan's side:
Songs of praises
I will ever give to Thee.
William Williams, 1773.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

822 — Victory over Death.
822Victory over Death.C.M.
1 OH for an overcoming faith
To cheer my dying hours;
To triumph o'er the monster death,
And all his frightful powers!

2 Joyful, with all the strength I have,
My quivering lips should sing,
Where is thy boasted victory, Grave?
And Where's the monster's sting?

3 If sin be pardon'd, I'm secure;
Death hath no sting beside;
The law gives sin its damning power;
But Christ, my ransom, died.

4 Now to the God of victory
Immortal thanks be paid,
Who makes us conquerors while we die
Through Christ our living Head.
Isaac Watts, 1709
—Our Own Hymn-Book

823 — "The Time is short."
823"The Time is short."L.M.
1 THE time is short ere all that live
Shall hence depart, their God to meet:
And each a strict account must give,
At Jesu's awful judgment-seat.

2 The time is short, oh, who can tell
How short his time below may be?
To-day on earth his soul may dwell,
To-morrow in eternity.

3 The time is short; sinner, beware!
Nor squander these brief hours away;
Oh flee to Christ by faith and prayer,
Ere yet shall close this fleeting day.

4 The time is short; ye saints, rejoice!
Your Saviour-Judge will quickly come;
Soon shall you hear the Bridegroom's voice
Invite you to His heavenly home.

5 The time is short, ere time shall cease,
Eternity be usher'd in,
And death shall die. and joy and peace
O'er the new earth benignant reign.
Joseph Hoskins, 1789, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

824 — The solemn Hour.
824The solemn Hour.C.M.
1 WHERE is an hour when I must part
With all I hold most dear;
And life with its best hopes will then
As nothingness appear.

2 There is an hoar when I must sink
Beneath the stroke of death;
And yield to Him, who gave it first,
My struggling, vital breath.

3 There is an hour when I must stand
Before the judgment-seat;
And ail ray sins, and all my foes,
In awful vision meet.

4 There is an hour when I must look
On one eternity;
And nameless woe, or blissful life,
My endless portion be.

5 O Saviour, then, in all my need
Be near, be near to me;
And let my soul, by steadfast faith,
Find life and heaven in Thee.
Andrew Reed, 1842.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

825 — Death and Eternity.
825Death and Eternity.C.M.
1 STOOP down, my thoughts, that use to rise,
Converse awhile with death:
Think how a gasping mortal lies,
And pants away his breath.

2 His quivering lip hangs feebly down,
His pulses faint and few;
Then speechless, with a doleful groan
He bids the world adieu.

3 But, oh, the soul that never dies!
At once it leaves the clay;
Ye thoughts, pursue it where it flies,
And track its wondrous way.

4 Up to the courts where angels dwell,
It mounts triumphant there;
Or devils plunge it down to hell,
In infinite despair.

5 And must my body faint and die?
And must this soul remove?
Oh, for some guardian-angel nigh,
To bear it safe above!

6 Jesus, to Thy dear faithful hand
My naked soul I trust;
And my flesh waits for Thy command,
To drop into the dust.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

826 — Peace in the Prospect of Death.
826Peace in the Prospect of Death.L.M.
1 SHRINKING from the cold hand of death,
I soon may gather up my feet;
May swift resign this fleeting breath,
And die, my fathers' God to meet.

2 Number'd among Thy people, I
Expect with joy Thy face to see:
Because Thou didst for sinners die,
Jesus, in death, remember me!

3 Oh that without a lingering groan
I may the welcome word receive:
My body with my charge lay down,
And cease at once to work and live!
Charles Wesley, 1762, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

827 — The tolling Bell.
827The tolling Bell.L.M.
1 OFT as the bell, with solemn toll,
Speaks the departure of a soul,
Let each one ask himself, "Am I
Prepared, should I be call'd to die?"

2 Only this frail and fleeting breath
Preserves me from the jaws of death;
Soon as it fails, at once I'm gone,
And plunged into a world unknown.

3 Then, leaving all I loved below,
To God's tribunal I must go:
Must hear the Judge pronounce my fate,
And fix my everlasting state.

4 Lord Jesus, help me now to flee,
And seek my hope alone in Thee;
Apply Thy blood, Thy Spirit give,
Subdue my sin, and let me live.

5 Then when the solemn bell I hear,
If saved from guilt, I need not fear;
Nor would the thought distressing be,
"Perhaps it next may toll for me!"

6 Rather, my spirit would rejoice,
And long, and wish, to hear Thy voice;
Glad when it bids me earth resign,
Secure of heaven, if Thou art mine.
John Newton, 1779.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

828 — It is not Death to Die.
828It is not Death to Die.S.M.
1 IT is not death to die,
To leave this weary road,
And, 'midst the brotherhood on high,
To be at home with God.

2 It is not death to close
The eye long dimm'd by tears,
And wake in glorious repose
To spend eternal years.

3 It is not death to bear
The wrench that sets us free
From dungeon chain, to breathe the air
Of boundless liberty.

4 It is not death to fling
Aside this sinful dust,
And rise, on strong exulting wing,
To live among the just.

5 Jesus, Thou Prince of life!
Thy chosen cannot die;
Like Thee, they conquer in the strife,
To reign with Thee on high.
From the French; George W. Bethune, 1847.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

829 — Christ's Presence makes Death easy.
829Christ's Presence makes Death easy.L.M.
1 WHY should we start, or fear to die?
What timorous worms we mortals are!
Death is the gate of endless joy,
And yet we dread to enter there.

2 The pains, the groans, the dying strife,
Fright our approaching souls away;
Still we shrink back again to life,
Fond of our prison and our clay.

3 Oh, if my Lord would came and meet,
My soul should stretch her wings in haste,
Fly fearless through death's iron gate,
Nor feel the terrors as she pass'd.

4 Jesus can make a dying bed
Feel soft as downy pillows are,
While on His breast I lean my head,
And breathe ray life out sweetly there.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

830 — On a Believer's Death.
830On a Believer's Death.C.M.
1 IN vain my fancy strives to paint
The moment after death,
The glories that surround the saint,
When yielding up his breath.

2 One gentle sigh the fetter breaks:
We scarce can say, "They're gone!"
Before the willing spirit takes
Her mansion near the throne.

3 Faith strives, but all its efforts fail,
To trace her in her flight;
No eye can pierce within the veil
Which hides that world of light.

4 Thus much (and this is all) we know,
They are completely blest;
Have done with sin, and care, and woe,
And with their Saviour rest.

5 On harps of gold they praise His name,
His face they always view;
Then let us followers be of them,
That we may praise Him too.
John Newton, 1779.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

831 — Victory over Death.
831Victory over Death.P. M.
1 VITAL spark of heavenly flame,
Quit, oh quit this mortal frame!
Trembling, hoping, lingering, flying,
Oh the pain, the bliss of dying!
Cease, fond nature, cease thy strife,
And let me languish into life.

2 Hark! they whisper: angels say,
Sister spirit, come away.
What is this absorbs me quite—
Steals my senses—shuts my sight—
Drowns my spirit—draws my breath?
Tell me, my soul, can this be death?

3 The world recedes; it disappears!
Heaven opens on my eyes! my ears
With sounds seraphic ring:
Lend, lend your wings! I mount! I fly!
O grave, where is thy victory?
O death, where is thy sting?
Alexander Pope, 1736.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Our own Hymn book part 6

2012-01-26T13:35:00.000-08:00

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

616-727

click here for part 1

click here for part 2

click here for part 3

click here for part 4

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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