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421. Make Me a Captive, Lord

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1. Make me a captive, Lord,
and then I shall be free.
Force me to render up my sword,
and I shall conqueror be.
I sink in life's alarms
when by myself I stand;
imprison me within thine arms,
and strong shall be my hand.

2. My heart is weak and poor
until it master find;
it has no spring of action sure,
it varies with the wind.
It cannot freely move
till thou hast wrought its chain;
enslave it with thy matchless love,
and deathless it shall reign.

3. My power is faint and low
till I have learned to serve;
it lacks the needed fire to glow,
it lacks the breeze to nerve.
It cannot drive the world
until itself be driven;
its flag can only be unfurled
when thou shalt breathe from heaven.

4. My will is not my own
till thou hast made it thine;
if it would reach a monarch's throne,
it must its crown resign.
It only stands unbent
amid the clashing strife,
when on thy bosom it has leant,
and found in thee its life.

Text Information
First Line: Make me a captive, Lord
Title: Make Me a Captive, Lord
Author: George Matheson (1890)
Meter: SMD
Language: English
Publication Date: 1989
Scripture:
Topic: Sanctifiying and Perfecting Grace: Personal Holiness; Aspiration and Resolve; Commitment (2 more...)
Tune Information
Name: DIADEMATA
Composer: George J. Elvey (1868)
Meter: SMD
Key: E♭ Major



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Audio recording: Sample
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