Out of the depths I cry to Thee

June 15

Out of the depths I cry to Thee,
Lord, hear me, I implore Thee!
Bend down Thy gracious ear to me,
Let my prayer come before Thee!
If Thou remember each misdeed,
If each should have its rightful meed,
Who may abide Thy presence?

Our pardon is Thy gift; Thy love
And grace alone avail us.
Our works could ne’er our guilt remove,
The strictest life must fail us.
That none may boast himself of aught,
But own in fear Thy grace hath wrought
What in him seemeth righteous.

And thus my hope is in the Lord,
And not in my own merit:
I rest upon His faithful word
To them of contrite spirit.
That He is merciful and just,-
Here is my comfort and my trust.
His help I wait with patience.

And though it tarry till the night,
And round till morning waken,
My heart shall ne’er mistrust Thy might,
Nor count itself forsaken.
Do thus, O ye of Israel’s seed,
Ye of the Spirit born indeed,
Wait for your God’s appearing.

Though great our sins and sore our woes,
His grace much more aboundeth;
His helping love no limit knows,
Our utmost need it soundeth.
Our kind and faithful Shepherd, He,
Who shall at last set Israel free
From all their sin and sorrow.
     Martin Luther Tr. Catherine Winkworth

Come, ye that love the Lord

June 14

Come, ye that love the Lord,
And let your joys be known;
Join in a song with sweet accord,
While ye surround His throne.
Let those refuse to sing
Who never knew our God;
But children of the heavenly King
May speak their joys abroad.

The God Who rules on high,
Who all the earth surveys,
Who rides upon the stormy sky,
And calms the roaring seas:
This awful God is ours,
Our Father and our Love;
He will send down His heavenly powers
To carry us above.

There we shall see His face,
And never, never sin;
There, from the rivers of His grace,
Drink endless pleasures in.
Then let our songs abound,
And every tear be dry;
We’re marching through Emmanuel’s ground
To fairer worlds on high.
     Isaac Watts altered

Give to our God immortal praise

June 13

Give to our God immortal praise!
Mercy and truth are all His ways.
Wonders of grace to God belong;
Repeat His mercies in your song.

Give to the Lord of lords renown,
The King of kings with glory crown,
His mercies ever shall endure,
When lords and kings are known no more.

He sent His Son with power to save
From guilt and darkness and the grave,
Wonders of grace to God belong;
Repeat His mercies in your song.

Through this vain world He guides our feet,
And leads us to His heavenly seat,
His mercies ever shall endure,
When this vain world shall be no more.
     Isaac Watts

To God the only wise

June 12

To God the only wise,
Our Saviour and our King,
Let all the saints below the skies
Their humble praises bring.

’Tis His almighty love,
His counsel, and His care,
Preserves us safe from sin and death,
And ev’ry hurtful snare.

He will present our souls
Unblemished and complete
Before the glory of His face
With joys divinely great.

Then all His faithful sons
Shall meet around the throne,
Shall bless the conduct of His grace,
And make His wonders known.

To our Redeemer God,
Wisdom and power belongs,
Immortal crowns of majesty,
And everlasting songs.
     Isaac Watts

Oh, sometimes the shadows are deep

Oh, sometimes the shadows are deep,

And rough seems the path to the goal;
And sorrows, how often they sweep,
Like tempests, down over the soul!

Oh, sometimes how long seems the day,
And sometimes how heavy my feet;
But, toiling in life’s dusty way,
The Rock’s blessed shadow, how sweet!

Oh, near to the Rock let me keep,
Or blessings, or sorrows prevail;
Or climbing the mountain way steep,
Or walking the shadowy vale.

Chorus
Oh, then to the Rock let me fly,
To the Rock that is higher than I;
Oh, then to the Rock let me fly,
To the Rock that is higher than I.
     E. Johnson

O bless the Lord, my soul!

June 9

O bless the Lord, my soul!
Let all within me join
And aid my tongue to bless His Name,
Whose favors are divine.

O bless the Lord, my soul!
Nor let His mercies lie
Forgotten in unthankfulness,
And without praises die.

‘Tis He forgives thy sins;
‘Tis He relieves thy pain;
‘Tis He that heals thy sicknesses,
And gives thee strength again.

He crowns thy life with love,
When ransomed from the grave;
He that redeemed my soul from death
Hath sovereign power to save.

He fills the poor with good;
He gives the sufferers rest;
The Lord hath judgments for the proud,
And justice for the oppressed.

His wondrous works and ways
He made by Moses known,
But sent the world His truth and grace
By His beloved Son.
     Isaac Watts, altered

Lord, with glowing heart I’d praise Thee

June 8

Lord, with glowing heart I’d praise Thee
For the bliss Thy love bestows,
For the pardoning grace that saves me,
And the peace that from it flows.
Help, O God, my weak endeavor;
This dull soul to rapture raise;
Thou must light the flame, or never
Can my love be warmed to praise.

Praise, my soul, the God that sought thee,
Wretched, wanderer, far astray;
Found thee lost, and kindly brought thee
From the paths of death away.
Praise, with love’s devoutest feeling,
Him Who saw thy guilt born fear,
And, the light of hope revealing,
Bade the bloodstained Cross appear.

Lord, this bosom’s ardent feeling
Vainly would my lips express;
Low before Thy footstool kneeling,
Deign Thy suppliant’s prayer to bless.
Let Thy grace, my soul’s chief treasure,
Love’s pure flame within me raise;
And, since words can never measure,
Let my life show forth Thy praise.
     Francis Scott Key

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!

June 7

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise Him, for He is thy health and salvation!
All ye who hear, now to His temple draw near;
Praise Him in glad adoration.

Praise to the Lord!  Who o’er all things so wondrously reigneth,
Shelters thee under His wings, yea, so gently sustaineth;
Hast thou not seen how thy desires ever have been
Granted in what He ordaineth?

Praise to the Lord!  Who doth prosper thy work and defend thee;
Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee.
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,
If with His love He befriend thee!

Praise to the Lord!  O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him!
Let the Amen sound from His people again;
Gladly for aye we adore Him.
     Joachim Neander Tr Catherine Winkworth

Lord, teach us how to pray aright

June 6

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.

Burdened with guilt, convinced of sin,
In weakness, want, and woe,
Fightings without and fears within,
Lord, whither shall we go?

God of all grace, we come to Thee
With broken, contrite hearts;
Give, what Thine eye delights to see,
Truth in the inward parts.

Give deep humility; the sense
Of godly sorrow give;
A strong desire, with confidence,
To hear Thy voice and live;

Faith in the only Sacrifice
That can for sin atone;
To cast our hopes, to fix our eyes,
On Christ, on Christ alone.

Give these, and then Thy will be done;
Thus strengthened with all might,
We, through Thy Spirit and Thy Son,
Shall pray, and pray aright.
     James Montgomery

God of pity, God of grace

June 5

God of pity, God of grace:
When we humbly seek Thy face,
Bend from heaven, Thy dwelling place:
Hear, forgive, and save.

When we in Thy temple meet,
Spread our wants before Thy feet,
Pleading at Thy mercy-seat:
Look from heaven and save.

Should we wander from Thy fold,
And our love to Thee grow cold,
With a pitying eye behold:
Lord, forgive and save.

And whate’er our cry may be,
When we lift our hearts to Thee,
From our burden set us free:
Hear, forgive, and save.
     Eliza Fanny Morris

O that the Lord would guide my ways

June 4

O that the Lord would guide my ways
To keep His statutes still!
O that my God would grant me grace
To know and do His will!

Order my footsteps by Thy Word,
And make my heart sincere;
Let sin have no dominion, Lord,
But keep my conscience clear.

Assist my soul, too apt to stray,
A stricter watch to keep;
And should I e’er forget Thy way,
Restore Thy wandering sheep.

Make me to walk in Thy commands;
‘Tis a delightful road;
Nor let my head, or heart, or hands
Offend against my God.
     Isaac Watts

Lead us, heavenly Father, lead us

June 3

Lead us, heavenly Father, lead us
  O’er the world’s tempestuous sea;
Guard us, guide us, keep us, feed us,
  For we have no help but Thee;
          Yet possessing
          Ev’ry blessing,
  If our God our Father be.

Saviour, breathe forgiveness o’er us;
  All our weakness Thou dost know;
Thou didst tread this earth before us,
  Thou didst feel its keenest woe;
          Lone and dreary,
          Faint and weary,
  Through the desert Thou didst go.

Spirit of our God, descending,
  Fill our hearts with heavenly joy,
Love all other love transcending,
  Pleasure that can never cloy;
          Thus provided,
          Pardoned, guided,
  Nothing can our peace destroy.
     James Edmeston, altered

Here behold me, as I cast me

June 2

Here behold me, as I cast me
‘Neath Thy throne, O glorious King!
Sorrows thronging, childlike longing,
Son of Man, to Thee I bring.
Let me find Thee!  Let me find Thee!
Me, a poor and worthless thing.

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!  Let me find Thee!
Take my heart, and own me Thine!

Naught I ask for, naught 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!  Let me find Thee!
He hath all things who hath Thee.

Earthly treasure, mirth and pleasure,
Glorious name, or golden hoard
Are but weary, void and dreary,
To the heart that longs for God.
Let me find Thee!  Let me find Thee!
I am Thine, O mighty Lord!
     Joachim Neander Tr. Catherine Winkworth altered

Teach me, my God and King

June 1

Teach me, my God and King,
In all things Thee to see,
And what I do in anything,
To do it as for Thee;

To scorn the senses’ sway,
While still to Thee I tend;
In all I do be Thou the Way,
In all be Thou the End!

All may of Thee partake;
Nothing so small can be,
But draws, when acted for Thy sake,
Greatness and worth from Thee.

