O how my fears the dangers move

1 Oh! how my fears the dangers move,
That virtue's path inclose!
While I the wise pursuit approve,
Alas, what toils oppose!

2 For see! ah see! while yet her ways
With doubtful step I tread,
A hostile world its terrors raise,
Its snares delusive spread.

3 Oh! how shall I, with heart prepar'd ,
Those terrors learn to meet;
How, from the thousand snares, to guard
And to restrain my feet?

4 But, why art thou cast down, my soul?
Say why, distrustful still,
Thy thoughts with vain impatience roll
O'er scenes of future ill!

5 Let faith suppress each rising fear,
Each anxious doubt exclude:
Thy Maker's will hath plac'd thee here,
Thy Maker wise and good.

6 He to thy ev'ry trial knows
Its just restraints to give;
Attentive to behold thy woes,
And faithful to relieve.

7 Though griefs unnumber'd throng thee round,
Still in thy God confide;
Whose finger marks the seas their bound,
And curbs the rolling tide.


Source: A Collection of Hymns and A Liturgy: for the use of Evangelical Lutheran Churches; to which are added prayers for families and individuals #235