A Pocket hymn-book, designed as a constant companion for the pious ‎#CCLVI

CCLVI. Except the Lord conduct the plan

1 Except the Lord conduct the plan,
The best-concerted schemes are vain,
And never can succeed;
We spend our wretched strength for nought;
But if our works in thee are wrought,
They shall be blest indeed.

2 Lord, if you didst thyself inspire
Our souls with this intense desire
Thy goodness to proclaim;
Thy glory if we now intend,
O let our deed begin and end
Complete in Jesu's name!

3 In Jesu's name behold we meet,
Far from an evil world retreat,
And all its frantic ways;
One only thing resolved to know,
And square our useful lives below
By reason and by grace.

4 Not in the tombs we pine to dwell,
Not in the dark, monastic cell,
By vows and grates confin'd;
Freely to all ourselves we give,
Constrain'd by Jesu's love to live
Thy servants of mankind.

5 Now, Jesu, now thy love impart,
To govern each devoted heart,
And fit us for thy will!
Deep founded in the truth of grace,
Build up ty rising church, and place
The city on the hill.

6 O let our love and faith abound!
O let our lives to all around
With purest lustre shine!
That all around our works may see,
And give the glory, Lord, to thee,
The heavenly light divine!

Text Information

• First Line: Except the Lord conduct the plan
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1790
• Topic: For the Society Praying
• Notes: Tune: MUSICIAN'S

Tune Information

(No tune information)