246. True Simplicity of Spirit

 1.  True simplicity of spirit,

Miracle of grace and power!

Pride must fall before this virtue,

Yet God's work abides each hour;

Yet God's work abides each hour.

2.  True simplicity, so childlike,

Glory of humility,

From the sinful fall of Adam,

Only she makes fully free!

Only she makes fully free!

3.  God alone is her true pleasure

And the rapture of her heart;

He can give her rich abundance

And her dearest wish impart;

And her dearest wish impart.

4.  In such tender childlike spirit,

God His greatest power displays;

Majesty this virtue chooses

To reveal His wondrous ways;

To reveal His wondrous ways.

5.  She has strength divine in conflict,

To unholy things is dead;

Never is the spoil of Satan

And in God finds peace instead;

And in God finds peace instead.

6.  She has only of His giving -

Grace for grace out of God's fill,

Leads herself not, as His offspring;

God directs her as He will;

God directs her as He will.

7.  True simplicity, a mirror

Where nor fraud nor guile is seen;

She the Spirit's seal is bearing,

Is His dwelling-place serene;

Is His dwelling-place serene.

8.  From our earthly selves she frees us

And from all our sinful woe;

She the Lord alone hath chosen,

Hence He guards her from the foe;

Hence He guards her from the foe.

9.  Thus in purity she journeys,

At God's hand, the narrow way;

And in God here bears in patience

Cross and woe from day to day;

Cross and woe from day to day.

10.  Hid in God, she lives in gladness,

Looks to Him in every place;

Without fear or care or sorrow,

She beholds His holy face;

She beholds His holy face.

11.  She entrusts her pilgrim journey

To God's mighty hand alone -

Looking toward the glorious ending

When God will receive His own;

When God will receive His own.

12.  She is rich in gifts for others,

Is not sensitive nor vain;

Has a heart that shares sincerely

Every human ill or pain;

Every human ill or pain.

13.  She seeks neither praise nor greatness;

Chiding, shame, no hurt impart;

Thinks no evil; for all goodness

Has a deeply grateful heart;

Has a deeply grateful heart.

14.  What is there on earth so precious

As a child, sincere in love?

For of such is Jesus' kingdom

And eternal joy above;

And eternal joy above.

15.  O thou lovely flower of heaven,

That our Savior did provide!

Thou the peace of God enjoyest

For which Jesus lived and died;

For which Jesus lived and died.

16.  Holy innocence so childlike,

How my heart here yearns for thee!

Sun of grace, O purest virtue,

Jesus, shine Thou forth in me;

Jesus, shine Thou forth in me.

17.  Son of God! In holy stillness

Thou didst learn the Father's way,

Grant to me that my will likewise

Thus may rest in Thee for aye!

Thus may rest in Thee for aye!

245. Faith at Last Its Seal Receiveth

 1.  Faith at last its seal receiveth

When affliction's heat it leaveth,

As the gold by fire…. tried;

For the highest joys of heaven,

Having suffered much and striven,

Will God's own be glorified!

2.  Both on mind and heart, the Master,

By affliction and disaster,

Doth impress His image true;

He our body's great Creator

Shapeth that which will come later,

By the cross doth make us new.

3.  Rebel members, by affliction,

Are brought into full subjection

And obedience to the Lord,

So that He, their powers broken,

All can hallow by love's token,

And renew them by His Word.

4.  Suff’ring here the senses stayeth,

And the spirit, lest it strayeth

To the world and its delight; -

Like an angel-guard that keepeth

Careful watch and never sleepeth,

To preserve the heart aright.

5.  Suff’ring tuneth hearts for singing

Psalms that ever will be ringing,

Till they yearn for heav’n alone,

Where those who the palms are bearing

With the choirs, their gladness sharing,

Praising, stand before the throne.

6.  Suff’ring hasteneth our journey,

Halloweth our vesture earthly

For the sleep within the grave;

Like a herald at the portal

Who now calleth to the mortal,

Life eternal to receive.

7.  Suff’ring giveth faith its power,

Makest humble every hour,

O what can with thee compare?

