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Beside the Manger

Author: Paul Gerhardt; John Kelly Meter: 8.7.8.7.8.8.7 Appears in 3 hymnals First Line: Now at the manger here I stand Lyrics: Now at the manger here I stand, My Jesus, Life from Heaven! I stand, and bring Thee in my hand What Thou to me hast given. Take it, it is my mind and wit, Heart, soul, and all I have, take it, And deign to let it please Thee! With Thy great love beyond compare, My soul Thou fillest ever, Thy glance so sweet, Thine image fair, My heart forgetteth never. How otherwise e’er could it be, How could I ever banish Thee, From my heart’s throne, O Saviour! Ere ever I began to be, Thou hadst for me appearèd, And as Thine own hadst chosen me Ere Thee I knew or fearèd. Before I by Thy hand was made, Thou hadst the plan in order laid, How Thou Thyself shouldst give me. I lay still in death’s deepest night, Till Thou, my Sun, arising, Didst bring joy, pleasure, life, and light, My waken’d soul surprising. O Sun! who dost so graciously Faith’s goodly light to dawn in me Aye cause; Thy beams how beauteous! With rapture do I gaze on Thee, Ne’er can enough adore Thee, Pow’r more to do is not in me, I’ll praise and bow before Thee. Oh! that my mind were an abyss, My soul a sea, wide, bottomless, That so I might embrace Thee. Oh! let me kiss that mouth of Thine, My Jesus, Saviour gracious! Thy mouth that e’en the sweetest wine, And milk and honey precious, In pow’r and virtue doth excel, Of comfort, strength, and sap ’tis full, And inwardly refreshes. When oft my heart within doth cry, No comfort can discover, It calls to me, Thy friend am I, Thine ev’ry sin I cover; My flesh and bone, why mournest thou? Let thy heart be of good cheer now, Thy debt, I have discharg’d it. Who is the Master, where is he, Who in perfection sketcheth The hands this infant dear to me Now smilingly outstretcheth? The snow is clear, and milk is white, But both lose all their value quite Before these hands so beauteous. Oh! wisdom fails me utterly For honouring and praising The eyes this infant fixedly To mine is ever raising. The fall moon, it is clear and fair, The golden stars most beauteous are, But these eyes far excel them. Oh! that a star so passing fair Should in a crib be holden! Who mighty nobles’ children are Should lie in cradles golden! Ah! hay and straw too wretched are, Silk, velvet, purple better far, Were for Thee, Child! to lie on. Remove the straw, remove the hay, From where the child reposes, And flow’rs I’ll bring that lie He may On violets and roses. With tulips, pinks, and rosemary, From goodly gardens pluck’d by me, I’ll from above bestrew Him. And snow-white lilies here and there His side shall be thrown over; When closed His eyes with slumber are, Them shall they softly cover. But Thou mayest love the grass so dry, My Child! more than the things that I Have spoken or have thought of. Not for the world’s pride dost Thou care, Nor joys the flesh doth offer; In human form Thou liest there, For us to do and suffer, Seek’st joy and comfort for my soul, While waves of trouble o’er Thee roll; I never will Thee hinder. One thing I hope Thou’lt grant to me, My Saviour! ne’er deny me, That I may evermore have Thee Within, and on, and by me. And let my heart Thy cradle be, Come, come and lie Thou down in me, With all Thy joys and treasures! ’Tis true, that I should think how poor And mean my entertaining, Than dust and ashes I’m no more, Thou mad’st, art all-sustaining, Yet Thou’rt a guest belov’d and priz’d, For never yet hast Thou despis’d Him who delights to see Thee!

