Christian Poems and Hymns: Collection 3
compiled by Stephen Ross

In heav'nly love abiding,
No change my heart shall fear;
And safe is such confiding,
For nothing changes here.
The storm may roar without me,
My heart may low be laid,
But God is round about me,
And can I be dismayed?

Wherever He may guide me,
No want shall turn me back;
My Shepherd is beside me,
And nothing can I lack.
His wisdom ever waketh,
His sight is never dim;
He knows the way He taketh,
And I will walk with Him.

Green pastures are before me,
Which yet I have not seen;
Bright skies will soon be o'er me,
Where darkest clouds have been.
My hope I cannot measure,
My path to life is free;
My Savior has my treasure,
And He will walk with me.
  —Anna L. Waring

Day by day and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,
I've no cause for worry or for fear.
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best—
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Ev'ry day the Lord Himself is near me
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me,
He whose name is Counselor and Pow'r.
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
"As your days, thy strength shall be in measure,"
This the pledge to me He made.

Help me then in ev'ry tribulation
So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith's sweet consolation
Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
E'er to take, as from a father's hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till I reach the promised land.
  —Lina Sandell Berg (1832-1903)
translated by Andrew L. Skoog.

Fill thou my life, O Lord my God,
In every part with praise,
That my whole being may proclaim
Thy being and Thy ways.

Not for the lip of praise alone,
Nor e'en the praising heart
I ask, but for a life made up
Of praise in every part:

Praise in the common things of life,
Is goings out and in;
Praise in each duty and each deed,
However small and mean.

Fill every part of me with praise:
Let all my being speak
Of Thee and of Thy love, O Lord,
Poor though I be and weak.

So shalt thou, Lord, receive from me
The praise and glory due;
And so shall I begin on earth
The song for ever new.

So shall each fear, each fret, each care,
Be turnèd into song;
And every winding of the way
The echo shall prolong.

So shall no part of day or night
Unblest or common be,
But all my life, in every step,
Be fellowship with Thee.
  —Horatius Bonar (1808-1889)

And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus. Acts 22:11

I was journeying in the noontide,
  When His light shone o'er my road—
And I saw Him in that glory—
  Saw Him—Jesus, Son of God.
All around, in noonday splendor,
  Earthly scenes lay fair and bright—
But my eyes no longer see them
  For the glory of that light.

Others, in the summer sunshine,
  Wearily may journey on—
I have seen a light from heaven,
  Past the brightness of the sun;
Light that knows no cloud, no waning,
  Light wherein I see His face—
All His love's uncounted treasures,
  All the riches of His grace.

All the wonders of His glory,
  Deeper wonders of His love;
How for me He won, He keepeth,
  That high place in heaven above.
Not a glimpse—the veil uplifted—
  But within the veil to dwell,
Gazing on His face forever,
  Hearing words unspeakable.

I have seen the face of Jesus—
  Tell me not of aught beside;
I have heard the voice of Jesus—
  All my soul is satisfied.
In the radiance of the glory,
  First I saw His blessed face,
And forever shall that glory
  Be my home, my dwelling-place.

Sinners, it was not to angels
  All this wondrous love was given,
But to one who scorned, despised Him,
  Scorned and hated Christ in heaven.
From the lowest depths of evil,
  To the throne in heaven above.
Thus in me He told the measure
  Of His free, unbounded love.
  —Author unknown

I love my master...I will not go out free...and he shall serve him for ever. Exodus 21:5-6

I love, I love my Master,
  I will not go out free,
For He is my Redeemer,
  He paid the price for me.

I would not leave His service,
  It is so sweet and blest;
And in the weariest moments
  He gives the truest rest.

I would not halve my service,
  His only it must be,—
His only, who so loved me
  And gave Himself for me.

My Master shed His life-blood
  My vassal life to win,
And save me from the bondage
  Of tyrant self and sin.

He chose me for His service,
  And gave me power to choose
That blessed, 'perfect freedom'
  Which I shall never lose:

For He hath met my longing
  With word of golden tone,
That I shall serve for ever
  Himself, Himself alone.

'Shall serve Him' hour by hour,
  For He will show me how;
My Master is fulfilling
  His promise even now!

'Shall serve Him' and 'for ever;'
  O hope most sure, most fair!
The perfect love outpouring
  In perfect service there!

Rejoicing and adoring,
  Henceforth my song shall be:
I love, I love my Master,
  I will not go out free!
  —Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879)
  from Loyal Responses... [1886?].

He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Romans 8:32

With joy and with gladness we live out our days;
God's true loving-kindness compels us to praise;
He crowns us with mercies—amongst them our food;
Surrounds us with blessings, both pleasant and good.

He gave us His Son that through Him we might be
Rescued from ruin and for ever set free,
And opened through Him the blest way to God's throne,
That God as our Father might by us be known.

Then, too, He has given us His wonderful Word,
That through its blest pages His sure voice be heard;
It tells whence we came, and reveals where we go,
And instructs us in living our life here below.

And then the blest Comforter, Whom He did send,
With us forever our Guide and our Friend;
For all of these mercies we gratefully raise
To God, the great Giver, our thanks and our praise.
  —J. Danson Smith

I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Joshua 1:5

God be with you: He is strong,
  He will lead you safe along;
He will always meet your need,
  Give you on Himself to feed.

God be with you: He is wise,
  Knoweth all beneath the skies;
Knows your need from day to day,
  Therefore, Christian, watch and pray.

God be with you: He is light,
  In His presence all is bright;
In His light we journey on,
  Filled with joy and hope and song.

God is Love: How well you know
  What the cost to save from woe;
What the love that freely gave
  His own Son your soul to save.

God is with you all the way,
  Until night shall pass away;
Then to see His blessed face,
  Saved forever, by His grace.
  —J. C.

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

At Thy dear feet, once pierced for me
  With cruel nails upon the tree,
I lay my life for use by Thee;
  Henceforth to know no anxious care.
With cheerful heart my load to bear,
  My sole resort—believing prayer.