If done to obey Thy laws,
E’en servile labors shine;
Hallowed is toil, if this the cause,
The meanest work divine.
     George Herbert, Revised by John Wesley

Jesus still lead on

Jesus still lead on,
Till our rest be won;
And although the way be cheerless,
We will follow, calm and fearless;
Guide us by Thy hand
To our fatherland.

If the way be drear,
If the foe be near,
Let not faithless fears o’ertake us,
Let not faith and hope forsake us;
For through many a foe
To our home we go.

When we seek relief
From a long felt grief,
When temptations come alluring,
Make us patient and enduring;
Show us that bright shore
Where we weep no more.

Jesus, still lead on,
Till our rest be won;
Heavenly Leader, still direct us,
Still support, console, protect us,
Till we safely stand
In our fatherland.
       Nicolaus Ludwig v. Zinzendorf  Tr Jane Borthwick, altered

How blessed, from the bonds of sin

How blessed, from the bonds of sin
And earthly fetters free,
In singleness of heart and aim
Thy servant, Lord, to be!
The hardest toil to undertake
With joy at Thy command,
The meanest office to receive
With meekness at Thy hand!

With willing heart and longing eyes
To watch before Thy gate,
Ready to run the weary race,
To bear the heavy weight;
No voice of thunder to expect,
But follow, calm and still,
For love can easily divine
The One Beloved's will.

Thus may we serve Thee, Gracious Lord!
Thus ever Thine alone,
Our souls and bodies given to Thee,
The purchase Thou hast won;
Through evil or through good report
Still keeping at Thy side.
By life or death, in this poor flesh
Let Christ be magnified!

How happily the working days
In this dear service fly!
How rapidly the closing hour,
The time of rest, draws nigh!
When all the faithful gather home,
A joyful company.
And ever where the Master is,
Shall His blest servants be.
       Karl Johann Philipp Spitta Tr Jane Borthwick

O God of Jacob, by Whose hand

O God of Jacob, by Whose hand
Thy people still are fed;
Who through this weary pilgrimage
Hast all our fathers led!

To Thee our humble vows we raise,
To Thee address our prayer;
And in Thy kind and faithful breast
Deposit all our care.

Through each perplexing path of life
Our wandering footsteps guide;
Give us each day our daily bread,
And raiment fit provide.

Oh, spread Thy covering wings around
Till all our wanderings cease,
And at our Father's loved abode
Our souls arrive in peace.

To Thee, as to our covenant God,
We’ll our whole selves resign;
And thankful, own that all we are
And all we have is Thine.
        Philip Doddridge, altered

For all the saints, who from their labors rest

For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blest.
Alleluia!  Alleluia!

Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress and their Might;
Thou, Lord, their Captain in the well fought fight;
Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light.
Alleluia!  Alleluia!

O may Thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold,
Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,
And win, with them, the victor's crown of gold.
Alleluia!  Alleluia!

O blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine.
Alleluia!  Alleluia!

The golden evening brightens in the west;
Soon, soon to faithful warriors cometh rest;
Sweet is the calm of Paradise the blest.
Alleluia!  Alleluia!

But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day:
The saints triumphant rise in bright array;
The King of Glory passes on His way.
Alleluia!  Alleluia!

From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast,
Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
Singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost:
Alleluia!  Alleluia!
         William Walsham How

The saints of God! their conflict past

The saints of God! their conflict past,
And life's long battle won at last,
No more they need the shield or sword:
They cast them down before the Lord.
O happy saints, forever blest,
At Jesus’ feet how safe your rest!

The saints of God! their wanderings done,
No more their weary course they run,
No more they faint, no more they fall,
No foes oppress, no fears appal.
O happy saints, forever blest,
In that dear home how sweet your rest!

The saints of God! life's voyage o'er,
Safe landed on that blissful shore,
No stormy tempests now they dread,
No roaring billows lift their head:
O happy saints, forever blest,
In that calm haven of your rest!

The saints of God their vigil keep,
While yet their mortal bodies sleep,
Till from the dust they too shall rise
And soar triumphant to the skies:
O happy saints, rejoice and sing;
He quickly comes, your Lord and King!

O God of saints! to Thee we cry;
O Saviour! plead for us on high;
O Holy Ghost! our Guide and Friend,
Grant us Thy grace till life shall end;
That with all saints our rest may be
In that bright paradise with Thee!
        William Dalrymple Maclagan

What are these in bright array,

What are these in bright array,
This innumerable throng,
Round the altar, night and day,
Hymning one triumphant song?
"Worthy is the Lamb, once slain,
Blessing, honor, glory, power,
Wisdom, riches to obtain,
New dominion ev’ry hour."

These through fiery trials trod;
These from great affliction came;
Now, before the throne of God,
Sealed with His almighty Name,
Clad in raiment pure and white,
Victor-palms in every hand,
Through their great Redeemer's might,
More than conquerors they stand.

Hunger, thirst, disease unknown,
On immortal fruits they feed;
Them the Lamb amidst the throne
Shall to living fountains lead;
Joy and gladness banish sighs;
Perfect love dispels all fears;
And for ever from their eyes
God shall wipe away the tears.
        James Montgomery

Great is the Lord our God

Great is the Lord our God,
And let His praise be great;
He makes His churches His abode,
His most delightful seat.

These temples of His grace,
How beautiful they stand!
The honors of our native place,
And bulwarks of our land.

In Zion God is known
A refuge in distress;
How bright has His salvation shone
Through all her palaces!

Oft have our fathers told,
Our eyes have often seen,
How well our God secures the fold,
Where His own sheep have been.

In every new distress
We'll to His house repair,
We’ll think upon His wondrous grace,
And seek deliverance there.
       Isaac Watts

Speed Thy servants, Savior, speed them

Speed Thy servants, Savior, speed them;
Thou art Lord of winds and waves;
They were bound, but Thou hast freed them;
Now they go to free the slaves;
Be Thou with them!  Be Thou with them!
’Tis Thine arm alone that saves.

Friends, and home, and all forsaking,
Lord, they go at Thy command,
As their stay Thy promise taking,
While they traverse sea and land:
O be with them!  O be with them!
Lead them safely by the hand.

When no fruit appears to cheer them
And they seem to toil in vain,
Then in mercy, Lord, draw near them,
Then their sinking hopes sustain;
Thus supported,
Let their zeal revive again.

In the midst of opposition
Let them trust, O Lord, in Thee;
When success attends their mission,
Let Thy servants humbler be;
Never leave them,
Till Thy face in Heaven they see.
        Thomas Kelly

Lord of all power and might

Lord of all power and might,
Father of love and light,
  Speed on Thy Word;
O let the gospel sound
All the wide world around.
Wherever man is found;
  God speed Thy Word!

Lo, what embattled foes,
Stern in their hate, oppose
  God’s holy Word!
One for His truth we stand,
Strong in His own right hand,
Firm as a martyr-band;-
  God shield His Word!

Onward shall be our course,
Despite of fraud or force;
  God is before;
His Word ere long shall run
Free as the noonday sun;
His purpose must be done;-
  God bless His Word!
        Hugh Stowell

Rise, ye children of salvation

Rise, ye children of salvation,
All who cleave to Christ, the Head!
Wake, arise, O mighty nation,
Ere the foe on Zion tread:
He draws nigh and would defy
All the hosts of God Most High.

Saints and heroes, long before us,
Firmly on this ground have stood;
See their banner waving o'er us,
Conquerors through the Saviour's Blood!
Ground we hold, whereon of old
Fought the faithful and the bold.

Fighting, we shall be victorious
By the Blood of Christ our Lord;
On our foreheads, bright and glorious,
Shines the witness of His Word;
Spear and shield on battlefield,
His great Name; we cannot yield.

When His servants stand before Him,
Each receiving his reward,-
When His saints in light adore Him,
Giving glory to the Lord,-
"Victory!" our songs shall be,
Like the thunder of the sea.
       Justus Falckner Tr Emma Frances Bevan

Glorious things of thee are spoken

Glorious things of thee are spoken,
Zion, City of our God;
He, Whose word cannot be broken,
Formed thee for His own abode.
On the Rock of Ages founded,
What can shake thy sure repose?
With salvation's walls surrounded,
Thou may’st smile at all thy foes.

See the streams 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 to assuage,
Grace, which, like the Lord, the Giver,
Never fails from age to age?

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.

Saviour, if on 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.
         ohn Newton

Thy Word, O Lord, like gentle dews,

Thy Word, O Lord, like gentle dews,
Falls soft on hearts that pine;
Lord, to Thy garden ne’er refuse
This heavenly balm of Thine.
Watered by Thee, let ev’ry tree
Forth blossom to Thy praise,
By grace of Thine bear fruit divine,
Through all the coming days.

Thy Word is like a flaming sword,
A wedge that cleaveth stone;
Keen as a fire, so burns Thy Word,
And pierceth flesh and bone.
Let it go forth o’er all the earth
To cleanse our hearts within,
To show Thy power in Satan’s hour,
And break the might of sin.

Thy Word, a wondrous guiding star,
On pilgrim hearts doth rise,
Leads those to God who dwell afar,
And makes the simple wise.
Let not its light e’er sink in night;
In every spirit shine,
That none may miss heaven’s final bliss,
Led by Thy light divine.
       Carl Bernhard Garve  Tr Catherine Winkworth, altered

Our blest Redeemer, ere He breathed

Our blest Redeemer, ere He breathed
His tender last farewell
A Guide, a Comforter bequeathed
With us to dwell.

He came sweet influence to impart,
A gracious, willing Guest,
While He can find one humble heart
Wherein to rest.

And His that gentle voice we hear,
Soft as the breath of even,
That checks each thought, that calms each fear,
And speaks of heaven.

And every virtue we possess,
And every victory won,
And every thought of holiness,
Is His alone.