Immanuel! to Thee we sing

Author: Paul Gerhardt; John Kelly Meter: 8.8.8.8.4 Appears in 5 hymnals Lyrics: Immanuel! to Thee we sing, The Fount of life, of grace the Spring, Than fairest lily fairer far, Lord of all Lords, the morning Star! Hallelujah! With all Thy people, Lord, we raise To Thee our heart-felt songs of praise, That Thou, O long-expected Guest! Hast brought us our desirèd rest. Hallelujah! Since the Creator said—“Light be!” How many a heart hath watch’d for Thee! Of Fathers, Prophets, Saints the throng With ardent hope have waited long. Hallelujah! Than others more, the Shepherd King Belov’d by Thee, and wont to sing Thy praise on sounding harp, inspir’d By deeper longing, Thee desir’d. Hallelujah! Ah Zion! that thy Lord to thee Would come and set thy captives free; Ah! that our help would now arise And gladden Jacob’s waiting eyes. Hallelujah! There art Thou now, Thou ever-bless’d! There dost Thou in the manger rest; The world Thou deck’st, all things hast made— Thou’rt naked there, in weakness laid. Hallelujah! A stranger art Thou here below, To whom the Heav’ns allegiance owe; A mother’s milk dost not despise, Who art the Joy of angels’ eyes. Hallelujah! The bounds of ocean fix’d hast Thou, Who art a swaddled infant now; Thou’rt God—a bed of straw Thou hast. Thou’rt man—yet art the First and Last. Hallelujah! Of every joy Thou art the spring, Yet sorrow oft Thy heart doth wring. The Gentiles’ Light and Hope Thou art, Yet findest none to soothe Thy heart. Hallelujah! The sweetest Friend of man Thou art, Though many hate Thee in their heart! The heart of Herod loathèd Thee, Yet what art Thou? Salvation free! Hallelujah! Thy meanest servant, Lord! am I, I say it in sincerity; I love Thee, but not half so well As I should love,—more love I’d feel. Hallelujah! My pow’r is weak, though will be there, But my poor heart against Thee ne’er Shall rise t’ oppose,—Thou wilt receive By grace the little I can give. Hallelujah! Thou to be weak dost not disdain, Dost choose the things the world deems vain, Art poor and needy, and dost come, By love impell’d, to want’s drear home! Hallelujah! Thou sleepest on the lap of earth, The manger where Thou at Thy birth Wast laid to rest, the hay, the stall Were mean, were miserable all. Hallelujah! And therefore doth my courage rise, Thy servant wilt Thou not despise; The gracious mind that dwells in Thee Fills me with hope and gladdens me. Hallelujah! Lord! though I’ve pass’d in sin my days, And wandered far from wisdom’s ways, Yet therefore Thou to earth hast come, To bring the wand’ring sinner home. Hallelujah! Had I no debt of sin to face, How could I ever share Thy grace? In vain for me Thine advent here, Had I no wrath of God to fear. Hallelujah! Lord, fearlessly I come to Thee, Thou keep’st my soul from anguish free; Thou bear’st the wrath, dost death destroy, And sorrow turnest into joy. Hallelujah! My Head Thou art, Thy member I In turn am, and Thy property; Lord, I will serve Thee while I live With all the grace Thou deign’st to give. Hallelujah! Loud hallelujahs here I’ll sing, With joy that from my heart doth spring, And when I reach yon mansions fair I will repeat them ever there. Hallelujah!

Of the Circumcision of Christ

Author: Paul Gerhardt; John Kelly Meter: 8.7.8.7.7.7.8.8 Appears in 1 hymnal First Line: Why should they such pain e'er give Thee Lyrics: Why should they such pain e’er give Thee, Why inflict such cruel smart? Jesus, why should they so grieve Thee, Who’re uncircumcis’d in heart, By this rite? Though Thou art free From the law’s yoke utterly, Yet man’s nature art Thou wearing, But no sin its beauty marring. For Thyself Thou dost not bear it, Of the Cov’nant Thou art Head; ’Tis our debts that make Thee share it, That like grievous load of lead Lie upon us, and Thy heart Pierce e’en to the inmost part; These Thou bearest to deliver Us, who could have paid them never. Let your hearts be glad, ye debtors! Let the world rejoice to-day, For the Son of God our fetters Breaks, the price begins to pay. This day is the Law fulfill’d, This day is God’s anger still’d, Whom to death law did deliver, God’s Son makes God’s heirs for ever. We this grace enough can never Own, nor for it grateful be; Heart and mouth, O Saviour! ever Shall exalt and honour Thee! We shall praise with all our pow’r All Thy goodness, Thee adore, While in weakness here we wander, And Thy praise re-echo yonder!

