96. Though Their Foes May Try Them

1. Though their foes may try then,
Christ’s true friends defy them
And to Him adhere;
Though the archfoe, Satan,
God’s own children threaten,
They will have no fear:
God gives power,
That they each hour,
Even when they face disaster,
Loving, call Him Master!

2. So when Satan rages,
Mighty battle wages,
Using fire and sword;
Though his schemes annoy you,
Though he would destroy you,
Children of the Lord:
Be it known
That we, Christ’s own,
Rather than our Lord denying,
Will rejoice in dying.

3. Satan nothing gaineth,
When he saint’s blood draineth;
For where martyrs bleed,
Angels will the rather
Heaven’s harvest gather!
Satan’s pride indeed,
And his strength
Shall end at length,
When our mighty Lord and Savior
Him subdues forever!

4. For a season, Satan
May our downfall threaten,
But be not afraid!
For the Lord of heaven
Hath the promise given
Of enduring aid:
His right arm
Will guard from harm
All who by His power unending,
Are for Him contending.

5. So stand fast, ye faithful,
Though the foe seem dreadful,
Help is on your side.
Christ in triumph rising,
Haughty foes despising,
Will defeat their pride.
Though, behold,
A lion bold,
Or a Nero should o’ertake you,
God will not forsake you!

6. Though proud sea endeavor
Our small bark to sever
From its Faithful Guard,
Though great storms are roaring;
Though great billows soaring,
May distress it hard,
Christ, the Lord,
Will help afford;
In the very darkest hour
He will show His power.

7. This our ship is riding,
Though the foe be chiding,
Safely on its course;
It will reach the harbor,
Spite of fire and torture,
Spite of evil force; -
Wind and sea
Obediently
Heed our Brother, Christ the Savior,
Mightly Pilot ever!

8. Should our vessel flounder,
Peter nigh go under,
Jonah near be lost;
Should a Paul be drifting
Still God’s arms are lifting
All the tempest-tossed:
Noah found
A landing-ground;
He and his by God were cherished,
Though the whole world perished.

9. O be glad, my brothers,
Brave the hate of others,
And be not dismayed.
Though vain men assail you
Let your faith not fail you;
Still be unafraid.
God hath shown
More power alone
Than great hosts in armor trusting,
For your downfall lusting.

10. Let from every angle
Storms our ships entangle,
God is our command!
It will not go under
Or through weakness founder,
But come safe to land;
For at last,
Storms overpast,
Christ, our great and mighty Pilot,
Will to heaven guide it!