Spirit of purity and grace,
Our weakness, pitying, see;
O make our hearts Thy dwelling place,
And worthier Thee.
         Harriet Auber

Where high the heavenly temple stands

Where high the heavenly temple stands,
The house of God not made with hands,
A great High Priest our nature wears,
The Saviour of mankind appears.

He Who for men their surety stood,
And poured on earth His precious Blood,
Pursues in heaven His mighty plan,
The Saviour and the Friend of man.

Though now ascended up on high,
He bends on earth a brother’s eye;
Partaker of the human name,
He knows the frailty of our frame.

In every pang that rends the heart
The Man of Sorrows had a part;
He sympathizes with our grief,
And to the sufferer sends relief.

With boldness therefore at the throne
Let us make all our sorrows known,
And ask the aid of heav’nly power,
To help us in the evil hour.
                     Michael Bruce

“No separation!” O my soul

“No separation!”  O my soul!
’Tis God who speaks the word;
So close the Spirit thee unites
With Christ, thy risen Lord.

“No separation!”  Thou art His,
And His for evermore;
Upon the cross thy debt He paid,
And all thy judgment bore.

“No separation!”  Precious word!
In it, my soul, be glad;
Loved with an everlasting love,
And one with Jesus made.

“No separation!”  Life nor death,
Things present nor to come,
Can part thee from His precious care,
Or rob thee of thy home.

“No separation!”  Linked with Him,
His glory-all is thine;
Oh, wondrous love, that thus could plan
A union so divine!
         Albert Midlane

Alleluia! sing to Jesus

Alleluia! sing to Jesus;
His the sceptre, His the throne;
Alleluia! His the triumph,
His the victory alone.
Hark! the songs of peaceful Sion
Thunder like a mighty flood:
“Jesus out of ev’ry nation
Hath redeemed us by His Blood.”

Alleluia! not as orphans
We are left in sorrow now;
Alleluia! He is near us,
Faith believes, nor questions how.
Though the cloud from sight received Him,
When the forty days were o’er,
Shall our hearts forget His promise:
“I am with you evermore?”

Alleluia! Bread of Heaven,
Thou on earth our food and stay,
Alleluia! here the sinful
Flee to Thee from day to day;
Intercessor, Friend of sinners,
Earth’s Redeemer, plead for me,
Where the songs of all the sinless
Sweep across the crystal sea.
        William Chatterton Dix

Look from Thy sphere of endless day

Look from Thy sphere of endless day,
O God of mercy and of might!
In pity look on those who stray,
Benighted in this land of light.

In peopled vale, in lonely glen,
In crowded mart, by stream or sea,
How many of the sons of men
Hear not the message sent from Thee!

Send forth Thy heralds, Lord, to call
The thoughtless young, the hardened old,
A scattered, homeless flock, till all
Be gathered to Thy peaceful fold.

Send them Thy mighty Word, to speak
Till faith shall dawn, and doubt depart,
To awe the bold, to stay the weak,
And bind and heal the broken heart.

Then all these wastes,-a dreary scene,
That fills with sadness as we gaze,-
Shall grow with living waters green
And lift to heaven the voice of praise.
        William Cullen Bryant, altered

A hymn of glory let us sing

A hymn of glory let us sing;
New hymns throughout the world shall ring;
By a new way none ever trod,
Christ mounteth to the throne of God.

May our affections thither tend,
And thither constantly ascend,
Where, seated on the Father’s throne,
Thee, reigning in the heavens, we own!

Be Thou our present Joy, O Lord,
Who wilt be ever our Reward;
And as the countless ages flee,
May all our glory be in Thee!
     Bede, Tr. Elizabeth Rundle Charles

Christ the Lord is risen today

Christ the Lord is risen today;
Christians, haste your vows to pay;
Offer ye your praises meet
At the Paschal Victim’s feet.

For the sheep the Lamb hath bled,
Sinless in the sinner’s stead;
“Christ is ris’n,” today we cry;
Now He lives no more to die.

Christ, the Victim undefiled,
God and man hath reconciled;
While in strange and awful strife
Met together death and Life:

Christians, on this happy day
Haste with joy your vows to pay;
“Christ is ris’n,” today we cry;
Now He lives no more to die.

Christ, Who once for sinners bled,
Now the first-born from the dead,
Throned in endless might and power,
Lives and reigns forevermore.

Hail, Eternal Hope on high!
Hail, Thou King of victory!
Hail, Thou Prince of Life adored!
Help and save us, Gracious Lord.
        Medieval Sequence Tr Jane Eliza Leeson

O perfect life of love

O perfect life of love!
All, all is finished now:
All that He left His throne above
To do for us below.

No work is left undone
Of all the Father willed;
His toil, His sorrows, one by one,
The Scripture have fulfilled.

No pain that we can share
But He has felt its smart;
All forms of human grief and care
Have pierced that tender heart.

In perfect love He dies;
For me He dies, for me;
O all-atoning Sacrifice,
I cling by faith to Thee.

Work then, O Lord, in me,
As Thou for me hast wrought;
And let my love the answer be
To grace Thy love hast brought.
       Henry Williams Baker

Ah, holy Jesus, how hast Thou offended

Ah, holy Jesus, how hast Thou offended,
That man to judge Thee hath in hate pretended?
By foes derided, by Thine own rejected,
          O most afflicted.

Who was the guilty?  Who brought this upon Thee?
Alas, my treason, Jesus, hath undone Thee.
’Twas I, Lord Jesus, I it was denied Thee:
          I crucified Thee.

Lo, the good Shepherd for the sheep is offered;
The slave hath sinned, and the Son hath suffered;
For man’s atonement, while he nothing heedeth,
          God intercedeth.

For me, kind Jesus, was Thine Incarnation,
Thy mortal sorrow, and Thy life’s oblation;
Thy death of anguish and Thy bitter passion,
          For my salvation.

Therefore, kind Jesus, since I cannot pay Thee,
I do adore Thee, and will ever pray Thee,
Think on Thy pity and Thy love unswerving,
          Not my deserving.
                    Johann Heermann Tr Robert Bridges

My Lord, my Master, at Thy feet adoring

My Lord, my Master, at Thy feet adoring,
I see Thee bowed beneath Thy load of woe;
For me, a sinner, is Thy lifeblood pouring;
For Thee, my Saviour, scarce my tears will flow.

Thine own disciple to the Jews hath sold Thee,
With friendship's kiss and loyal word he came;
How oft of faithful love my lips have told Thee,
While Thou hast seen my falsehood and my shame!

With taunts and scoffs they mock what seems Thy weakness,
With blows and outrage adding pain to pain;
Thou art unmoved and steadfast in Thy meekness;
When I am wronged, how quickly I complain!

My Lord, my Savior, when I see Thee wearing
Upon Thy bleeding brow the crown of thorn,
Shall I for pleasure live, or shrink from bearing
Whate'er may be my lot of pain or scorn?

O Victim of Thy love! O pangs most healing!
O saving death! O fruitful agonies!
I pray Thee, Christ, before Thee humbly kneeling,
For ever keep Thy Cross before mine eyes.
        Jacques Bridaine  Tr Thomas Benson Pollock

Jesus, Refuge of the weary

Jesus, Refuge of the weary,
Object of the spirit’s love,
Fountain in life’s desert dreary,
Savior from the world above;
O how oft Thine eyes, offended,
Gaze upon the sinner’s fall;
Yet upon the Cross extended,
Thou didst bear the pain of all.

Do we pass that Cross unheeding,
Breathing no repentant vow,
Though we see Thee wounded, bleeding,
See Thy thorn-encircled brow?
Yet Thy sinless death has brought us
Life eternal, peace, and rest;
Only what Thy grace hath taught us
Calms the sinner’s stormy breast.

Jesus, may our hearts be burning
With more fervent love for Thee;
May our eyes be ever turning
To Thy Cross of agony;
Till in glory, parted never
From the blessed Saviour’s side,
Graven in our hearts for ever,
Dwell the Cross, the Crucified.
     Girolamo Savonarola Tr Jane Francesca Wilde

We sing the praise of Him who died

We sing the praise of Him who died,
Of Him Who died upon the Cross;
The sinners' hope let men deride,
For this we count the world but loss.

Inscribed upon that Cross we see,
In shining letters, “God is Love.”
He bears our sins upon the Tree,
He brings us mercy from above.

The Cross! it takes our guilt away;
It holds the fainting spirit up;
It cheers with hope the gloomy day,
And sweetens ev’ry bitter cup.

It makes the coward spirit brave,
And nerves the feeble arm for fight;
It takes all terror from the grave,
And gilds the bed of death with light.

The balm of life, the cure of woe,
The measure and the pledge of love,
The sinners’ refuge here below,
The angels’ theme in heaven above.
         Thomas Kelly

O God, I love Thee; not that my poor love

O God, I love Thee; not that my poor love
May win me entrance to Thy Heaven above,
Nor yet that strangers to Thy love must know
The bitterness of everlasting woe.

But, Jesus, Thou art mine, and I am Thine:
Clasped to Thy bosom by Thy arms divine,
Who on the cruel Cross for me hast borne
The nails, the spear, and man’s unpitying scorn.

No thought can fathom and no tongue express
Thy griefs, Thy toils, Thy anguish measureless,
Thy death, O Lamb of God the undefiled,-
And all for me, Thy wayward sinful child.

How can I choose but love Thee, God’s dear Son,
O Jesus, loveliest, and most loving One!
Were there no Heaven to gain, no hell to flee,
For what Thou art alone I must love Thee.

Not for the hope of glory or reward,
But even as Thyself hast loved me, Lord,
I love Thee, and will love Thee and adore,
Who art my King, my God, for evermore.
        Francis Xavier  Tr. Edward Henry Bickersteth

Rejoice, all ye believers

Rejoice, all ye believers,
And let your lights appear!
The evening is advancing
And darker night is near.
The Bridegroom is arising,
And soon will He draw nigh.
Up! pray, and watch, and wrestle-
At midnight comes the cry!