Song

Author: Paul Gerhardt; John Kelly Meter: 7.7.7.7 Appears in 7 hymnals First Line: In pray'r your voices raise ye Lyrics: In pray’r your voices raise ye To God, and Him now praise ye, Who to our life from heaven All needed strength hath given. The stream of years is flowing, And we are onward going, From old to new surviving, And by His mercy thriving. In woe we often languish, And pass through times of anguish, When fearful war aboundeth, That earth itself surroundeth. As faithful mother keepeth Guard while her infant sleepeth, And all its grief assuageth When angry tempest rageth; So God His children shieldeth, Them full protection yieldeth; When need and woe distress them, His loving arms caress them. In vain is all our doing, The labour we’re pursuing In our hands prospers never, Unless God watcheth ever. Our song to Thee ascendeth, Who every day defendeth Us, and whose arm averteth The pain our hearts that hurteth. O God of mercy! hear us; Our Father! be Thou near us; ’Mid crosses and in sadness Be Thou our Spring of gladness. To me and all be given, Who from the heart have striven To gain Thy benediction, Hearts patient in affliction. Oh! close the gates of sorrow, And by a glorious morrow Of peace, may places sadden’d By bloodshed dire be gladden’d. With richest blessings crown us, In all our ways, Lord! own us; Give grace, who grace bestowest To all, e’en to the lowest. Of all forlorn be Father, All erring ones ingather, And of the poor and needy Be Thou the succour speedy. Grace show to all afflicted, And to all souls dejected, By melancholy haunted, May happy thoughts be granted. All earthly gifts excelling, The Holy Ghost indwelling, Give us to make us glorious, And lead to Thee victorious. All this Thy hand bestoweth, Thou Life! whence our life floweth, Thus Thou Thy people meetest With New Year’s blessing greetest.

