Christian Hymns ‎#237

237. O Thou before whose presence

1 O Thou before whose presence
Naught evil may come in,
Yet Who dost look in mercy
Down on this world of sin;
Oh, give us noble purpose
To set the sin-bound free,
And Christlike, tender pity,
To seek the lost for Thee.

2 Fierce is our subtle foeman:
The forces at his hand,
With woes that none can number,
Despoil the pleasant land;
All they who war against them,
In strife so keen and long,
Must in their Saviour's armor
Be stronger than the strong.

3 So hast Thou wrought among us
The great things that we see:
For things that are we thank Thee,
And for the things to be:
For bright hope is uplifting
Faint hands and feeble knees,
To strive beneath Thy blessing
For greater things than these.

4 Lead on, O Love and Mercy,
O Purity and Power!
Lead on, till peace eternal
Shall close this battle-hour:
Till all who prayed and struggled
To set their brethren free,
In triumph meet to praise Thee,
Most Holy Trinity.

Text Information

• First Line: O Thou before whose presence
• Meter: 7, 6.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1898
• Topic: Christ: Leader; Conflict; Missions; Christian Work
• Notes: S. J. Stone, 1889.

Tune Information

• Name: IF GOD HIMSELF BE FOR ME
• Composer: J. A. P. Schulz, (1747-1800.)
• Meter: 7, 6.
• Key: E♭ Major
• Notes: Norwegian tune name: Er Gud for mig, saa træde