The watchers on the mountain
Proclaim the Bridegroom near;
Go meet Him as He cometh,
With hallelujahs clear.
The marriage feast is waiting,
The gates wide open stand;
Up, up, ye heirs of glory;
The Bridegroom is at hand!

Ye saints, who here in patience
Your cross and sufferings bore,
Shall live and reign for ever,
When sorrow is no more.
Around the throne of glory
The Lamb ye shall behold,
In triumph cast before Him
Your diadems of gold!

Our Hope and Expectation,
O Jesus, now appear;
Arise, Thou Sun so longed for,
O’er this benighted sphere!
With hearts and hands uplifted,
We plead,  O Lord, to see
The day of earth’s redemption,
That brings us unto Thee!
       Laurentius Laurenti Tr Sarah Borthwick Findlater

Wake, awake, for night is flying

Wake, awake, for night is flying,
The watchmen on the heights are crying:
  Awake, Jerusalem, at last!
Midnight hears the welcome voices,
And at the thrilling cry rejoices:
  Come forth, ye virgins, night is past!
    The Bridegroom comes awake,
    Your lamps with gladness take;
        Hallelujah!
And for His marriage feast prepare,
For ye must go to meet Him there.

Zion hears the watchmen singing,
And all her heart with joy is springing;
  She wakes, she rises from her gloom;
For her Lord comes down all-glorious,
The Strong in grace, in truth Victorious,
  Her Star is risen, her Light is come!
    Ah, come, Thou blessed Lord!
    O Jesus, Son of God,
      Hallelujah!
We follow till the halls we see
Where Thou hast bid us sup with Thee.

Now let all the heavens adore Thee,
And men and angels sing before Thee,
  With harp and cymbal's clearest tone;
Of one pearl each shining portal,
Where we are with the choir immortal
  Of angels round Thy dazzling throne;
    Nor eye hath seen, nor ear
    Hath yet attained to hear
      What there is ours;
But we rejoice, and sing to Thee
Our hymn of joy eternally.
          Philipp Nicolai, Tr. Catherine Winkworth

O Saviour, bless us ere we go

O Saviour, bless us ere we go;
Thy Word into our minds instill;
And make our lukewarm hearts to glow
With lowly love and fervent will.
Through life's long day, and death's dark night,
O gentle Jesus, be our Light.

The day is done, its hours have run,
And Thou hast taken count of all,
The scanty triumphs grace hath won,
The broken vow, the frequent fall.
Through life's long day, and death's dark night,
O gentle Jesus, be our Light.

Grant us, O Lord, from evil ways
True absolution and release;
And bless us more than in past days
With purity and inward peace.
Through life's long day, and death’s dark night,
O gentle Jesus, be our Light.

Do more than pardon:  give us joy,
Sweet fear and sober liberty,
And loving hearts without alloy,
That only long to be like Thee.
Through life’s long day, and death’s dark night,
O gentle Jesus, be our Light.

Labor is sweet for Thou hast toiled;
And care is light for Thou hast cared;
Ah, never let our works be soiled
With self, or by deceit ensnared.
Through life’s long day, and death’s dark night,
O gentle Jesus, be our Light.

For all we love, the poor, the sad,
The sinful, unto Thee we call;
O let Thy mercy make us glad;
Thou art our Jesus and our All.
Through life's long day, and death's dark night,
O gentle Jesus, be our Light.
          Frederick William Faber

Evening and morning

     Evening and morning,
     Sunset and dawning,
     Wealth, peace and gladness,
     Comfort in sadness,
These are Thy works; all the glory be Thine!
     Times without number,
     Awake or in slumber,
     Thine eye observes us,
     From danger preserves us,
     Causing Thy mercy upon us to shine.

     Father, O hear me;
     Pardon and spare me;
     Calm all my terrors,
     Blot out my errors,
That by Thine eyes they may no more be scanned.
     Order my goings;
     Direct all my doings;
     As it may please Thee,
     Retain or release me;
     All I commit to Thy Fatherly hand.

     Griefs of God’s sending
     Soon have an ending;
     Clouds may be pouring,
     Wind and wave roaring;
Sunshine will come when the tempest has past.
     Joys still increasing,
     And peace never ceasing,
     Fountains that dry not,
     And roses that die not,
     Blooming in Eden, await me at last.
                      Paul Gerhardt  Tr Richard Massie

Round me falls the night

 Round me falls the night;
     Saviour, be my Light;
Through the hours in darkness shrouded
Let me see Thy face unclouded,
     Let Thy glory shine
     In this heart of mine.

     Earthly work is done,
     Earthly sounds are none;
Rest in sleep and silence seeking;
Let me hear Thee softly speaking;
     In my spirit's ear
     Whisper, "I am near."

     Darkened now each ray
     O’er the travell’ers way;
Let me know that Thou hast found me,
Let me feel Thine arms around me,
     Sure from every ill,
     Thou wilt guard me still.

     Blessed, heavenly Light,
     Shining through earth's night;
Voice, that oft of love hast told me;
Arms, so strong to clasp and hold me;
     Thou Thy watch wilt keep,
     Saviour, o'er my sleep.
            William Romanis

The radiant morn hath passed away

The radiant morn hath passed away,
And spent too soon her golden store;
The shadows of departing day
Creep on once more.

Our life is but an autumn sun,
Its glorious noon how quickly past;
Lead us, O Christ, our lifework done,
Safe home at last.

O! by Thy soul inspiring grace
Uplift our hearts to realms on high;
Help us to look to that bright place
Beyond the sky;

Where light, and life, and joy, and peace
In undivided empire reign,
And thronging angels never cease
Their deathless strain;

Where saints are clothed in spotless white,
And evening shadows never fall,
Where Thou, eternal Light of Light,
Art Lord of all.
     Godfrey Thring

Through the day Thy love hath spared us

Through the day Thy love hath spared us;
Now we lay us down to rest;
Through the silent watches guard us,
Let no foe our peace molest;
Jesus, Thou our Guardian be;
Sweet it is to trust in Thee.

Pilgrims here on earth, and strangers,
Dwelling in the midst of foes,
Us and ours preserve from dangers;
In Thine arms may we repose,
And when life’s brief day is past,
Rest with Thee in heaven at last.
     Thomas Kelly

O God, the Rock of Ages

O God, the Rock of Ages,
Who evermore hast been,
What time the tempest rages,
Our dwelling place serene;
Before Thy first creations,
O Lord, the same as now,
To endless generations
The Everlasting Thou!

Our years are like the shadows
On sunny hills that lie,
Or grasses in the meadows
That blossom but to die;
A sleep, a dream, a story
By strangers quickly told,
An unremaining glory
Of things that soon are old.

O Thou, Who canst not slumber,
Whose light grows never pale,
Teach us aright to number
Our years before they fail;
On us Thy mercy lighten,
On us Thy goodness rest,
And let Thy Spirit brighten
The hearts Thyself hast blessed.
     Edward Henry Bickersteth

Great God! we sing that mighty Hand

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.

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

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.

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

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

Praise, O praise our God and King

Praise, O praise our God and King;
Hymns of adoration sing;
For His mercies still endure
Ever faithful, ever sure.

Praise Him that He made the sun
Day by day his course to run,
And the silver moon by night,
Shining with her gentle light.

Praise Him that He gave the rain
To mature the swelling grain,
And hath bid the fruitful field
Crops of precious increase yield.

Praise Him for our harvest store,-
He hath filled the garner floor,-
And for richer food than this,
Pledge of everlasting bliss.

Glory to our bounteous King!
Glory let creation sing!
Glory to the Father, Son,
And Blest Spirit, Three in One!
     Henry Williams Baker

It is not death to die

It is not death to die-
To leave this weary road,
And, ‘midst the brotherhood on high,
To be at home with God.

It is not death to close
The eye long dimmed with tears,
And wake in glorious repose
To spend eternal years.

It is not death to bear
The wrench that sets us free
From dungeon chain, to breathe the air
Of boundless liberty.

It is not death to fling
Aside this sinful dust,
And rise on strong exulting wing
To live among the just.

Jesus, Thou Prince of Life,
Thy chosen cannot die;
Like Thee, they conquer in the strife,
To reign with Thee on high.
     H. A. Cesar Malan Tr George Washington Bethune

O how blest are ye whose toils are ended

O how blest are ye whose toils are ended!
Who, through death, have unto God ascended!
Ye have arisen
From the cares which keep us still in prison.

Christ has wiped away your tears forever;
Ye have that for which we still endeavor.
To you are chanted
Songs that ne’er to moral ears were granted.

Ah! who would then not depart with gladness,
To inherit heaven for earthly sadness?
Who here would languish
Longer in bewailing and in anguish?

Come, O Christ, and loose the chains that bind us!
Lead us forth, and cast this world behind us!
With Thee, th’ Anointed,
Finds the soul its joy and rest appointed.
     Simon Dach  Tr Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Jesus, I know, hath died for me

Jesus, I know, hath died for me:
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.

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

Fixed on this ground will I remain,
Though my heart fail and strength 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.
     Johann Andreas Rothe  Tr John Wesley, altered

Nearer, my God, to Thee

Nearer, my God, to Thee!
Nearer to Thee!
Through Word and Sacrement
Thou com’st to me.
Thy grace is ever near,
Thy Spirit ever here,
Drawing to Thee.

Ages on ages rolled
Ere earth appeared,
Yet Thine unmeasured love
The way prepared;
Long hast Thou yearned for me,
That I might nearer be,
Nearer to Thee!

Thy Son has come to earth,
My sin to bear,
My every wound to heal,
My pain to share.
“God in the flesh” for me,
Brings me now nearer Thee,
Nearer to Thee!

Lo! all my debt is paid,
My guilt is gone.
See!  He is risen for me,
My throne is won.
Thanks, O my God, to Thee!
None now can nearer be,
Nearer to Thee!