The Seven Words Spoken by the Lord Jesus on the Cross

Author: Paul Gerhardt; John Kelly Meter: 8.7.8.7.4.4.7.4.4.7 Appears in 1 hymnal First Line: My heart! the seven words hear now Lyrics: My heart! the seven words hear now That Jesus Christ hath spoken, When on the cross His heart through woe And murder dire was broken; Ope now the shrine, And lock them in, As gifts all price excelling. In bitter grief, They’ll give relief, ’Neath crosses joy instilling. His first and chiefest care He made Who hated Him to cover: God for the wicked men He pray’d, That He’d their sin look over. “Forgive, forgive,” He said in love, “Them every one, O Father! Not one doth see What doeth he, In ignorance ’tis rather!” How fair it is, let all learn here, To love their foes who grieve them, And all their faults with hearts sincere Aye freely to forgive them. He also shows, How grace o’erflows His heart, how kind His mood is, That e’en his foe, Who’d work Him woe, Doth in Him find what good is! Then to His mother doth He speak, Who stood near him He loveth, And as He can, though voice be weak, With words of comfort sootheth: “Woman! there see Thy son, for me Thou shalt by him be guarded. Disciple! see, Let her by thee As mother be regarded.” O faithful heart! thou car’st for all Thine own who truly love Thee, When they in tribulation fall Thou seest, the sight doth move Thee; A friend in need, In word and deed, Thou at their side appearest, Dost by Thy grace Find them a place, Them to good souls endearest. The third thing that Thy lips have said Thou spak’st to him beside Thee, When, “Think upon me then,” he pray’d, “When God Himself shall guide Thee Up to Thy throne, Thy head shall crown As Lord of earth and heaven:” “To walk with Me To-day shall thee In Paradise be given.” O blessèd word! O voice of joy! Can aught affright us?—never! Let death who seeketh to destroy, Now disappear for ever! Though he rage sore, What can he more Than soul and body sever? And meanwhile I Mount up on high, In joy to dwell for ever. Christ’s word gives deepest peace and joy, The robber’s trouble stilleth; But He cries from the agony His holy breast that filleth, “Eli, my God, What heavy load Am I, Thy Son, now bearing? I call, and Thou Art silent now, Though I sink, seem’st not caring.” This lesson learn, thou child of faith, When God His count’nance veileth, Lest thou be cast down in the path When trouble thee assaileth: Firm to Him cleave, Though He may leave, He’ll comfort soon, and cheer thee; True do thou be, Cry mightily, Until He turn and hear thee. The Lord His voice now clear doth raise Through thirst that paineth sorely; “I thirst,” the Spring eternal says, The Lord of life and glory. What meaneth He? He showeth thee How He thy load sinks under, That thou did’st pile For Him, the while In sin’s ways thou did’st wander. Thereby He also telleth thee How much He longs that ever His cross in each may fruitful be, Fail of its end may never. Mark this all ye, Now carefully, Who’re in soul tribulation: Th’ eternal Sun Refuseth none The soul’s part and salvation. And as the gloomy night of death Upon the Lord descended, “’Tis finish’d,” He with dying breath Said, “now my work is ended; What was foretold In days of old, By seers who went before me, Doth now betide; I’m crucified, And men now triumph o’er me.” “’Tis finish’d!”—why then toilest thou? In vain thy labour ever! As if aught human strength can do, Could e’er from guilt deliver! ’Tis done! beware, And never dare To add aught to it ever; Do thou believe, In faith aye cleave To Him, forsake Him never. His voice at length the Lord doth raise, High over all ’tis swelling: “My spirit, Father! to the place Take where Thou’rt ever dwelling, My soul receive, That now doth leave This body sorely riven.” And at the word, To the great Lord Release from pain was given. Oh! would to God, that I might end My life as His was ended, My spirit unto God commend As His was then commended. O Christ, my Lord! May Thy last word The last be by me spoken; So happily I’ll go to Thee, When life’s last thread is broken.

Be joyful all, both far and near

Author: Paul Gerhardt; John Kelly Meter: 8.7.8.7.8.8.7 Appears in 1 hymnal Lyrics: Be joyful all, both far and near, Who lost were and dejected: To-day the Lord of glory here, Whom God Himself elected As our Redeemer, who His blood Upon the cross shed for our good, Hath from the grave arisen. How well succeeded hath thy might, Thou foe of life so ruthless! To kill the Lord of life and light; Thine arrow through Him scathless Hath pass’d, thou base injurious foe! Thou thought’st when thou hadst laid Him low, He’d lie in dust for ever. No, no! on high His head is borne, His mighty pow’r asunder Thy gates hath burst, thy bands hath torn, Thyself hath trodden under His feet; who doth in Him confide Thy pow’r and claims may now deride And say, “Thy sting, where is it?” Thy pow’r is gone, ’tis broken quite, And it can hurt him never Who to this Prince with all his might With heart and soul cleaves ever, Who speaks with joy, “I live, and ye Shall also live for aye with me, For I this life have purchas’d. “The reign and pow’r of death are o’er, He never need affright you; I am his Lord, the Prince of pow’r, And this may well delight you; And as your risen Head I live: So ye, if ye on me believe, Shall be my members ever. “Of hell have I the overthrow Accomplish’d, none now needeth To fear the pains of endless woe, Who Me and My word heedeth; He’s freed from Satan’s grievous yoke, Whose head I bruis’d, whose might I broke, And he can never harm him.” Now prais’d be God, who vict’ry hath To us through Jesus given, Who peace for war, and life for death, With entrance into heaven, Hath purchas’d, who death, sin, and woe, World, devil, what our overthrow Would seek, for aye hath vanquish’d.