No worry, lest my work be stayed;
  No hurry, lest I be delayed,
By haste—to prayerlessness betrayed;
  Not careful to be praised of man,
But only to be taught Thy plan—
   What Thou wilt have me do, I can.

No greed of gain, for Thou hast said
  That if the beasts and birds are fed,
Thy children shall not lack for bread.
  How sweet to live alone in Thee,
In danger to Thy wings to flee,
  The name of Jesus all my plea!

Before Thee let Thy servant stand,
  To watch Thine eye, Thy beckoning hand
And promptly move at Thy command.
  So shall my life be one sweet day,
Lit up by Heaven's cloudless ray,
  A walk with God, a radiant way!
  —A. T. Pierson (1837-1911)

Oh, wonderful love that takes me,
Though wretched and stained with sin!
Oh, marvellous grace that makes me
All holy and pure within!

Oh, mighty power that holds me,
A helper forever near!
Oh, perfect peace that folds me
In danger and storm and fear!

Oh, jubilant joy sustaining
My faltering steps to the last!
Oh, rapturous rest remaining
When toiling and tears are past!

Oh, matchless mercy that rates me
Joint-heirs with the sinless Son!
Oh, golden glory that waits me
When tempests and clouds are done!

All things are mine, for I am His;
Oh, infinite gifts divine!
God gave His Son, His only one;
And all that He has is mine.
  —v (1866-1932)

Lord, speak to me that I may speak
In living echoes of your tone.
As you have sought, so let me seek
Your erring children, lost and lone.

Oh, lead me, Lord, that I may lead
The wand'ring and the wav'ring feet.
Oh, feed me, Lord, that I may feed
Your hungry ones with manna sweet.

Oh, strengthen me, that while I stand
Firm on the rock, and strong in Thee,
I may stretch out a loving hand
To wrestlers with the troubled sea.

Oh, teach me, Lord, that I may teach
The precious truths which you impart.
And wing my words that they may reach
The hidden depths of many a heart.

Oh, give Thine own sweet rest to me,
That I may speak with soothing pow’r
A word in season, as from Thee,
To weary ones in needful hour.

Oh, fill me with your fullness, Lord,
Until my very hearts o'erflows
In kindling thought and glowing word,
Your love to tell, your praise to show.

Oh, use me, Lord, use even me,
Just as you will, and when, and where
Until your blessed face I see,
Your rest, your joy, your glory share.
  —Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879)fd

Open Thou mine eyes, Lord,
  That I may behold,
In Thy word rich treasures,
  Better far than gold;
Let me know my need, Lord,
  And Thy glories see,
Grow in grace and knowledge,
  More and more like Thee!

Open Thou mine ears, Lord,
  Let me hear Thy voice,
And with swift obedience,
  Cause Thee to rejoice.
Midst this world's confusion,
  Speak, O Lord, to me,
Guide me by Thy counsel,
  Let me follow Thee!

Open Thou my lips, Lord,
  Let me speak for Thee,
Tell of Thy salvation
  Bought on Calvary;
May I boldly witness
  To Thy saving grace,
Win some souls for Thee, Lord,
  Ere I see Thy face!
  —Alfred P. Gibbs (1890-1967)

The Lord Our Shepherd

The Lord my Shepherd is,
I shall be well supplied;
Since He is mine and I am His,
What can I want beside?

He leads me to the place
Where heav'nly pasture grows,
Where living waters gently pass,
And full salvation flows.

if e'er I go astray,
He doth my soul reclaim;
And guides me in His own right way,
For His most holy Name.

While He affords His aid
I cannot yield to fear;
Though I should walk through death's dark shade,
My Shepherd's with me there.

In sight of all my foes,
Thou dost my table spread;
My cup with blessings overflows,
And joy exalts my head.

The bounties of Thy love
Shall crown my following days;
Nor from Thy house will I remove,
Nor cease to speak Thy praise.
  —Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
from Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts

Lord Jesus Christ, in all Thy grace,
God's glory radiant in Thy face,
Who once didst take the sinner's place—
To Thee, my Lord, I come.

Now where Thou art, God's blessed son,
In heights of glory Thou hast won
In virtue of Thy work well done—
To Thee, my Lord, I come.

To know Thee there in all Thy love,
Seated in highest heights above,
Who once in death that love di4rerdst prove—
To Thee, my Lord, I come.

Just as Thou art in glory bright,
Centre of heaven's courts of light,
Worthy of honour, power and might—
To Thee, my Lord, I come.

Lord, from myself I gladly turn,
In Thee God's grace and love to learn:
For Thou wilt not the weakest spurn!
To Thee, my Lord, I come.
  —A. G. Doughty (1892-1949)

O LORD! I would delight in Thee,
And on Thy care depend;
To Thee in every trouble flee—
My best, my only Fxcriend!

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

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

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

Oh, that I had a stronger faith,
To look within the veil,—
To credit what my Saviour saith,
Whose word can never fail!

He, that has made my heaven secure,
Will here all good provide:
While Christ is rich, can I be poor?
What can I want beside?

O Lord! I cast my care on Thee;
I triumph and adore:
Henceforth my great concern shall be
To love and please Thee more.
  —John Ryland (1753-1825)
from Hymns and Verses from Sacred
Subjects... 1862.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Search me and try me, Saviour today!
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,
As in Thy presence humbly I bow.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me I pray!
Power, all power, surely is Thine!
Touch me and heal me, Saviour divine!

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Hold o'er my being absolute sway.
Fill with Thy Spirit till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me!
  —Adelaide Pollard (1862-1934)

Midst the darkness, storm, and sorrow,
  One bright gleam I see:
Well I know the blessed morrow,
  Christ will come for me.

Midst the light and peace and glory
  Of the Father's home,
Christ for me is watching, waiting—
  Waiting till I come.

Long the blessed Guide has led me
  By the desert road;
Now I see the golden towers—
  City of my God.

There, midst the love and glory,
  He is waiting yet;
On His hands a name is graven
  He can ne'er forget.