Welcome, then, to Thy home,
Blest One in Three!
As Thou has promised, come!
Come, Lord, to me!
Work Thou, O God, through me,
Live Thou, O God in me,
Ever in me!

Surely, it matters not
What earth may bring;
Death is of no account;
Grace will I sing.
Nothing remains for me,
Save to be nearer Thee,
Nearer to Thee!
     Henry Eyster Jacobs

If God Himself be for me

If God Himself be for me,
I may a host defy;
For when I pray, before me
My foes, confounded, fly.
If Christ, the Head befriend me,
If God be my support,
The mischief they intend me
Shall quickly come to naught.

I build on this foundation:
That Jesus and His Blood
Alone are my salvation,
The true eternal good;
Without Him all that pleases
Is valueless on earth;
The gifts I owe to Jesus
Alone my love are worth.

His Holy Spirit dwelleth
Within my willing heart,
Tames it when it rebelleth,
And soothes the keenest smart.
He crowns His work with blessing,
And helpeth me to cry
“My Father!” without ceasing,
To Him Who reigns on high.

To mine His Spirit speaketh
Sweet words of soothing power;
How God for him that seeketh
For rest, hath rest in store-
How God Himself prepareth
My heritage and lot,
And, though my body weareth,
My heaven shall fail me not.
     Paul Gerhardt  Tr Richard Massie

Thou hidden Love of God, Whose height

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.

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 has found repose in Thee.

Each 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 love, be all my choice.
     Gerhard Tersteegen Tr. John Wesley, revised

Dispels the shades of night

Dispels the shades of night;
O Jesus, my Defender,
My soul’s supreme delight,
Though fortune should bereave me
Of all I love the best,
If Thou Thy love still leave me,
I freely give the rest.

I know no life divided,
O Lord of life, from Thee;
In Thee is life provided
For all mankind and me;
I know no death, O Jesus,
Because I live in Thee;
Thy death it is which frees us
From death eternally.

I fear no tribulation,
Since, whatso’er it be,
It makes no separation
Between my Lord and me.
If Thou, my God and Teacher,
Vouchsafe to be my own,
Though poor, I shall be richer
Than monarch on his throne.

If, while on earth I wander,
My heart is light and blest,
Ah, what shall I be yonder,
In perfect peace and rest?
O blessed thought in dying!
We go to meet the Lord,
Where there shall be no sighing,
A kingdom our reward.
     Karl Johann Philipp Spitta Tr. Richard Massie

If thou but suffer God to guide thee

If thou but suffer God to guide thee,
And hope in Him through all thy ways,
He’ll give thee strength, whate’er betide thee,
And bear thee through the evil days;
Who trusts in God’s unchanging love
Builds on the rock that naught can move.

What can these anxious cares avail thee,
These never ceasing moans and sighs?
What can it help, if thou bewail thee
O’er each dark moment as it flies?
Our cross and trials do but press
The heavier for our bitterness.

All are alike before the Highest;
‘Tis easy for our God, we know,
To raise thee up, though low thou liest,
To make the rich man poor and low;
True wonders still by Him are wrought
Who setteth up and brings to naught.

Sing, pray, and keep His ways unswerving,-
So do thine own part faithfully,
And trust His Word;- though undeserving,
Thou yet shalt find it true for thee;
God never yet forsook in need
The soul that trusted Him indeed.
     Georg Neumark Tr Catherine Winkworth

We are the Lord's: His all sufficient merit

We are the Lord's:  His all sufficient merit,
Sealed on the cross, to us this grace accords;
We are the Lord's, and all things shall inherit;
Whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.

We are the Lord's:  then let us gladly tender
Our souls to Him, in deeds, not empty words;
Let heart and tongue, and life combine to render
No doubtful witness that we are the Lord's.

We are the Lord's:  no darkness brooding o'er us
Can make us tremble while this star affords
A steady light along the path before us-
Faith's full assurance that we are the Lord's.

We are the Lord's:  no evil can befall us
In the dread hour of life's fast loosening cords;
No pangs of death shall even then appall us;
Death we shall vanquish, for we are the Lord's.
     Karl Johann Philipp Spitta Tr. Charles Tamberlane Astley

What cheering words are these

What cheering words are these!
Their sweetness who can tell!
In time and to eternal days,
“’Tis with the righteous well.”

In ev’ry state secure,
Kept by Jehovah’s eye,
‘Tis well with them while life endure,
And well when called to die.

‘Tis well when joys arise;
‘Tis well when sorrows flow;
‘Tis well when darkness veils the skies,
And strong temptations blow.

‘Tis well when on the mount
They feast on dying Love;
And ‘tis as well in God’s account,
When they the furnace prove.

‘Tis well when Jesus calls:
“From earth and sin arise;
Join with the hosts of ransomed souls,
Made to salvation wise.”
     John Kent

Now may He Who from the dead

Now may He Who from the dead,
Brought the Shepherd of the sheep,
Jesus Christ, our King and Head,
All our souls in safety keep.

May He teach us to fulfill
What is pleasing in His sight;
Perfect us in all His will,
And preserve us day and night.

To that dear Redeemer’s praise,
Who the covenant sealed with Blood,
Let our hearts and voices raise
Loud thanksgivings to our God.
     John Newton

Now the light has gone away

Now the light has gone away;
Saviour, listen while I pray,
Asking Thee to watch and keep,
And to send me quiet sleep.

Jesus, Saviour, wash away
All that has been wrong today;
Help me ev’ry day to be
Good and gentle, more like Thee.

Let my near and dear ones be
Always near and dear to Thee;
O bring me and all I love
To Thy happy home above.

Now my evening praise I give;
Thou didst die that I might live:
All my blessings come from Thee;
O how good Thou art to me!

Thou, my best and kindest Friend,
Thou wilt love me to the end;
Let me love Thee more and more,
Always better than before.
     Frances Ridley Havergal

What our Father does is well

What our Father does is well;
Blessed truth His children tell!
Though He send, for plenty, want,
Though the harvest store be scant,
Yet we rest upon His love,
Seeking better things above.

What our Father does is well;
Shall the willful heart rebel
If a blessing He withhold
In the field, or in the fold?
Is it not Himself to be
All our store eternally?

What our Father does is well;
Though He sadden hill and dell,
Upward yet our praises rise
For the strength His Word supplies;
He has called us sons of God;
Can we murmur at His rod?

What our Father does is well;
May the thought within us dwell!
Though nor milk nor honey flow
In our barren Canaan now,
God can save us in our need,
God can bless us, God can feed.

Therefore unto Him we raise
Hymns of glory, songs of praise;
To the Father, and the Son
And the Spirit, Three in One,
Honor, might, and glory be,
Now, and through eternity.
     Benjamin Schmolck  Tr Henry Williams Baker, altered

Heavenward still our pathway tends

Heavenward still our pathway tends;
  Here on earth we are but strangers,
Till our road in Canaan ends,
  Safely passed this wild of dangers:
Here we but as pilgrims rove,
For our home is there above.

Heavenward still, my soul, ascend!
  Thou art one of heaven’s creations;
Earth can ne’er give aim or end
  Fit to fill thy aspirations;
And a heaven enlightened mind
Ever turns, its source to find.

Heavenward still!  God calls to me
  In His Word, so loudly speaking;
Glimpses in that Word I see
  Of the home I’m ever seeking.
While my heart that call attends,
Still to heaven my path ascends.

Heavenward still when life shall close,
  Death to my true home shall guide me;
Then, triumphant o’er my woes,
  Lasting bliss shall God provide me.
Christ Himself the way has led;
Joyful in His steps I tread.
     Benjamin Schmolck  Tr. Frances Elizabeth Cox

A pilgrim and a stranger

A pilgrim and a stranger,
I journey here below;
Far distant is my country,
The home to which I go.
Here I must toil and travail,
Oft weary and oppressed,
But there my God shall lead me
To everlasting rest.

There still my thoughts are dwelling,
’Tis there I long to be;
Come, Lord, and call Thy servant
To blessedness with Thee.
Come, bid my toils be ended,
Let all my wonderings cease;
Call from the wayside lodging
To the sweet home of peace.

There I shall dwell for ever,
No more a stranger guest,
With all thy blood bought children
In everlasting rest,-
The pilgrim toils forgotten,
The pilgrim conflicts o'er,
All earthly griefs behind us,
Eternal joys before.
     Paul Gerhardt  Tr. Jane Borthwick

There is no night in heaven

There is no night in heaven;
In that blest world above
Work never can bring weariness,
For work itself is love.

There is no grief in heaven;
There all is perfect day;
And tears are of those former things
Which all have passed away.

There is no sin in heaven;
Behold that blessed throng-
All holy is their spotless robe,
All holy is their song!

There is no death in heaven;
For they who gain that shore
Have won their immortality,
And they can die no more.
     Francis Minden Knollis

Thy Word, O God, declareth

Thy Word, O God, declareth
No man hath seen or heard
The joys our God prepareth
For them that love their Lord.
Their eyes shall see Thy glory,
Thy face, Thy throne, Thy might;
With shouts shall they adore Thee,
The true, eternal Light.

With Thee, their warfare ended,
Thy saints, from earth released,
Shall keep, with glories splendid,
Eternal holy feast.
There shall Thy sons and daughters
The tree of life partake,
Shall drink the living waters;
And bread with Thee shall break.

Thy constant praises sounding
Before Thy great white throne,
They all in joy abounding
Shall sing the song unknown:
Laud, honor, praise, thanksgiving
And glory ever be
To Thee, the Everlasting
And Blessed Trinity.
     Johann Walther  Tr. Alfred Ramsey

Thus far the Lord has led me on

Thus far the Lord has led me on,
Thus far His pow’r prolongs my days,
And ev’ry evening shall make known
Some fresh memorial of His grace.

