"Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I,"
In its shelter I'll hide while the storm passes by.
I'll yield like the floweret that bends to the gale,
And bows without breaking when tempests assail;
Then, rising anew when the storm is o'erpast,
Adore him, who sends both the calm and the blast.
"Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I,"
When the glare of the noontide is fierce in the sky.
When faint from the "burden and heat of the day,"
Oh, lend me thy screen from the sun's burning ray!
Within thy cool shadow my altar I'll raise,
And send up the incense of prayer and of praise.
"Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I,"
When my path through the desert is scorching and dry.
My spirit shall find her deep craving supplied
In the streams of salvation that flow from thy side.
I'll bathe where thy waters refreshingly stray,
And then with rejoicing go forth on my way.
"Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I."
When the night-wind is chill, to thy covert I'll fly:
Beneath thy protection my couch while I spread,
No damp of the midnight shall fall on my head;
And when the bright morning sheds light through the skies,
My grateful thanksgiving to thee shall arise.
Oh, draw me, kind Father, in faith to thy side;
In thy "secret pavilion" I fain would abide.
My Covert in danger, my Screen from the heat,
My spirit's Refreshment, my one sure Retreat,
Oh, strong Rock of Ages, my frailty sustain!
Though mountains should crumble, thou still shalt remain. [Rel. Mag.]