O Father! send Thy Spirit down

Author: Paul Gerhardt; John Kelly Meter: 8.8.7.8.8.7 Appears in 1 hymnal Lyrics: O Father! send Thy Spirit down, Whom we are bidden by Thy Son To seek, from Thy high heaven; We ask as He taught us to pray, And let us ne’er unheard away From ’fore Thy throne be driven. No mortal man upon the earth Is of this gift so noble worth, No merit we’ve to gain it; Here only grace availeth aught, That Jesus Christ for us hath bought, His tears and death obtain it. O Father! much it grieves Thy mind Us in such woful plight to find, As Adam’s fall hath brought us; The evil spirit’s pow’r, this fall Hath brought on him, and on us all, But Christ to save hath sought us. To our salvation, Lord, we cleave, That we are Thine in Christ believe, From Him nought shall us sever; And through His death and precious blood, Our mansions fair, and highest good, We look for, doubting never. This is a work of grace indeed, The Holy Spirit’s strength we need, Our pow’r is unavailing; Our faith and our sincerity Would soon, O Lord! in ashes lie, Were not Thy help unfailing. Of faith Thy Spirit keeps the light, Though all the world against us fight, And storm with every weapon. Although the prince of this world too, May take the field to lay us low, No ill through him can happen. The Spirit’s is the winning side, And where He helps, the battle’s tide Assuredly abateth. What’s Satan’s might and majesty? It falleth when His standard high The Spirit elevateth. The chains of hell He rends in twain, Consoles and frees the heart again From everything that grieveth; And when misfortunes o’er us low’r He shields us better in their hour, Than ever heart conceiveth. The bitter cross He maketh sweet, In gloom His light our eyes doth greet, Care of His sheep He taketh, Holds over us the shield, and when Night falls upon His flock, He then To rest in peace us maketh. The Spirit God gives from above Directeth all who truly love In ways of safety ever; He guides our goings every day, From paths of bliss to turn away Our feet permits us never. He maketh fit, and furnishes With needed gifts for service those Who here God’s house are rearing, Adorns their minds and mouths and hearts, And light to them for us imparts, What’s dark to us thus clearing. Our hearts He opens secretly When they His word so faithfully As precious seed are sowing; He giveth pow’r to it, where’er It takes root, tending it with care, And waters it when growing. He teacheth us the fear of God, Loves purity, makes His abode The soul that sin refuseth; Who contrite are, virtue revere, Repent, and turn to Him in fear And love, He ever chooseth. He’s true, and true doth aye abide, In death’s dark hour He’s at our side, When all from us recedeth; He sootheth our last agony, Up to the halls of bliss on high In joy and trust He leadeth. Oh! happy are the souls and bless’d, Who while on earth permit this Guest To make in them His dwelling; Who now receive Him joyfully, He’ll take up to God’s house on high, Their souls with rapture filling. Now, Father, who all good dost give, Our pray’r hear, may we all receive From Thee this priceless blessing; Thy Spirit give, that here He may Rule us, and there in endless day Our souls be aye refreshing.