Here men call thee but a burden,

Yonder thou wilt be a guerdon

That not everyone may share.

8.  Brethren, suff’ring is high favor

That in varying ways that Savior

To His followers hath shown;

When they, racked by pain and sighing;

When they, bearing pangs of dying,

Through long, weary nights did groan.

9.  If in health and in enjoyment

We our pow’rs for God’s employment

Willingly would consecrate;

Then it will but beautify them,

If His grace doth purify them

By such trials, dread and great.

10.  When it greatest pain is bearing,

Then the heart His heart is nearing,

Drawing closer lovingly,

And for this doth cry and tremble:

Make me Thine own death resemble,

So that I may live with Thee!

11.  Lastly, after sighs uncounted,

Ev’ry barrier is surmounted

And the veil is rent in twain.

Who is able now to measure

What a wealth of peace and pleasure

We in heaven shall attain!

12.  Let us then behold, O Savior,

Yonder heights more clearly ever,

Till at length our time shall come,

When, our faithful striving ended,

And by angel hosts attended,

We, too, shall be welcomed home!

244. Waiting Is the School That Here Beginneth

 1.  Waiting is the school that here beginneth

With the very first life-breath we take,

And its time of trial never endeth

Till in peace our souls this life forsake.

2.  Waiting was the lot of those elected

By the Lord to gain a lofty goal:

Joseph, David, Abraham selected

Were with others, added to the roll.

3.  Our Lord Jesus, Hope of all creation,

Was made ready through dark trials alone;

Reached the throne through hours of tribulation,

And thus through the cross received the crown.

4.  Lo, the husbandman in hope now soweth

All his seed upon a fallowed field;

Then he waiteth until God bestoweth

Springtime's promise of a goodly yield.

5.  Springtime's sun but little fruit matureth;

Autumn bringeth the abundance great;

We share not the joy such wealth assureth,

Till we learn to sow in hope and wait.

6.  Unexpected, God hath often given

What the heart, to hope, no more could dare; -

Ought this not anew our hearts enliven,

But to wait, His promises to share?

7.  Not a word of His is lost forever,

Though fulfillment far away may seem, -

Noble things develop slowly ever,

In the Lord we find the joy supreme.

8.  Bravely onward to the goal be striving,

Though the night of waiting yet abide;

Yonder shall you find the brethren living,

Who attained the crown though sorely tried.

9.  Through affliction you shall gain the treasure,

Like unto your Lord be made most pure,

Worthy to enjoy the heavenly pleasure,

Therefore wait and suffer and endure!

10.  Waiting - patiently in silence hov’ring -

Hallows us for future blessédness;

Waiting is, beneath a somber cov’ring,

But the herald of great happiness.

243. Love It Is That We Here Share

 1.  Love it is that we here share,

Though it oft may seem oppressing.

Jesus' yoke is light to bear,

For His own it is a blessing.

So be patient, use restraint;

Do not sigh and make complaint!

Do not sigh and make complaint.

2.  Jesus Christ for us did bleed,

For us into death was given!

Murmur not o'er earthly need, -

We are heirs with Him of heaven.

Guide to light eternal, He

To His own saith: "Trust in Me!"

To His own saith: "Trust in Me!"

3.  Do we feel the chast’ning rod?

Are the burdens sore and pressing?

Let us praise the love of God;

He intends all these as blessing.

Saith He who the truth hath brought:

"For the morrow take no thought!"

"For the morrow take no thought!"

4.  Is the outlook dark and drear?

Hath our faith and trust been shaken?

If we knock, the Lord will hear;

He His own hath ne'er forsaken;

Hear His Word, forever true:

"Knock, and I will answer you!"

"Knock, and I will answer you!"

5.  What is this brief day of stress

As against the joys of heaven,

With which God will truly bless

Those who patiently have striven!

See how Jesus bore the rod

As the guiltless Lamb of God.

As the guiltless Lamb of God.

6.  We ourselves - regard it well –

Had deserved His chast’ning o'er us;

Yet rejoice, your gladness tell:

Jesus bore these suff’rings for us;

We are reconciled to God

By the shedding of His blood.