Much of my time has run to waste,
And I perhaps am near my home;
But He forgives my follies past,
And gives me strength for days to come.

I lay my body down to sleep,
Peace is the pillow for my head;
While well-appointed angels keep
Their watchful stations round my bed.
     Isaac Watts

More about Jesus would I know

More about Jesus would I know,
More of His grace to others show,
More of His saving fullness see,
More of His love who died for me!

More about Jesus let me learn,
More of His holy will discern;
Spirit of God, my Teacher be,
Showing the things of Christ to me!

More about Jesus in His Word,
Holding communion with my Lord,
Hearing His voice in ev’ry line,
Making each faithful saying mine!

More about Jesus on His throne,
Riches in glory all His own;
More of His kingdom’s sure increase,
More of His coming, Prince of Peace!

Refrain
More, more about Jesus,
More, more about Jesus;
More of His saving fullness see,
More of His love who died for me!
     E. E. Hewitt

Softly now the light of day

Softly now the light of day
Fades upon our sight away;
Free from care, from labor free,
Lord, we would commune with Thee!

Thou whose all pervading eye
Naught escapes, without, within,
Pardon each infirmity,
Open fault and secret sin!

Soon for us the light of day
Shall forever pass away;
Then, from sin and sorrow free,
Take us, Lord, to dwell with Thee!
     Geo. W. Doane

Nor silver nor gold hath obtained my redemption,

Nor silver nor gold hath obtained my redemption,
No riches of earth could have saved my poor soul;
The blood of the cross is my only foundation,
The death of my Saviour now maketh me whole.

Nor silver nor gold hath obtained my redemption,
The guilt on my conscience too heavy had grown;
The blood of the cross is my only foundation,
The death of my Saviour could only atone.

Nor silver nor gold hath obtained my redemption,
The holy commandment forbade me draw near;
The blood of the cross is my only foundation,
The death of my Saviour removeth my fear.

Nor silver nor gold hath obtained my redemption,
The way into heaven could not thus be bought;
The blood of the cross is my only foundation;
The death of my Saviour redemption hath wrought.

Chorus
I am redeemed, but not with silver,
I am bought, but not with gold;
Bought with a price—the blood of Jesus,
Precious price of love untold!
     James M. Gray

Holy Saviour, we adore Thee

Holy Saviour, we adore Thee,
Seated on the throne of God;
While the heav’nly hosts before Thee
Gladly sing Thy praise aloud:
“Thou art worthy!  Thou art worthy!
We are ransomed by Thy blood!”

Saviour, tho’ the world despise Thee,
Tho’ Thou here wast crucified,
Yet the Father’s glory raised Thee,
Lord of all creation wide;
“Thou art worthy!  Thou art worthy!
We shall live, for Thou hast died!”

Haste the day of Thy returning
With Thy ransomed church to reign;
Then shall end our days of mourning,
We shall sing with rapture then:
“Thou art worthy!  Thou art worthy!
Come, Lord Jesus, come.  Amen!”
     James G. Deck

All around you men are dying, while the precious moments fly

All around you men are dying, while the precious moments fly;
You will meet them when God calls you to His judgment by and by;
Are you reaching out to help them with a brother’s hand of love?
Are you striving now to lead them to the blessed home above?

There’s a brother close beside you, tempted, weary, sore distressed;
There are many all around you vainly seeking peace and rest;
See the image of the Master in each dark and troubled face;
Point the way to joy eternal thro’ the Lord’s abounding grace.

Show the love of Christ, the Saviour, when He died upon the tree,-
Died for sinners lost and hopeless, direst need their only plea;
With one hand held fast by Jesus, with the other reaching down,
You can save your fallen brother, help him win the victor’s crown.

Chorus
Do not stand aloof in pity; take your brother by the hand,
Roll aside his heavy burden, lift him up and help him stand;
Speak a loving word of comfort, ‘tis the blessed Lord’s command,
That you love him as the Lord loved you.
     Harriet Fithian

Trust the Saviour with your sorrow

Trust the Saviour with your sorrow,
Breaking heart;
Strength and comfort for the morrow
He’ll impart;
None so willingly will share it,
None so gladly help to bear it;
Trust the Saviour with your sorrow,
Breaking heart!

Let the loving Saviour guide you,
Soul astray;
He will walk along beside you
All the way;
And if foes should overtake you,
He victorious will make you;
Let the loving Saviour guide you,
Soul astray!

Let the dear Redeemer heal you,
Wounded soul;
He alone can truly seal you,
Make you whole;
For to Him alone is given
Pow’r to heal the spirit riven;
Let the dear Redeemer heal you,
Wounded soul!

Chorus
Trust the Saviour, fully trust Him;
He will prove a Friend indeed;
You no other friend will find
Half as faithful, true and kind;
O the Saviour is the Friend you need!
     James Rowe

I need not ask what time will bring

I need not ask what time will bring
While to my Saviour’s hand I cling;
A song of trust my soul can sing,
For step by step He will lead me.

I need not fear tho’ dark the way,
For Jesus close to me doth stay;
Until the dawn of perfect day
Still step by step He will lead me.

Oft on my path falls golden light,
And blooming flowers greet my sight;
My Saviour’s love makes all scenes bright,
And step by step He will lead me.

I shall not have to go alone
From earth into the realms unknown;
My Lord doth ne’er forsake His own,
And step by step He will lead me.

Chorus
Step by step to the glory land,
My Saviour guides with a loving hand;
I go to dwell with the blood-wash’d band,
And step by step He will lead me.
     Jennie Wilson

Saved by grace alone, God’s own Word believing

Saved by grace alone, God’s own Word believing-
It is glory all the way!
Walking in the light, daily grace receiving-
It is glory all the way!

Not a care have I since my Saviour careth-
It is glory all the way!
Guided by His eye, while with me He fareth-
It is glory all the way!

Severed from the world, His dear name confessing-
It is glory all the way!
Taking up the cross, sharing in the blessing-
It is glory all the way!

Sinner, put your trust in this loving Saviour-
It is glory all the way!
Freely He forgives all our past behavior-
It is glory all the way!

Working day by day, minded that He sees us-
It is glory all the way!
Watch and wait and pray, looking unto Jesus-
It is glory all the way!

Chorus
Glory!  Glory!
It is glory all the way!
Glory!  Glory!
It is glory all the way!
     J. H. Sammis

O Word of God, how marvelous

O Word of God, how marvelous
Thy wisdom and thy pow’r!
How manifold thy mightiness
To meet our need each hour!

With sound of thy sweet promises
Our longing hearts beat time;
Thy messages waft melody,
Like bells at ev’ning chime!

Thy warnings sound, how solemnly,
Alarms deep toned and dark;
Like fog bells on the rocky coast
That guide the storm tossed bark!

Thy piloting how sure, how safe,
Until, all breakers passed,
We triumph o’er each hurricane,
And anchor, home at last!

Chorus
O Word of God, how wondrously
Does thy sweet voice resound;
What gracious lovingkindnesses
In ev’ry tone abound!
     Louis A. Waterman

My Father loves, and He knows and cares

My Father loves, and He knows and cares,
And this keeps my mind in peace;
I may safely rest,
He will do what’s best,
For His goodness never will cease.

My Father knows when my way is dark,
And storm clouds are overhead;
He will choose my way,
Lead me day by day,
For He knows each step which I tread.

My Father cares when I’m left alone,
As loved ones are called away;
When each dear one goes,
Still my Father knows,-
He will let me join them some day.

Chorus
My Father’s love-such tender love,
He feels for His child today;
He can soothe my sorrow,
Give a bright tomorrow,-
I’ll trust my Father’s love!
     Ada R. Habershon

Lift up your heads, O eternal gates

Lift up your heads, O eternal gates!
Lift up, ye doors, for the King who awaits,
Clothed in His beauty and armed with might,
Crowned with salvation and glory and light!

Unto the captive proclaim release,
Unto the warrior the tidings of peace;
High over all will His banner wave,
Strong to deliver and mighty to save!

Blessed Redeemer desired so long!
Welcome Him now with a jubilant song;
He is our ransom from death and sin;
Lift up your heads, let the King enter in!

Chorus
Lift your heads, eternal gates!
Christ the King of glory will enter in!
     Harriet H. Pierson

The Saviour’s hand is clasping mine

The Saviour’s hand is clasping mine,
And all is well!
I’m blessed with fellowship divine,
And all is well!
I’m free at last from sin’s control,
And moving onward tow’rd the goal;
My Saviour’s love makes glad my soul,
And all is well!

I hear my Saviour’s whisper sweet,
And all is well!
He shields my soul when foes I meet,
And all is well!
No more beneath a load I bend;
My sighing days have had an end,
For I have found a perfect Friend,
And all is well!

My Saviour’s loving smile I see,
And all is well!
My hope, my joy, my life is He,
And all is well!
As in the sunshine of His face,
The narrow homeward path I trace,
I sing of His redeeming grace,
And all is well!

Chorus
All is well!  all is well!
My precious Guide is at my side,
And all is well!
     James Rowe

Saved and kept by the power divine

Saved and kept by the power divine,
Saved to the uttermost, Jesus is mine!
He's redemption and righteousness too,
Trusting in Him all my life is made new.

Saved and kept ev’ry step of the way;
Christ is a Savior who saves ev’ry day,
Saves from bondage of sin and of strife,
Keeps in the sphere of His glorious life.

Saved and kept, never doubting His word,
Filled with the peace and the joy of my Lord;
Saved! no angel its meaning can know;
Kept by His grace daily whiter than snow!

Saved and kept till I look on His face,
Kept by Him unto the end of the race,
How my glad heart forever shall sing
Praises to Jesus, my Savior and King!