For Success and Blessing in all Christian Works and Purposes

Author: Paul Gerhardt; John Kelly Meter: 8.8.7.8.7 Appears in 1 hymnal First Line: My God! my works and all I do Lyrics: My God! my works and all I do, Rest only on Thy will, I know, Thy blessing prospers ever, When Thou dost guide, we persevere In right ways, erring never. It standeth not in human might That man’s devices issue right, His way with gladness endeth: God’s counsel only prospers sure, ’Tis He success who sendeth. Man often thinks in haughty mood That this or that is for his good, Yet widely he mistaketh; He often thinketh that is ill Whereof the Lord choice maketh. But wise men e’en who joyfully Begin a good work, frequently Reach no good termination; They build a castle firm and strong, But sand is the foundation. How many in their fancy stray High over mountain peaks away, Ere they bethink them ever; Down to the ground they fall, and vain Has been their strong endeavour. Dear Father! therefore, who the crown And sceptre bear’st on Heav’n’s throne, Who from the clouds dost lighten, Regard my words, and hear my cry, From Thy seat my soul brighten! Vouchsafe to me the noble light That from Thy countenance so bright On pious souls aye breaketh, And where the pow’r of wisdom true Through Thine own pow’r awaketh. Give understanding from on high, That I henceforward may rely Upon mine own will never. Be Thou my counsel, that I may Fulfil the good, Lord! ever. Prove all things well, whate’er is good Give to me, but what flesh and blood Doth choose, withhold it ever. The highest good, the fairest part, Thy glory is and favour. Sun of my soul! my chief delight! Whate’er is pleasing in Thy sight, Oh! may I choose and do it; And what’s displeasing unto Thee, May I, O Lord! eschew it. Is it from Thee? my work then bless; Is it of man? withhold success, And change what I’m resolving. Dost Thou not work? ’twill come to nought, In failure soon involving. But should Thine and our enemy Begin to rage revengefully Against the good Thou’rt meaning, My comfort is, Thou canst avert His wrath, me ever screening. Draw near, and let it easy be, What seems impossible to me, A happy issue give it; What Thou Thyself didst undertake, Thy wisdom did conceive it. Though hard at first the work may be, And I may through the deepest sea Of bitter grief be passing, Oh! may I only driven be To sighs and pray’r unceasing. Whoever prays and trusteth Thee, With valiant heart shall victor be O’er all that frightens ever, In thousand pieces speedily Grief’s heavy stone shall shiver. The way to good is almost wild, With thorns and hedges is it fill’d; Along this way who goeth He by the Spirit’s grace at last What heav’nly joy is knoweth. I am Thy child, my Father Thou! Thou hast abundance to bestow, Nought can I find within me; Help, that I may maintain my ground, As victor home, Lord! bring me. Thine be the glory and the pow’r! Thy mighty works I’ll more and more From heart with rapture swelling, Before Thy folk and all the world, All my life long be telling.

Sirach’s Prayer for a Happy and Temperate Life

Author: Paul Gerhardt; John Kelly Meter: 8.7.8.7.8.7.8.7.7 Appears in 1 hymnal First Line: Creator, Father, Prince of might! Lyrics: Creator, Father, Prince of might! Who life to me art giving, Unless Thou guid’st my life aright In vain here am I living. For while I’m living, I am dead, To sin devoted ever; Whose life in mire of sin is led, The true life he hath never Beheld one moment even. Then turn on Thy poor child Thy face, In darkness do not leave me; That I may shun sin and disgrace, Good counsel ever give me! To keep my lips a guard, Lord, send, May no word ever leave them That e’er Thy people could offend Let nought I say e’er grieve them, Nor ever Thee dishonour! Forbid, Father! that mine ear Upon this earth so evil, Against Thy name and pow’r should hear The wicked rage and cavil. Let not the poison and the gall Of slanderers defile me; If I such filth should touch at all It surely would beguile me, Might e’en quite overthrow me. Lord, keep mine eyes, control their glance, May they work evil never; A bold and shameless countenance Keep Thou far from me ever! What’s honest, keeps due boundaries, What angels seek in heaven, What is well-pleasing in Thine eyes, For it by me be striven, All luxury disdaining. Oh! may I ne’er delighted be By revelling and eating; Be what Thou lov’st belov’d by me, Though others shun it, hating. The lusts wherein the flesh doth roll, To hell will draw us ever; The joys the world doth love, the soul And spirit will deliver To torment everlasting. Oh! happy he who eats heav’n’s bread, And heav’nly water drinketh, Who tastes nought else, nought else doth heed, Nought else desires, and thinketh Of that alone which strength can bring, The life we’ll live for ever With God, and with the hosts who sing His praise, in joy that never Shall know an interruption.