There, amidst the songs of heaven,
  Sweeter to His ear
Is the footfall through the desert,
  Ever drawing near.

There, made ready, are the mansions,
  Glorious, bright, and fair;
But the Bride the Father gave Him
  Still is wanting there.

Who is this who comes to meet me
  On the desert way,
As the Morning Star, foretelling
  God's unclouded day?

He it is who came to win me
  On the cross of shame;
In His glory, well I know Him,
  Evermore the same.

Oh, the blessed joy of meeting!
  All the desert past!
Oh, the wondrous words of greeting
  He shall speak at last!

He and I together entering
  Those bright courts above;
He and I together sharing
  All the Father's love.

Where no shade nor stain can enter
  Nor the gold be dim;
In that holiness unsullied
  I shall walk with Him.

Meet companion then for Jesus,
  From Him, for Him made;
Glory of God's grace forever
  There in me displayed.

He who in His hour of sorrow
  Bore the curse alone;
I who through the lonely desert
  Trod where He had gone.

He and I in that bright glory
  One deep joy shall share—
Mine, to be forever with Him:
  His, that I am there.
  —Author unknown

The sands of time are sinking,
The dawn of Heaven breaks;
The summer morn I've sighed for,
The fair, sweet morn awakes:
Dark, dark hath been the midnight,
But dayspring is at hand,
And glory, glory dwelleth
In Immanuel's land.

Oh! Christ He is the Fountain,
The deep sweet well of love!
The streams on earth I've tasted,
More deep I'll drink above:
There, to an ocean fullness,
His mercy doth expand,
And glory—glory dwelleth
In Immanuel's land.

The King there in His beauty
Without a veil is seen;
It were a well-spent journey,
Though sev'n deaths lay between:
The Lamb with His fair army,
Doth on Mount Zion stand,
And glory, glory dwelleth
In Immanuel's land.

With mercy and with judgment
My web of time He wove,
And aye, the dews of sorrow
Were lustered by His love;
I'll bless the hand that guided,
I'll bless the heart that planned
When throned where glory dwelleth
In Immanuel's land.

The Bride eyes not her garment
But her dear Bridegroom's face;
I will not gaze at glory,
But on my King of Grace—
Not at the crown He giveth,
But on His pierced hand:—
The Lamb is all the glory
Of Immanuel's land.
  —by Anne Ross Cousin (1824-1906)

So precious is Jesus, my Savior, my King,
His praise all the day long with rapture I sing;
To Him in my weakness for strength I can cling,
For He is so precious to me.

Chorus:
For He is so precious to me, (so precious to me,)
For He is so precious to me; (so precious to me;)
'Tis heaven below, my Redeemer to know,
For He is so precious to me.

He stood at my heart's door 'mid sunshine and rain
And patiently waited an entrance to gain;
What shame that so long He entreated in vain,
For He is so precious to me.

I stand on the mountain of blessing at last,
No cloud in the heavens a shadow to cast;
His smile is upon me, the valley is past,
For He is so precious to me.

I praise Him because He appointed a place
Where, some day, through faith in His wonderful grace,
I know I shall see Him, shall look on His face,
For He is so precious to me.
  —Charles H. Gabriel (1856-1932)

I've found a Friend, O such a Friend!
He loved me ere I knew Him;
He drew me with the cords of love,
And thus He bound me to Him;
And round my heart still closely twine
Those ties which naught can sever,
For I am His, and He is mine,
Forever and forever.

I've found a Friend, O such a Friend!
He bled, He died to save me;
And not alone the gift of life,
But His own self He gave me.
Naught that I have mine own I call,
I'll hold it for the Giver;
My heart, my strength, my life, my all
Are His, and His forever.

I've found a Friend, O such a Friend!
So kind and true and tender,
So wise a Counsellor and Guide,
So mighty a Defender!
From Him who loves me now so well,
What power my soul shall sever?
Shall life or death, shall earth or hell?
No! I am His forever.
  —James G. Small (1817-1888)

He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials He multiplies peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father's full giving is only begun.

Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.

His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
  —Annie Johnson Flint (1866-1932)

Jesus, I will trust Thee, trust Thee with my soul;
Guilty, lost, and helpless, Thou canst make me whole.
There is none in heaven or on earth like Thee.
Thou hast died for sinners therefore, Lord, for me.

Jesus, I may trust Thee, name of matchless worth
Spoken by the angel at Thy wondrous birth;
Written, and for ever, on Thy cross of shame,
Sinners read and worship, trusting in that name.

Jesus, I must trust Thee, pondering Thy ways,
Full of love and mercy all Thine earthly days:
Sinners gathered round Thee, lepers sought Thy face:
None too vile or loathsome for a Saviour’s grace.

Jesus, I can trust Thee, trust Thy written word,
Though Thy voice of pity I have never heard.
When Thy Spirit teacheth, to my taste how sweet—
Only may I hearken, sitting at Thy feet.

Jesus, I do trust Thee, trust without a doubt:
“Whosoever cometh, Thou wilt not cast out.”
Faithful is Thy promise, precious is Thy blood:
These my soul’s salvation, Thou my Saviour God!
  —Mary Jane Deck Walker (1816-1878)

I'm pressing on the upward way,
New heights I'm gaining ev'ry day;
Still praying as I'm onward bound,
"Lord, plant my feet on higher ground."

Refrain:
Lord, lift me up, and let me stand
By faith, on heaven's tableland;
A higher plane than I have found,
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where these abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.

I want to live above the world,
Though Satan's darts at me are hurled;
For faith has caught a joyful sound,
The song of saints on higher ground.

I want to scale the utmost height,
And catch a gleam of glory bright;
But still I'll pray till heav'n I've found,
"Lord, lead me on to higher ground."
  —Johnson Oatman, Jr. (1856-1922)

Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day. Acts 26:22

"Unto this day" He hath guarded and guided;
  Unto this day He hath graciously planned;
Unto this day He hath sweetly provided,
  Yea, hath provided with bountiful hand.