By the shedding of His blood.

7.  O that we might clearly see

What these trials here work in us;

Strive upon God's ways to be;

Let His Spirit work within us:

Soon the fruits we shall behold

That from suff’ring here unfold.

That from suff’ring here unfold.

242. I Am So Sad and Weary

 1.  I am so sad and weary!

O Lord, look Thou on me!

My days are long and dreary,

I care not here to be.

2.  In Kedar's tents I'm dwelling,

And that adds to my pain;

The foe my doom is telling, -

My heart doth ache within.

3.  Still here in Mesech living,

Where evil men hate peace,

To Satan homage giving, -

Oh, how I seek release!

4.  My fatherland is heaven,

A stranger I am here.

What praise shall Thee be given,

O God, when I am there!

241. My Soul, Why So Troubled

 1.  My soul, why so troubled,

Though great thy pain be?

Trust thou in thy Jesus,

His heart He gives thee.

Be patient and still,

Be patient and still.

Believe that thy Jesus

Thee leads as He will!

Believe that thy Jesus

Thee leads as He will!

2.  Art thou sore afflicted,

Must thou sickness bear?

Let nothing mislead thee

To doubt and despair.

Be patient and still,

Be patient and still.

Believe that thy Jesus

Thee leads as He will!

Believe that thy Jesus

Thee leads as He will!

3.  And art thou here friendless,

Have all turned from thee?

Trust thou in thy Jesus;

Thy true Friend is He.

Be patient and still,

Be patient and still.

Believe that thy Jesus

Thee leads as He will!

Believe that thy Jesus

Thee leads as He will!

4.  Must thou bear derision

Of men frequently?

Then duly consider

What God saith to thee:

Be patient and still,

Be patient and still.

Believe that thy Jesus

Thee leads as He will!

Believe that thy Jesus

Thee leads as He will!

5.  Though death's evil shadows

Oft thee may surround,

God's hand ever helpful

Will present be found.

Be patient and still,

Be patient and still.

Say: "Not as I would,

But alone as God will!"

Say: "Not as I would,

But alone as God will!"

6.  If fires of temptation

Burn into thy heart,

Then flee to thy Savior,

He healeth the smart.

Be patient and still,

Be patient and still.

In silently suffering

Doth strength richly dwell.

In silently suffering

Doth strength richly dwell.

7.  If Satan with arrows

Of fire draws near,

Then put on the shield

Of a faith that's sincere.

Be patient and still,

Be patient and still.

In silently suffering

Doth strength richly dwell.

In silently suffering

Doth strength richly dwell.

240. Gentle Lamb and Prince of Peace

 1.  Gentle Lamb and Prince of Peace!

My heart's longing doth not cease,

So I pray;

Shepherd, may

Thou make strong my heart that I go not astray!

2.  Grant that I, for love of Thee,

Child-like and obedient be,

That I may

Day by day

Love Thee only, ever in Thy service stay!

3.  With a gentle spirit bless

That is full of kindliness,

That in me

It may be

The adornment, precious, and of worth to Thee.

4.  Grant that I with bravery

Thee to love may ready be,

When distress

Would oppress,

That I may in humble strength Thy name confess.

5.  Keep me undefiled, O Lord,

Ever watchfully on guard;

May I flee

Unto Thee

And where'er Thou goest follow joyfully.

6.  Lamb who won the victory,

Do Thou grant this grace to me,

That I may,

Now, alway,

Strengthened by Thy blood be victor day by day.

7.  May Thy guiding hand not fail

When I walk through death's dark vale.

Thou God lead,

Then indeed

Strengthen, keep me in that final hour of need!

8.  When on Zion Thou shalt stand,

May I be on Thy right hand,

Free from pain,

Without stain,

Where Thou as my Light, O Lamb, shalt ever reign!

239. Come Thou, O My Friend, I Pray Thee

 1.  Come Thou, O my Friend, I pray Thee,

Take me from the world apart;

Let me at Thy feet, like Mary,

Give to Thee my mind and heart!