Chorus
Saved and kept, O the glorious word!
Saved and kept by a wonderful Lord!
He who was dead and is risen from the grave,
Lives and is able to keep and to save.
     C. D. Martin

I am saved from my sin, and to joy enter in

I am saved from my sin, and to joy enter in,-
With the heart I believe on the Saviour;
I have wonderful peace, from my burdens release,-
I believe on the Son of God.

‘Tis by faith I can say Jesus saves me today,-
With the heart I believe on the Saviour;
Waves of love o’er me roll, all is well with my soul,-
I believe on the Son of God.

There is comfort and rest on His sheltering breast,-
With the heart I believe on the Saviour;
I will praise Him in song, tell His love all day long,-
I believe on the Son of God.

Chorus
I believe, I believe,
With the heart I believe on the Saviour;
I believe, I believe,
I believe on the Son of God!
     Edgar Lewis

Saved by the blood of the Crucified One

Saved by the blood of the Crucified One,
Ransomed from sin and a new work begun,
Sing praise to the Father and praise to the Son,
Saved by the blood of the Crucified One!

Saved by the blood of the Crucified One,
The angels rejoicing because it is done;
A child of the Father, joint heir with the Son,
Saved by the blood of the Crucified One!

Saved by the blood of the Crucified One!
The Father, He spoke, and His will it was done;
Great price of my pardon, His own precious Son;
Saved by the blood of the Crucified One!

Saved by the blood of the Crucified One!
All hail to the Father, all hail to His Son,
All hail to the Spirit, the great Three in One!
Saved by the blood of the Crucified One!

Chorus
Saved!  saved!  my sins are all pardoned,
My guilt is all gone;
Saved!  saved! 
I am saved by the blood of the Crucified One!
     S. J. Henderson

Resting in His love at His blessed feet

Resting in His love at His blessed feet,
All my heart goes forth in joyous song;
Trusting Him for pow’r ev’ry day and hour,
By His grace divine He makes me strong.

Resting in His love by the waters still,
Sweet communion with my Lord I hold;
E’en the darkest way brighter grows each day,
As new visions of His might unfold.

Resting in His love, kept in perfect peace,
Till the home of homes with joy I see;
Where the angels sing praises to their King,
In the light of God eternally.

Chorus
Resting in His love that ransom’d me,
Trusting in His grace so full and free,
I shall see my Lord some day,
Where His glory shines for aye,
Resting in His love forevermore!
     Lizzie De Armond

No more I fear the longest night

No more I fear the longest night,
Nor dread the darkest day,
For One is always near my side
Along the homeward way.

Tho’ rough and steep the path has grown,
He cheers me with His smile;
His tender words of comfort sweet
The lonely hours beguile.

Thro’ all the dangers of the way
My heart is undismayed;
I touch His hand, I hear His voice,
And I am not afraid.

Grown weary with the toilsome way
I lean upon His breast,
And in the silence calm and sweet,
Within His love I rest.

Chorus
All the way home,
All the way home,
My Saviour walks beside me
All the way home.
All the way home,
All the way home,
My Saviour walks beside me
All the way home!
     Harriet H. Pierson

Missing the lost, O Shepherd true,

Missing the lost, O Shepherd true,
Leaving Thy home in glory,
Thou camest to earth, the lost to woo;
O wonderful, wonderful story!

Seeking the scattered, O Shepherd true,
Over the desert straying;
Thou bearest a cross none ever knew,
Thy love all its sorrow outweighing.

Healing the wounded, Shepherd true,
Pouring in oil of gladness;
Restoring the souls sin overthrew,
Thou givest them comfort for sadness.

Tending the faithful, Shepherd true,
Daily Thy tables spreading,
They feed in the pastures ever new,
No want and no enemy dreading.

Chorus
O wonderful, wonderful story,
Melting the heart to tears!
O wonderful, wonderful story,
Growing richer and richer with years!
     James M. Gray

O precious seal of love divine

O precious seal of love divine,
O gift of priceless worth,
The Spirit’s cleansing, healing flood,
The new and holy birth!

The Spirit makes my longing heart
His own abiding place,
Transformed by His renewing pow’r,
His sanctifying grace.

The Spirit to my heart reveals
The blessed Christ of love,
The pathway to eternal joy,
The bliss of life above.

For me the Spirit intercedes
Before the Father’s throne,
And richest show’rs of blessings fall
On those He calls His own.

Chorus
The Three in One their witness bear
Of love and grace beyond compare;
The Spirit answers to the blood,
And tells me I am born of God.
     Harriet H. Pierson

Saviour, I’m weak and weary

Saviour, I’m weak and weary!
Heavy has been my load,
Toilsome and long the journey
Over life’s rugged road;
Often have foes assailed me,
Often have storms distressed;
Fain I would lay my burden
Down at Thy feet and rest!
Fain I would lay my burden
Down at Thy feet and rest!

Saviour, I’m weak and weary!
Sore has the conflict been,
Striving against temptation,
Lab’ring a crown to win;
Sowing with earnest longing,
Weeping no fruits to see;
Thirsty and faint and helpless,
Saviour I come to Thee!
Thirsty and faint and helpless,
Saviour, I come to Thee!

Saviour, I’m weak and weary!
No other friend can know
All of my heart’s deep anguish,
No other feel as Thou;
Once Thou didst suffer sorrows
Keener than all my grief;
Only Thy warm compassion
Now can afford relief;
Only Thy warm compassion
Now can afford relief.

Saviour, I’m weak and weary!
Hold me upon Thy breast,
E’en as a loving mother
Soothing her child to rest;
Safe in Thy arms reposing,
Saviour, O let me stay
Until this night of sorrow
Ends in a blissful day!
Until this night of sorrow
Ends in a blissful day!                                                  
     T. O. Chisholm

In the waves and mighty waters

In the waves and mighty waters
No one will support my head
But my Saviour, my Beloved,
Who was stricken in my stead;
He’s a Friend in death’s dark river,
He will hold my head above;
I shall thro’ the waves go singing,
For one look of Him I love!

O the grace no will can conquer!
The omnipotence of love!
Changeless is my Father’s promise,
It will never, never move!
In the storm, this is my anchor-
God will never change His mind;
In the wounds of Christ He promised
Life to me; and He is kind.
     Translated by Rev. Elvert Lewis

Tho’ the angry surges roll

Tho’ the angry surges roll
On my tempest driven soul,
I am peaceful, for I know,
Wildly tho’ the winds may blow,
I’ve an anchor safe and sure,
That can evermore endure!

Mighty tides about me sweep,
Perils lurk within the deep,
Angry clouds o’ershade the sky,
And the tempest rises high;
Still I stand the tempest’s shock,
For my anchor grips the rock!

Troubles almost ’whelm the soul,
Griefs like billows o’er me roll,
Tempters seek to lure astray,
Storms obscure the light of day;
I can face them and be bold,
I’ve an anchor that shall hold!

Refrain
And it holds, my anchor holds;
Blow your wildest, then, O gale,
On my bark so small and frail,
I shall never, never fail;
For my anchor holds, my anchor holds!
     W. C. Martin

Thro’ the love of God, our Saviour

Thro’ the love of God, our Saviour,
All will be well;
Free and changeless is His favor-
All, all is well.
Precious is the blood that healed us;
Perfect is the grace that sealed us;
Strong the hand stretched out to shield us-
All must be well.

Tho’ we pass thro tribulation,
All will be well;
Ours is such a full salvation-
All, all is well.
Happy, still in God confiding;
Fruitful, if in Christ abiding;
Holy, thro’ the Spirit’s guiding-
All must be well.

We expect a bright tomorrow;
All will be well;
Faith can sing, thro’ days of sorrow-
All, all is well.
On our Father’s love relying,
Jesus every need supplying,
Or in living, or in dying,
All must be well.
     Mary S. Peters

Stay nigh me, O dear Saviour

Stay nigh me, O dear Saviour,
In all my mortal strife;
Thou only canst sustain me,
And keep me pure in life.

Stay nigh me, O dear Saviour,
My only sure defense;
I seek Thy guarding presence,
And naught shall draw me thence.

Stay nigh me, O dear Saviour!
In sorrow be my peace,
In perils be my succor,
And bid the storm to cease.

Stay nigh me, O dear Saviour!
In death be still my stay,
And draw me from deep waters,
To dwell with Thee for aye.

Refrain
I trust Thee, Lord, my steps to guide,
And ‘neath Thy wings I safely hide.
     W. C. Martin

O golden day, when light shall break

O golden day, when light shall break
And dawn’s bright glories shall unfold,
When He who knows the path I take,
Shall ope for me the gates of gold!
Earth’s little while will soon be past,
My pilgrim song will soon be o’er;
The grace that saves, shall time outlast,
And be my theme on yonder shore.

Life’s upward way, a narrow path,
Leads on to that fair dwelling place,
Where, safe from sin, and storm, and wrath,
They live who trust redeeming grace.
Sing, sing, my heart, along the way!
The grace that saves will keep and guide
Till breaks the glorious crowning day,
And I shall cross to yonder side.

I dimly see my journey’s end,
But well I know who guideth me;
I follow Him, that wondrous Friend
Whose matchless love is full and free.
And when with Him I enter in,
And all the way look back to trace,
The conqu’ror’s palm I then shall win,
Through Christ and His redeeming grace.

Refrain
Then I shall know as I am known,
And stand complete before the throne;
Then I shall see my Saviour’s face,
And all my song be “Saving grace!”
     Julia H. Johnston

O magnify His name with me

O magnify His name with me,
The wonderful Redeemer;
He came to set the captive free,
The wonderful Redeemer!

His blood has full atonement made,
The wonderful Redeemer;
Iniquities on Him were laid,
The wonderful Redeemer!

He lives for us to intercede,
The wonderful Redeemer;
He will supply our ev’ry need,
The wonderful Redeemer!

Soon in His glory we shall see
The wonderful Redeemer;
And like Him we shall ever be,
The wonderful Redeemer!