"Unto this day" He hath well undertaken;
  Unto this day He hath kept by His grace;
Why then should spirit or mind be now shaken,
  Though future pathways one may not now trace?

"Unto this day" both through joy and through sorrow,
  He hath been near with His tenderest care:
Will He not then, through life's unknown to-morrow,
  Sweetly and safely His trusting child bear?

"Unto this day!" Shall we sing it with gladness?
  God hath been faithful right "Unto this day";
Thus shall we be saved from sigh and from sadness,
  Though now unknown and obscure is life's way.
  —J. Danson Smith

THUS SAITH THE LORD GOD ... BEHOLD, I AM FOR YOU. Ezekiel 36:7, 9.

If God be FOR US, who can be against us? Romans 8:31.

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God FOR US. Hebrews 9:24.

When I cry unto Thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know: for GOD IS FOR ME. Psalms 56:9.

CHRIST ALSO HATH LOVED US, AND HATH GIVEN HIMSELF FOR US. Ephesians 5:2.

God, who stretched forth the heavens.
  Who the earth's foundation laid,
God is for us, for His people.
  Should my heart then be afraid?

God is for us, who in mercy
  Sent His well beloved Son,
To redeem our souls on Calv'ry,
  And the work has all been done.

And when Satan, the deceiver,
  Seeks to tempt my rebel heart,
Christ is ready to deliver.
  He is there, to take my part.

Christ has overcome the tempter,
  He has vanquished every foe,
And on high He's interceding
  For His own. He loveth so.

Christ is for us. He is touched with
  Our infirmities and pain.
And our sufferings are measured
  In the light of heaven's gain.

He assures, and reassures us.
  He is for us, and He cares.
He desires our greatest blessing.
  And our worship, and our prayers.

He is for us. He's redeemed us.
  He is ever by our side,
He desires the sweet communion
  Of His precious blood-bought bride.

O to trust Him then more fully!
  In His loving heart to rest;
For the Lord who liveth for us.
  Ever gives His own the best.
  —Lois Beckwith (1896-1958)

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. I Peter 5:7.

The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Hebrews 13:6.

He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5.

Consolation ... aboundeth [in] Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:5.

He giveth more grace. James 4:6.

Abundance of grace. Romans 5:17.

My grace is sufficient for thee. 2 Corinthians 12:9.

"Consolation in Christ," what a portion!
  When trials and problems enthrall,
In Christ, there is rich consolation,
  His grace is sufficient for all.

"Consolation in Christ," what a comfort!
  When sufferings seem to abound;
His grace can surmount every trial,
  In Christ, sweetest comfort is found.

Are trials and cares growing greater?
  Then greater will be the Lord's grace,
Sufficient to meet every problem,—
  Look up, for the smile of His face.

Look up,for the comfort of Jesus,
  Whose grace is sufficient for all,
Whose ear's ever open to hear you,
  Who hastens to answer your call.

When casting on Him all the burden,
  When telling Him all of the care,
There is comfort and grace in abundance,
  When coming to Jesus in prayer.

Consolation and comfort in Jesus,
  In Christ, is our portion and joy,
In Christ there is peace and contentment,
  A peace the world cannot destroy.

Whatever the trial or affliction,
  Allowed by God's wisdom and love;
His rich consolation aboundeth,
  When looking to Jesus above.
  —Author unknown

Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Hebrews 12:2.

Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you. I Peter 5:7.

Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee. Psalm 55:22.

From the busy scene of toil—
  From the energy of will,
I am drawn aside awhile,
  And through grace am calm and still.

Stillness is an irksome task
  For a busy, labouring one:
Therefore, O my Lord, I ask
  Give me strength to stand, or run.

If Thou'dst have me not to stir,
  'Tis Thy will — I am resigned;
Thou art all too wise to err,
  And too good to be unkind.

When Thy ways I cannot see,
  Prayerfully I wait for light,
Looking steadfastly to Thee,
  Who alone canst lead me right.

If Thou callest me to part
  With my health, shall I rebel?
No, but cry with lowly heart,
  "'Tis the Lord — He doeth well."

O how well for all my time,
  Hour by hour, and day by day:
O how well for yonder clime,
  Where unfailing love shall sway.

For the safety of my soul,
  Lord, no coward fears arise,
But when pain or troubles roll,
  Satan much my spirit tries.

Yet it is my heart's desire
  Thou should'st all Thy will perform,
Thou art with me in the fire;
  Thou wilt bear me through the storm.

Laid aside from human eye,
  From the daily toil and fight—
Yet with thankful heart I cry,
  "'Tis the Lord — it must be right!"

Whatsoe'er my path may be—
  Whatsoever Thou shalt do—
Let the thing that pleaseth Thee
  Also please Thy servant, too!
  —G. C.

"Chiefest of ten thousand,"
  Fairest of the fair,
"Altogether lovely,"
  Beyond all compare!
Lord of all creation,
  Man of Calvary,
"Son of God who loved...
  And gave Himself for me!"
  —Alfred P. Gibbs (1890-1967)

Distrust thyself, but trust His grace;
  It is enough for thee!
In every trial thou shalt trace
  Its all-sufficiency.

Distrust thyself, but trust His strength;
  In Him thou shalt be strong:
His weakest ones may learn at length
  A daily triumph-song.

Distrust thyself, but trust His love;
  Rest in its changeless glow:
And life or death shall only prove
  Its everlasting flow.

Distrust thyself, but trust alone
  In Him, for all—for ever!
And joyously thy heart shall own
  That Jesus faileth never.
  —Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879)
  from Loyal Responses... [1886?].

Simply trusting every day,
Trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Refrain:
Trusting as the moments fly,
Trusting as the days go by;
Trusting Him whate'er befall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Brightly doth His Spirit shine
Into this poor heart of mine;
While He leads I cannot fall;
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Singing if my way is clear,
Praying if the path be drear;
If in danger for Him call;
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Trusting Him while life shall last,
Trusting Him till earth be past;
Till within the jasper wall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
  —Edgar Page Stites

O BLESSED Lord, what hast Thou done?
  How vast a ransom given?
Thyself of God th' eternal Son;
  The Lord of earth and heaven.

