In the world a trembling stranger
Shall I slight a heavenly guide?
Wherefore roam in fear and danger,
When the Lord would help provide?
Snares and perils spread before me,
Welcome be the beam that shows,
Every evil brooding o'er me,
Each device of crafty foes,
While the page of truth perusing,
Lord, do thou unseal mine eyes;
So, the trifler's part refusing,
I shall run to reach the prize.
On my solemn thought impressing
Things eternal though unseen,
Bid me scorn the worldling's blessing,
Joys unstable, poor and mean.
When thy law declared in thunder,
Makes my guilty soul afraid;
Let me speed in grateful wonder,
To the Rock's protecting shade,
Blessed Jesus—Rock of ages
Holy Spirit! help I crave;
When I search the sacred pages
On my soul the words engrave.—Sel.