Chorus
The wonderful Redeemer,
The Counselor and Friend,
He saved us with His lifeblood,
And will keep us t

If you have learn’d the story

If you have learn’d the story
Of Jesus and His love,
Each day repeat its music sweet
To those who blindly rove.

Some souls have never heard it,
And yours the task may be
To tell them of this priceless love-
This blessing rich and free.

Tho’ some have heard the story
And still unsaved remain,
It yet might win their souls from sin
If it is told again.

Repeat it to the weary,
And to the heart that grieves;
Repeat, repeat the message sweet,
Till all the world believes!

Chorus
Repeat it, repeat it,
Wherever you may be,
This story of love about Jesus above,
Who died on Calvary!
     James Rowe

When life’s trials all are o’er

When life’s trials all are o’er,
I shall reach the golden shore,
And behold the wonders of that city fair;
Oh, what joy will then be mine
When I see His face divine,
By whose grace alone I find an entrance there.

Though I cannot understand
All that God for me hath planned,
Yet I know He ever sendeth what is best;
So I’ll wait and work and pray,
Simply trusting all the way,
Till He calls me home to dwell among the blest.

When I reach that land above,
In the shining realms of love,
And the veil is lifted from my wond’ring eyes,
What so darkly now I see,
Then will be revealed to me,
And with joy I’ll greet each glad and new surprise.

When I cross the swelling tide,
With my Savior to abide
Where the ransomed host forevermore shall dwell,
Thro’ eternity’s bright days,
In an endless song of praise,
Of His love and mercy I will ever tell.

Chorus
Oh, what glory,
Wondrous glory,
My Redeemer’s face to see!
Oh, what glory, wondrous glory,
His to be eternally!
     Kate Ulmer

Just lean upon the arms of Jesus

Just lean upon the arms of Jesus,
He’ll help you along, help you along:
If you will trust His love unfailing,
He’ll fill your heart with song.

Just lean upon the arms of Jesus,
He’ll brighten the way, brighten the way;
Just follow gladly where He leadeth,
His gentle voice obey.

Just lean upon the arms of Jesus,
O bring ev’ry care, bring ev’ry care!
The burden that has seemed so heavy,
Take to the Lord in prayer.

Just lean upon the arms of Jesus,
Then leave all to Him, leave all to Him;
His heart is full of love and mercy,
His eyes are never dim.

Refrain
Lean on His arms, trusting in His love;
Lean on His arms, all His mercies prove;
Lean on His arms, looking home above,
Just lean on the Saviour’s arms!
     Edgar Lewis

I have a dear Savior who loves me I know

I have a dear Savior who loves me I know,
And whose will I delight to do.
He’s present to cheer me wherever I go,—
Was there ever a Friend so true?

This wonderful Friend is a helper indeed;
He has promised to lead me thro’,
And closer He comes than a brother in need,—
Was there ever a Friend so true?

He soothes me in sorrow with songs in the night,
And inspires me with hopes anew;
He fills me with courage my battles to fight,—
Was there ever a Friend so true?

His love is a fountain of blessing so pure,
Ever flowing for me, for you;
His pow’r is unfailing, His promise is sure,—
Was there ever a Friend so true?

Refrain
Was there ever a Friend so true?
Was there ever a Friend so true?
I often have proved Him,
I ever will love Him;
Was there ever a Friend so true?
     Harriet Fithian

O Thou whose bounty fills my cup

O Thou whose bounty fills my cup
With ev’ry blessing meet,
I give Thee thanks for ev’ry drop,
The bitter and the sweet!

I praise Thee for the desert road,
And for the riverside;
For all Thy goodness hath bestowed,
And all Thy grace denied.

I thank Thee for both smile and frown,
And for the gain and loss;
I praise Thee for the future crown,
And for the present cross.

I thank Thee for Thy wing of love,
Which stirred my worldly nest,
And for the stormy clouds that drove
The flutt’rer to Thy breast.

I thank Thee for the glad increase,
And for the waning joy,
And for this strange, this settled peace
Which nothing can destroy.

Chorus
In ev’rything give thanks,
In ev’rything give thanks,
For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus
Concerning you!
     Jane Crewdson

In the green and pleasant pastures

In the green and pleasant pastures,
By the waters calm and still,
My Redeemer and my Shepherd
Gently leads me at His will.
When He turns and walks in shadow,
Still I hear His voice of love:
“Little flock, obey and follow
To the fold above.”

O the flock the Shepherd leadeth
He defendeth from all harm;
With His watchful eye upon them
They are safe from all alarm.
Let us follow not a stranger,
Who will surely lead astray,
For the Shepherd ever loving
Knows the narrow way.

There is not a guide like Jesus,
With His clear and heav’nly voice;
As it ringeth in the darkness,
How my spirit doth rejoice!
When at last the silent river
I must cross, thro’ shadows dim,
I shall hear my Shepherd calling,
And will follow Him.

Chorus
My Shepherd’s voice,
With joy I hear,
The tender, loving Shepherd calleth:
“Do not fear;”
His voice I hear,
His voice I hear,
The tender, loving Shepherd calleth:
“Do not fear.”
     Helen D. Sylvester

Whate’er your grief or your load of care

Whate’er your grief or your load of care,
Roll your burden on the Lord!
Leave all with Him who is strong to bear,
Roll your burden on the Lord!

When skies are dark and the road is rough,
Roll your burden on the Lord!
He bids you come,-is it not enough?
Roll your burden on the Lord!

Believe His word, it is true and tried,
Roll your burden on the Lord!
O test His love, it will still abide,
Roll your burden on the Lord!

Tho’ countless worlds on His pow’r depend,
Roll your burden on the Lord!
The King of kings is the sinner’s Friend,
Roll your burden on the Lord!

Chorus
Roll, roll your burden on the Lord,
Roll your burden on the Lord!
O trust in Him who hath promised peace,
Roll your burden on the Lord!
     Helen D. Sylvester

Father, lead me day by day

Father, lead me day by day,
Ever in Thine own sweet way;
Teach me to be pure and true,
Show me what I ought to do.

When in danger make me brave,
Make me know that Thou canst save;
Keep me safe by Thy dear side,
Let me in Thy love abide.

When I’m tempted to do wrong,
Make me steadfast, wise, and strong;
And when all alone I stand,
Shield me with Thy mighty hand.

May I do the good I know,
Be Thy loving child below,
Then at last go home to Thee,
Evermore Thy child to be!
     J. Page Hopps

Safe home, safe home in port and Just why He saved me I don’t know

Safe home, safe home in port!
Rent cordage, shattered deck,
Torn sails, provisions short,
And only not a wreck:
But O! the joy upon the shore
To tell our voyage perils o’er.
The prize, the prize secure!
The athlete nearly fell,
Bare all he could endure,
And bare not always well.
But he may smile at troubles gone,
Who sets the victor garland on!

The lamb is in the fold,
In perfect safety penned;
The lion once had hold,
And thought to make an end:
But One came by with wounded side,
And for the sheep the Shepherd died.

The exile is at Home!
O nights and days of tears,
O longings not to roam,
O sins, and doubts and fears-
What matters now (when so men say)
The King has wiped these tears away?
     St Joseph of the Studium Tr by Rev. John Mason Neale



Just why He saved me I don’t know,
Nor why it was He loved me so;
But this I know-He is my Lord,
I’m trusting in His blessed word.

Just why He whispered, “Come to Me,”
I cannot know or tell to thee;
But this I know-I heard His voice,
And in His love I now rejoice.

Just why He tries me ev’ry day,
And lets new sorrows cross my way,
I cannot tell; but this I know-
He’s with me ev’rywhere I go.

O blessed knowledge this, that He
Is ever near to comfort me!
So ev’ry day I’ll trust and sing,
And to my blessed Savior cling.

Chorus
Some day, yes, some day,
When I have heard the angel call,
‘T will all be plain, the loss, the gain;
Yes, some day, I shall know it all.
     Anna Huber Gardner

Take my moments, blessed Jesus

Take my moments, blessed Jesus,
Keep them for me every day,
Till they glow with life and beauty;
Fill them with Thy praise alway.

Keep them for Thy use, dear Savior,
As they pass so swiftly by;
Let them shine through years of service,
With a glory from on high.

Just the moments, but they may be
Touched with God’s electric love,
Till they bear some flaming message
From the mercy-seat above.

Refrain
Take my moments, keep them ever,
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Use them, make each one a blessing
Garnered for eternity.
     Lizzie De Armond

When weary with the ills of life

When weary with the ills of life,
Its burdens and its cares,
There is a balm, a sacred joy,
‘Tis found alone in prayer.

When tempted by the power of sin,
That would the soul ensnare,
There is a sure, a safe retreat,
‘Tis found alone in prayer.

There’s grace to help in time of need,
A full supply is there,
Go find it at the Master’s feet,
In humble, heartfelt prayer.

When doubts arise and faith is weak,
And crosses hard to bear,
Then seek the Father at His throne,
And find relief in prayer.

Refrain
Alone in prayer,
Alone in prayer;
There is a balm, a sacred joy,
‘Tis found alone in prayer.
     Frank M. Davis

Standing at the portal of the opening year

Standing at the portal of the opening year,
Words of comfort meet us, hushing every fear,
Spoken through the silence by our Father’s voice,
Tender, strong and faithful, making us rejoice.

“I, the Lord, am with thee, be thou not afraid,
I will help and strengthen, be thou not dismayed!
Yea, I will uphold thee with My own right hand,
Thou art called and chosen in My sight to stand.”

He will never fail us, He will not forsake;
His eternal covenant He will never break;
Resting on His promise, what have we to fear?
God is all sufficient for the coming year.

Refrain
Onward, then, and fear not, children of the day!
For His Word shall never, never pass away.
     Miss Frances Ridley Havergal