Ο the believing mind,
Which sets Thee, Lord, above
The dread accusings of my heart,
In sovereignty of love!
Impart it, Lord, to me!
Each moment may it reign,
In all its calm and brightness there,
My spirit’s realm within!
Should busy mem’ry wake
The slumbers of the past,
And o’er a present, cloudless day
Some gloomy shadows cast;
Then, let believing thoughts
Assert for Thee the place,
Fill the whole region of my soul
With glories of thy grace!
If now my slumbering heart
Should feel thy two-edged sword,
And conscience waken but to seal
Thy holy judgment, Lord—
Let faith be witness then,
That I am seen of Thee
In light of everlasting love,
Unclouded, changeless, free.
Should fear, with fruitful skill,
Image my days to come,
And bear my trembling footsteps on
Through dangers, snares, and gloom—
May faith, then, eye the bow
Which spans the distant cloud,
And pledges safety to the end
Though tempests rage aloud.
Let faith, with clear, calm light,
Thus measure all my days—
Keep my whole soul in constant peace,
And give it thoughts of praise!
In converse, Lord, with Thee,
My Saviour, Guardian, Friend,
While onward still to glory’s home
My guided footsteps tend!