Thy Father, in His gracious love,
  Did spare Thee from His side;
And Thou didst stoop to bear above,
  As such a cost, Thy bride.

Lord, while our souls in faith repose
  Upon Thy precious blood,
Peace like an even river flows,
  And mercy, like a flood.

But boundless joy shall fill our hearts,
  When, gazing on Thy face,
We fully see what faith imparts,
  And glory crowns Thy grace.

Unseen, we love Thee; dear Thy name;
  But when our eyes behold,
With joyful wonder we'll exclaim,
  "The half had not been told!"

For Thou exceedest all the fame
  Our ears have ever heard;
How happy we who know Thy name,
  And trust Thy faithful word!
  —M. P.

Be content with such things as ye have. Hebrews 13:5

A man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. Luke 12:15

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:2

Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of. Matthew 6:8

Contentment comes not from abundance of things,
  Of earthly possessions and gain;
Not by laying up silver and gold for this life,
  Can you any contentment obtain.

To strive for abundance in temporal things,
  Contentment this way, you'll not find;
But to walk in communion and nearness to God,
  Gives peace, and contentment of mind.

Our Father who notes every sparrow that falls,
  Watches o'er thee with vigilant eye:
He promises raiment and food for this life,
  And your every need He'll supply.

Were riches and wealth of this world in our hands,
  We might from His precepts depart;
Grow cold and indifferent, forgetful of God,—
  He knows man's poor treacherous heart.

'Tis best that we feel our dependence on Him,
  To lean on His love and His care;
Then treasures eternal, He'll show unto us,
  And far brighter riches are there.

The Saviour of men, with His marvelous love,
  Will then be our object of joy:
He'll lead our affections to things up above,
  Which moth and rust cannot destroy.

So just what His wisdom sees best to bestow,
  Whether small, or in larger extent,
Let us trust Him completely, whatever our lot,
  With our measure of means,—be content.
  —Author unknown

...The God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are COMFORTED OF GOD. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.

You have laid in the grave your loved one,
  And your heart is broken, I know,
And you feel there is nought remaineth,
  But sorrow and tears here below.

But no! there's a ray of sunlight,
  If you'll just lift your eyes above,
And behold her there in the Glory,
  Safe home, with the Saviour of love.

Safe home with the Lord of Glory,
  With Jesus who loved us so,
That He bore all our sins on Calv'ry,
  To redeem us from Hell and woe.

Could such wonderful love be mistaken
  When He summoned your dear one above?
Ah no! "for His way is perfect,"
  Perfect in wisdom and love.

No sorrow is great as His sorrow,
  When He hung on that cruel cross,
Rejected by man, forsaken of God,—
  He endured to save us from loss.

Consider this Man of Sorrows,
  Who has suffered such anguish too:
He knows every tear that falleth,
  He's longing to comfort you.

He alone can give grace and comfort,
  He alone can thy grief sustain;
Oh! trust Him then in your sorrow,
  'Twill mean your Eternal gain.

Just to learn to know Him better
  Will give comfort and peace of mind;
Come closer still to that Heart of Love,
  And joy in your sorrow you'll find.
  —Author unknown

Redeemed by Christ who died for me,
  For Him 'tis now to live;
By grace divine from death made free,
  To Christ the life I give:

In every action here below,
  The Lord to sanctify;
The motive now in all I do—
  His name to magnify.

One cherished sin within the heart,
  One evil thought received.
The joy of Christ must needs depart,
  His Holy Spirit grieved.

O Holy Spirit, have Thy way,
  The power Thou must supply;
My heart and will I yield to Thee,
  My God to glorify.
  —D. W. Whittle (1840-1901)

The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20

When first my precious Saviour in His love,
Lifted these earth-bound eyes to Him above,
I saw those wounds, and thought—His love to prove
  He died for me!

But can it be, when I His love had spurned,
That He, to win my love had ceaseless yearned?
Tis true! And now my soul this truth has learned,
  He died for me!

It thrilled my soul, it filled my tongue to know
That my once stubborn heart, now white as snow
With rapture filled, can sing while here below,
  He died for me!

The years roll by, there come to claim my heart
Earth's varied pleasures. Shall I take a part
And grieve my Lord, or from His side depart,
  Who died for me?

I must decide. What shall my answer be?
The world allures and beckons harmlessly;
The Saviour stoops and whispers lovingly,
  I died for thee!

The choice is made. My heart must not divide,
Part for the world, and part for Him who died.
Henceforth may I be found close to His side
  Who died for me!

His heart of love I know will never fail,
Though friends may come and go, though fears prevail,
These four sweet words can blessed peace avail,
  He died for me!

I hasten on, casting on Him each care.
His love delights my joys and pains to share,
And soon at Home, this note shall fill the air,
  He died for me!
  —Albert C. Hayhoe

Our great High Priest is sitting
at God's right hand above,
for us His hands uplifting
in sympathy and love;
whilst here below, in weakness,
we onward speed our way,
in sorrow oft and sickness,
we sigh, and groan, and pray.

Through manifold temptation,
my soul holds on its course;
Christ's mighty intercession
alone is my resource;
my gracious High Priest's pleadings,
who on the cross did bleed,
bring down God's grace and blessings
and help in hour of need.

'Twas God's most gracious favor
that gave His Son to die,
to live our Intercessor,
to plead for us on high.
O Jesus, blessed Saviour,
who soon for us will come,
redemption's work completed,
our battle fought, and won.
  —A. P. Cecil (1841-1889)

When this passing world is done,
When has sunk yon glaring sun,
When we stand with Christ in glory,
Looking o'er life's finished story,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know—
Not till then—how much I owe.

When I stand before the throne
Dressed in beauty not my own,
When I see Thee as thou art,
Love Thee with unsinning heart,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know—
Not till then—how much I owe.