Quiet and tranquillity

Lead to union, Lord, with Thee.

2.  Blest is he to whom is given

From this noisy world to flee,

Who, with heart and mind in heaven,

With his own alone can be,

And here practice all that he

Hopes to do eternally.

3.  Palms will thrive beside a river:

We - when we draw near to God,

When in love we serve Him ever,

Him in prayer and worship laud.

What diversion never knows,

Christ in solitude bestows.

4.  When a lonely heart finds pleasure

Only in the things of heaven;

When it doth no creature treasure

And to God alone is given,

God to such will give true rest, -

Even trials will be blest.

5.  Perfect God, Thou once wast lonely

Ere the world was formed by Thee;

Blest is he who with Thee only

Lives in Thy eternity!

In Thy stillness me seclude,

Let me share Thy solitude!

238. Blessed Savior, Come to Me

 1.  Blessed Savior, come to me,

Stir my soul to motion,

And impel me mightily

To a deep devotion.

That I may,

Day by day,

Most sincerely love Thee,

And naught else above Thee.

2.  Gather my distracted thought,

Faithful Shepherd, ever;

For without Thee I have naught,

But much anguish ever; -

Only fear

Reigneth here;

Thou canst give, for sadness,

Life and rest and gladness!

3.  From the world grant me release,

Wholly separate me;

Keep me ever in Thy peace;

Fully consecrate me!

Pure and mild,

As a child,

Let me Thee be seeing,

In Thee, have my being.

4.  God with us, Immanuel,

Thou, my Friend appointed,

Fount of Love, now may my soul

Be by Thee anointed,

That my will,

Calm and still,

Without opposition,

Give Thee full submission.

5.  Mortals that here trouble me,

O do not come near me!

Jesus, I shall silent be,

That I may but hear Thee;

Grant me rest,

True and blest,

Work in me Thy pleasure

In the fullest measure.

6.  What is fickle, make Thou, true;

Bend the pride within me;

When perplexed, with peace endue;

Break the hardness in me;

That in me

men may see

Naught in my behavior,

But Thy love, O Savior!

237. Let Us All In Peace and Concord

 1. Let us all in peace and concord

Journey through this barren land;

Hand in hand, in true love mighty,

One shall for the other stand.

2.  So our Lord Himself would have it,

This was His example true;

Love, best gift thou of the Spirit,

O be now our virtue too.

3.  Only he can be a brother

Who helps draw love's sacred cord;

Thereby men may duly know him

If he loves in deed and word.

4.  Now to be by Love inspired

Even here is blessedness;

Love works in us pure emotions,

Fills us with contentedness.

236. Now Thank We All Our God

 1.  Now thank we all our God

With hearts and hands and voices,

Who doeth wondrous things

In us and in all places;

Who from our mother's arms

And from our childhood's way

Hath showered countless gifts,

And blesseth us today.

2.  O may our bounteous God

Bestow on us while living

An ever joyful heart;

Abiding peace by giving;

O may He in His grace

Preserve us day by day

And us from every need

Redeem now and for aye. 

3.  All praise be unto God

In realms that saints inherit,

To Father and the Son

And to the Holy Spirit, -

The blesséd Trinity

Whom earth and heav’n adore,

The God who was, is now,

And shall be evermore.

235. It Is So Good the Father to Be Nearing

1. It is so good the Father to be nearing;
He gladly gives the prayers we offer hearing;
He gladly sees His children come before Him,
Kneeling, adore Him.

2. God gladly listens to His children's pleading,
He dries their tears and heals their hearts when bleeding;
He pours on us, in show'rs beyond expressing,
The Father-blessing.

3. In prayer it is that we spend wondrous hours,...
And for the prayers we speak God gives the powers;
By praying we receive the greatest treasure -
That is God's pleasure.

4. O then in every place bring your devotion -
And though we find no words for our emotion,
So let us come before His throne with sighing,
God hears our crying. -

5. And when at length the days of life are ended,
In our last hours we lie, by pain attended,
Then will His Holy Spirit, interceding,
For us be pleading.