A Choice Collection of Hymns and Spiritual Songs ‎#LVI

LVI. Boldness in the Gospel

1 Shall I for fear of feeble Man,
Thy Spirit's Course in me restrain?
Or undismay'd, in Deed and Word,
Be a true Witness to my Lord?

2 Aw'd by a Mortal's Frown, shall I
Conceal the Word of God most high?
How then before Thee shall I dare,
To stand, or how thine Anger bear?

3 Shall I, to sooth th' unholy Throng,
Soften thy Truths, and smooth my Tongue?
To gain Earth's gilded Toys, or flee,
The Cross, endur'd my God by Thee?

4 What then is he, whose Scorn I dread?
Whose Wrath or Hate makes me afraid?
A Man! an Heir of Death, a slave
To sin! a Bubble on the Wave!

5 Yea let Man rage! since Thou wilt spread,
Thy shadowing Wings around my Head;
Since in all Pain thy tender Love,
Will still my sweet Refreshment prove.

6 Saviour of Men! thy searching Eye
Does all my inmost Thoughts decry:
Doth Ought on Earth my Wishes raise,
Or the World's Favour, or his Praise.

7 The Love of Christ does me Constrain
To seek the wand'ring Souls of Men;
With Cries, Intreaties Tears to save,
To snatch them from the gaping Grave.

8 For this let Men revile my Name,
No Cross I shun, I fear no Shame;
All hail Reproach, and welcome Pain,
Only thy Terrors, Lord, restrain.

9 My Life, my Blood I here present,
If for thy Truth they may be spent,
Fulfil thy sovereign Counsel Lord!
Thy Will be done, thy Name ador'd.

10 Give me thy Strength, O God of Power!
Then let Winds blow, or Thunders roar,
Thy faithful Witness will I be,
'Tis fix'd, I can do all thro' Thee.

Text Information

• First Line: Shall I for fear of feeble Man
• Title: Boldness in the Gospel
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1774

Tune Information

(No tune information)