When the praise of heaven I hear,
Loud as thunders to the ear,
Loud as many waters' noise,
Sweet as harp's melodious voice,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know—
Not till then—how much I owe.

Even on earth, as through a glass
Darkly, let Thy glory pass,
Make forgiveness feel so sweet,
Make Thy Spirit's help so meet,
Even on earth, Lord, make me know
Something of how much I owe.

Chosen not for good in me,
Wakened up from wrath to flee,
Hidden in the Saviour's side,
By the Spirit sanctified,
Teach me, Lord, on earth to show,
By my love, how much I owe.
  —Robert Murray McCheyne (1813-1843)
from poem, "I Am Debtor" written May, 1837

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Hebrews 13:8

A stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation... Isaiah 28:16

Through the yesterday of ages,
  Jesus, Thou hast been The Same;
Through our own life's chequered pages,
  Still the one dear changeless name.
Well may we in Thee confide,
  Faithful Saviour, proved and 'TRIED!'

Joyfully we stand and witness
  Thou art still to-day The Same;
In Thy perfect, glorious fitness,
  Meeting every need and claim.
Chiefest of ten thousand Thou!
  Saviour, O most 'PRECIOUS,' now!

Gazing down the far for ever,
  Brighter glows the one sweet Name,
Stedfast radiance, paling never,
  Jesus, Jesus! still The Same.
Evermore 'Thou shalt endure,'
  Our own Saviour, strong and 'SURE!'
  —Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879)
  from Loyal Responses... [1886?].

"Careful and troubled," Is that true of thee?
"Careful and troubled," Why should'st thou be!
Faith in His wisdom, thy Saviour desires;
Trust in His guidance, He always requires.

"Careful and troubled," but that is not "trust";
"Trust" means to leave it all, happen what must.
"Trust" means to live free from worrying care,
Casting on Jesus thy burden to bear.

"Careful and troubled" dishonors His love;
Do not His past dealings all faithful prove?
"Careful and troubled," dishonors His power;
Will not His strength hold out, hour after hour?

"Careful and troubled" just means "unbelief";
Thou wilt not trust Him, and that gives Him grief
"Careful and troubled" just means "disobey";
"Bring here thy burden!" "I will not," you say.

And yet "He careth, He careth for you";
Have you not tried it, and found it is true?
Have you known one of His promises fail?
Have you not proved that His Strength does prevail

Alter thy motto: then, "trouble" no more;
Go to the Old Book of heavenly lore.
"Careful for nothing," there written I see,
Saviour, I thank Thee; make that true of me.
  —Author unknown

GOD IS FAITHFUL, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord. I Corinthians 1:9

Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it. I Thessalonians 5:24

GOD IS FAITHFUL, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. I Corinthians 10:13

The Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. II Thessalonians 3:3

"GOD IS FAITHFUL," O how precious!
  O how comforting the thought!
He will care for each redeemed one,
  Which the blood of Christ has bought.

"GOD IS FAITHFUL," who has called us
  To communion with His Son,
He will safely guard and keep us
  Until life on earth is done.

"GOD IS FAITHFUL," should temptation
  Subtly come across our path;
He is faithful to deliver
  From the tempter's guile and wrath.

Great Thy faithfulness, Lord Jesus,
  Which extendeth unto all.
Who were purchased upon Calv'ry,
  Whom Thy love and grace did call.

And the Lord abideth faithful
  From beginning to the end,
To restore in sweet communion,—
  He's a faithful, loving, Friend.

On His faithfulness, beloved,
  May your soul in comfort rest;
With a peace that passeth knowledge,
  Leaning on His loving breast.

Sing, my soul, give thanks unto Him,
  Every morning, every night,
For His faithfulness unchanging.
  Which will lead and guide aright.

Praise Him for His lovingkindness!
  Praise Him for His matchless grace!
For His faithfulness, and mercies,
  Till we see Him face to face.
  —Author unknown

I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known Thy faithfulness to all generations. Psalms 89:1

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto Thy Name, O most High: To shew forth Thy lovingkindness in the morning, and Thy faithfulness every night. Psalms 92:1, 2

Thy faithfulness is unto all generations. Psalms 119:90.

O LORD, Thou art my God: I will exalt Thee; I will praise Thy Name; for Thou hast done wonderful things: Thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. Isaiah 25:1

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS. Lamentations 3:23

Tho' vice, flagrant and unblushing,
Nero's palace boldly trod,
In that vile court's baleful precincts
There were some who walked with God.

Like the few souls, who, in Sardis
Kept unspotted from the world,
So these Saints in Caesar's household
Held their stainless flag unfurled.

Trusting in their Saviour's merits,
Leaning on their Saviour's might,
They were proof against temptation
Now they walk with Him in white!

Lord, Thy power can keep Thy children
In the most unlikely place.
There is no temptation sent them
Which is greater than Thy grace.
  —Kathleen Cooke

Into a world of misery and shame,
Into a scene of sorrow and pain,
Into the realm of a rebel's reign,
The Lord of Glory came.

Came with a message of love and cheer,
Came with words that banish our fear,
Came with power for all who would hear—
Power to set them free.

Taking our sorrows only to groan,
Taking our burdens in love alone,
Taking our sin to be judged as His own,
Kinsman-Redeemer He!

Passing the rich, and calling the poor,
Passing self-righteous for the publican's door.
Passing by angels, to man he came near—
Saviour of sinners He!
  —Author unknown

"Such an offer!" Full and free!
Was it really meant for me?

That all my sins on Christ were laid.
That all my debt by Him was paid?

Yes: He says it, who has died—
"Believe," and you are justified.

"Such an offer!" Pardon now
For hidden sin, and broken vow?

Yes: Jesus died for you and me;
His death for ours must be our plea.

Oh, what goodness! Lord, I take
This offer Thou dost freely make!

My one desire now shall be
To live for Him who died for me!
  —Author unknown

I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. John 10:9

Just a few more days to be filled with praise,
And to tell the old, old story;
Then, when twilight falls, and my Savior calls,
I shall go to Him in glory.