For Constant Christian Friendship

Author: Paul Gerhardt; John Kelly Meter: 8.7.8.7.8.8.7.7 Appears in 1 hymnal First Line: Jesus! Thou, my dearest Brother Lyrics: Jesus! Thou, my dearest Brother, Who dost well to me intend, Thou mine Anchor, Mast, and Rudder, And my truest Bosom-Friend. To Thee, ere was earth or heaven, Had the race of man been given; Thou, e’en me, poor guest of earth, Chosen hadst before my birth. Thou art free from guile, Lord! ever Innocent of all that’s base; But on this sad earth whenever I in meditation gaze, There I find deception living; Who excelleth in deceiving, Who the best dissemble can, He’s the best and wisest man. Hollow and unfaithful ever Is the friendship of the earth; Seemeth she a man to favour? ’Tis but for the gold he’s worth; Are we prosp’rous, do we flourish? She will smile on us, and nourish; Doth misfortune o’er us low’r? She forsakes us in that hour. Drive away from me, and shield me From such instability; If I, Father, have defil’d me (For I also human be) With this mire, and did I ever Falsehood love, oh! now deliver. All my guilt I own to Thee, Patience give, and grace to me! May I ne’er be overtaken By the evils Thou hast said Come on those who’ve truth forsaken, And with wares deceptive trade; For Thou sayest Thou disownest, As abomination shunnest, Ev’ry hypocrite’s false mood, Who talks, but doth not the good. May my heart be constant ever, Faithful still to every friend; When to grief Thou dost deliver Them, and ’neath the cross they bend, May I even then ne’er shun them, But like unto Thee, Lord, own them, Who, when we were poor and bare, Tended’st us with fondest care. After Thy will, Saviour, give me One in whom I may confide, Who will faithful counsel give me When my heart is sorely tried; To whom I may freely utter All I feel, with nought to fetter, In the measure I may need, ’Till my heart from care is freed. Oh! let David’s bliss betide me, Give to me a Jonathan Who will come and stand beside me Like a rock, though every man From my company should sever, Who his heart will give me ever, Who’ll stand firm in every hour, When sun shines or tempests low’r. Out of all the men who’re living, Choose me a believing friend, Who to Thee is firmly cleaving, On Thine arm doth aye depend; Who may by Thy will relieve me, Help and comfort ever give me, Help, from sympathizing heart, Comfort, when I feel grief’s smart. When ’tis only the mouth loveth, Then the love is ill bestow’d; Whose love but to good words moveth While he keeps a hateful mood, Whom self-interest rules ever, Who when honey falls, stays never, But escapeth speedily,— Ever far be such from me! In my weakness and my sinning, Move my friend to speak to me, By his words of kindness winning, Never as an enemy. Who reproves in love and sadness Is like him, in days of gladness, Who pours balsam over me That by Jordan floweth free. Riches great were I possessing, Priceless were my property; Jesus! did Thy hand such blessing Graciously bestow on me, Were such friend, Lord! ever near me, By His constancy to cheer me; Who doth honour Thee, and fear He hath such a treasure near. Good friends like to staves are ever, Whereon men lean as they go, That the weak one can deliver, When he slides and lieth low: Sad his case who such ne’er knoweth, Who through life all friendless goeth, Weary is his lonely way, When he falls, to help who stay? Gracious Saviour! let it please Thee, Be my Friend in every hour, Be my Friend, till death release me, Be my faithful Staff of pow’r! When Thou to Thyself wilt bind me, Then a heart Thou soon wilt find me, By Thy Holy Spirit fir’d With good thoughts to me inspir’d.