Chorus:
I'll exchange my cross for a starry crown,
Where the gates swing outward never;
At His feet I'll lay ev'ry burden down,
And with Jesus reign forever.

Just a few more years with their toil and tears,
And the journey will be ended;
Then I'll be with Him, where the tide of time
With eternity is blended.

Tho' the hills be steep and the valleys deep,
With no flow'rs my way adorning;
Tho' the night be lone and my rest a stone,
Joy awaits me in the morning.

What a joy 'twill be when I wake to see
Him for whom my heart is burning!
Nevermore to sigh, nevermore to die—
For that day my heart is yearning.
  —Charles H. Gabriel (1856-1932)

Precious, precious blood of Jesus,
  Shed on Calvary;
Shed for rebels, shed for sinners,
  Shed for me.

Precious blood that hath redeemed us!
  All the price is paid;
Perfect pardon now is offered,
  Peace is made.

Precious, precious blood of Jesus,
  Let it make thee whole;
Let it flow in mighty cleansing,
  O'er thy soul.

Though thy sins are red like crimson,
  Deep in scarlet glow,
Jesus' precious blood can make them
  White as snow.

Now the holiest with boldness
  We may enter in,
For the open fountain cleanseth
  From all sin.

Precious blood, by this we conquer
  In the fiercest fight,
Sin and Satan overcoming
  By its might.

Precious, precious blood of Jesus,
  Ever flowing free!
O believe it, O receive it,
  'Tis for thee!

Precious blood, whose full atonement
  Makes us nigh to God!
Precious blood, our song of glory,
  Praise and laud!
  —Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879)
  from Loyal Responses... [1886?].

Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it. John 2:5

Whatso'er He bids you, do it
  Though you may not understand:
Yield to Him complete obedience,
  Then you'll see His mighty hand;
"Fill the water pots with water,"
  Fill them to the very brim;
He will honour all your trusting—
  Leave the miracle to Him!

Bind your Isaac to the altar,
  Bind him there with many a cord;
Oh, my brother, do not falter,
  Can't you fully trust your Lord?
He it is Who watches o'er you,
  Though your path may oft be dim;
He will bring new life to Isaac—
  Leave the miracle to Him!

See them march around the city,
  Scarce a sound from day to day,
Scoffers from the walls deride them—
  "Jericho can stand such play!"
But the Lord's time cometh swiftly,
  Then they shout out with a vim:
"Look! the walls are tott'ring, falling!"
  Leave the miracle to Him!

Face to face with hosts of Midian,
  Gideon's men are sifted out;
Forth they go, these chosen heroes,
  With no sword the foe to rout;
Do you wonder if the vict'ry
  Can be gained by band so slim?
See! Jehovah's sword is gleaming.
  Leave the miracle to Him!

Watch that scene on plains of Dura,
  See that Hebrew martyr band,
Firmly standing for Jehovah,
  Trusting in His hidden hand.
"He is mighty to deliver"
  From the power of death so grim;
Fiery furnace cannot harm them—
  Leave the miracle to Him!

Bring to Christ your loaves and fishes
  Though they be both few and small,
He will use the weakest vessels,
  Give to Him your little all.
Do you ask how many thousands
  Can be fed with food so slim?
Listen to the Master's blessing—
  Leave the miracle to Him!

Oh, ye Christians, learn the lesson,
  Are you struggling all the way?
Cease your trying, change to trusting
  Then you'll triumph every day!
"Whatso'er He bids you, do it"
  Fill the water pots to brim;
But remember, 'tis His battle—
  Leave the miracle to Him!

Christian worker, looking forward
  To the ripened harvest field,
Does the task seem great before you?
  Think how rich will be the yield?
Bravely enter with your Master,
  Though the prospect may seem dim
Preach the Word with holy fervour—
  Leave the miracle to Him!
  —T. H. A.

Christ is the center of worship in heaven!
  Christ the rejected One here amongst men,
None other Name of salvation is given,
  Sound it, believers, again and again.

Christ is the Sacrifice! Christ is the Altar!
  Christ is the Mercy-seat sprinkled with blood!
Come, ye desponding ones, fear not nor falter,
  Christ is our Peace, in the presence of God.

Christ is the Victim divinely appointed,
  Spotless, accepted, attested by fire:
Christ our Melchisedec, robed and anointed,
  Royal and priestly His seamless attire.

One only Sacrifice, one only Altar,
  One only Mercy-seat God doth allow:
Dream not, O man! His decretal to alter,
  Sealed with the blood of the Holiest now!

One only Offering God hath appointed—
  Stretching His hand, he withheld not the knife!
One only Priest He hath crown'd and anointed,
  Jesus! the Way, the Truth, and the Life!

Jesus! the center of worship in heaven!
  Jesus despised and rejected of men!
None other Name of salvation is given
  Worthy is Jesus, the Lamb that was slain.
  —Author unknown

In loving-kindness Jesus came
My soul in mercy to reclaim,
And from the depths of sin and shame
Through grace He lifted me.

Refrain:
From sinking sand He lifted me,
With tender hand He lifted me,
From shades of night to plains of light,
O praise His name, He lifted me!

He called me long before I heard,
Before my sinful heart was stirred,
But when I took Him at His word,
Forgiven, He lifted me.

His brow was pierced with many a thorn,
His hands by cruel nails were torn,
When from my guilt and grief, forlorn,
In love He lifted me.

Now on a higher plane I dwell,
And with my soul I know 'tis well;
Yet how or why, I cannot tell,
He should have lifted me.
  —Charles H. Gabriel (1856-1932)

I was drifting away on life’s pitiless sea,
And the angry waves threatened my ruin to be,
When away at my side, there I dimly descried,
A stately old vessel, and loudly I cried:
Ship ahoy! Ship ahoy!
And loudly I cried: Ship ahoy!

’Twas the old ship of Zion, thus sailing along,
All aboard her seemed joyous, I heard their sweet song;
And the Captain’s kind ear, ever ready to hear,
Caught my wail of distress, as I cried out in fear:
Ship ahoy! Ship ahoy!
As I cried out in fear: Ship ahoy!

The good Captain commanded a boat to be low’red,
And with tender compassion He took me on board;
And I’m happy today, all my sins washed away
In the blood of my Saviour, and now I can say:
Bless the Lord! Bless the Lord!
From my soul I can say: Bless the Lord!

O soul, sinking down ’neath sin’s merciless wave,
The strong arm of our captain is mighty to save;
Then trust Him today, no longer delay,
Board the old ship of Zion, and shout on your way:
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Shout and sing on your way: Jesus saves!
  —by M. J. Cartwright

I am waiting for the dawning
Of that bright and glorious day,
When the darksome night of sorrow
Shall have vanished far away;
When forever with the Saviour,
Far beyond this vale of tears,
I shall swell the hymn of worship
Through the everlasting years.

I am looking at the brightness,
See, it shineth from afar,
Of the clear and joyous beaming
Of the "Bright and Morning Star;"
Through the dark grey mist of morning
I behold its glorious light;
Then away with every shadow
Of this sad and weary night.

I am waiting for the coming
Of the Lord who died for me;
Oh, His words have thrilled my spirit,
"I will come again for thee."
I can almost hear Christ's footfall
On the threshold of the door,
And my heart, my heart is longing
To be with Him for evermore.
  —Samuel Trevor Francis (1834-1925)

Complete in Him: oh, precious word!
  May we by faith receive it;
That all our sins are put away
  Alone by Jesus' merit.

Complete in Him while here below,
  With enemies contending;
His mighty power to daily know,
  From all our foes defending.

Complete in Him, though trials dark
  May often gather o'er us;
With faith and love we clasp the hand
  Of Him who goes before us.

Complete in Him, for all things here,
  Where we the cross are bearing;
And soon for aye complete in Him,
  The crown we shall be wearing.
  —D. W. Whittle (1840-1901)

Like a river glorious
  Is God's perfect peace,
Over all victorious
  In its bright increase.
Perfect—yet it floweth
  Fuller every day;
Perfect—yet it growth
  Deeper all the way.

Chorus:
Stayed upon Jehovah,
  Hearts are fully blest,
Finding, as He promised,
  Perfect peace and rest.

Hidden in the hollow
  Of His blessèd hand,
Never foe can follow,
  Never traitor stand.
Not a surge of worry,
  Not a shade of care,
Not a blast of hurry
  Touch the spirit there.

Every joy or trial
  Falleth from above,
Traced upon our dial
  By the Sun of Love.
We may trust Him solely
  All for us to do;
They who trust Him wholly,
  Find Him wholly true.
  —Frances Ridley Havergal
  from Loyal Responses...[1886?]

Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word. Psalm 119:114

Hail, Sovereign Love, which first began
The scheme to rescue fallen man!
Hail, matchless, free, eternal grace,
Which gave my soul a Hiding Place!

Against the God who built the sky
I fought with hands uplifted high,
Despised the mention of His grace,
Too proud to seek a Hiding Place.

Enwrapt in thick Egyptian night,
And fond of darkness more than light,
Madly I ran the sinful race,
Secure without a Hiding Place.

And thus the eternal counsel ran:
"Almighty love, arrest that man!"
I felt the arrows of distress,
And found I had no hiding place.

Indignant justice stood in view.
To Sinai's fiery mount I flew;
But justice cried, with frowning face:
"This mountain is no hiding place".

On Jesus, God's just vengeance fell,
Which would have sunk a world to hell;
He bore it for a sinful race,
And thus became their Hiding Place.

Should sevenfold storms of thunder roll,
And shake this globe from pole to pole,
No thunderbolt shall daunt my face,
For Jesus is my Hiding Place.

A few more setting suns at most,
Shall land me on fair Canaan's coast,
Where I shall sing the song of grace,
And see my glorious Hiding Place.
  —Jehoida Brewer
  (also ascribed to Major John Andre)

Is your name written there,
  In the Lamb's Book of Life?
When you leave this old world
  With its sin and its strife,
Will they find your name there—
  'Mongst the ransomed of God—
In the Lamb's Book of Life.
  Through the Lamb's precious blood?

When life here is finished
  To some realm we must go—
To the mansions of bliss
  Or the dungeons below;
For the soul never dies—
  It for ever must last,
When life, as we know it,
  For ever has passed.

Let me ask once again
  Is your name written there?
Will you be in heaven's bliss
Or in endless despair?
You have nothing to do
  But the Saviour accept,
But woe unto you
  If His name you reject.
  —J. Danson Smith

What think you of Christ? is the test
To try both your state and your scheme;
You cannot be right in the rest,
Unless you think rightly of him.
As Jesus appears in your view,
As he is beloved or not;
So God is disposed to you,
And mercy or wrath are your lot.

Some take him a creature to be,
A man, or an angel at most;
Sure these have not feelings like me,
Nor know themselves wretched, and lost:
So guilty, so helpless, am I,
I durst not confide in his blood;
Nor on his protection rely,
Unless I were sure he is God.

Some call him a Savior, in word,
But mix their own works with his plan;
And hope he his help will afford,
When they have done all that they can;
If doings prove rather too light,
(A little, they own, they may fail)
They purpose to make up full weight,
By casting his name in the scale.

Some style him the pearl of great price,
And say he's the fountain of joys;
Yet feed upon folly and vice,
And cleave to the world and its toys:
Like Judas, the Savior they kiss,
And, while they salute him, betray;
Ah! what will profession like this
Avail in his terrible day?

If asked what of JESUS I think?
Though still my best thoughts are but poor;
I say, he's my meat and my drink,
My life, and my strength, and my store,
My Shepherd, my Husband, my Friend,
My Savior from sin and from thrall;
My hope from beginning to end,
My Portion, my LORD, and my All.
  —John Newton (1725-1807)
from Olney Hymns 1779,
in Three Books, Book I, Hymn 89

>> Christian Poems and Hymns Collection 4