» Vernon Higham Hymns STU
Vernon Higham Hymns S
“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear: but ye have received the Spirit of adoption whereby we cry, Abba, Father.”
Romans 8:15 (88.88.88. Rhyd-y-Groes)
Sad were our chains and sore unkind,
Heirs of the Fall, to sin inclined;
Dark were our hearts, and dim our sight,
No ray of light to pierce our night:
The Son of God with mighty key
Opened the gate to set us free.
Wonderful Saviour, Prince of Peace,
Almighty Hand, who did release
Many a soul in sore distress
With heavy load of wickedness;
For Thou hast granted peace of mind,
A tranquil heart from God so kind.
Heirs of salvation, costly price,
Spirit Divine, who did entice;
Merits of Christ to us applied,
In whose glad hearts assurance cried;
Joint heirs with Christ, dispelling fear –
Spirit of bondage, disappear!
When we beheld the Saviours’s face,
He who was nailed for man’s disgrace,
We stood amazed at such a feat,
To see the Victor hell defeat.
Loud hallelujahs ring the sky,
For God has heard the sinner’s cry.
“For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”
Hebrews 12:3 (87.87.D. Gwynfa)
Saviour, see my spirit failing,
When my troubled heart is low,
And my fainting understanding
As the waves of life o’erflow.
Lift mine eyes, O my Redeemer,
Tell me of Thy great control;
Take my trust from self-endeavour,
O, to lean on Thee alone!
Give me, Lord, that grace to cherish
Such a gift that comes from Thee;
Grant a faith that will not perish,
As displayed at Calvary.
With enlightened understanding,
Clarity of heart and mind,
Thou dost lead, with love attending
Every path that I shall find.
In my ways, O Master, guide me,
Grant a yielding to Thee now;
Bring to mind Thy many mercies,
As before Thy feet I bow.
Thou art He who changes never,
For Thou art the Lord supreme;
In a hold that none can sever,
On Thy sovereign grace I lean.
“For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ.”
2 Corinthians 2:15 (88.88.88. St Chrysostom)
Savour of Christ, possess my soul,
Mercy and joy upon me roll,
Like mighty waves of oceans fair,
With swell and surge above all care:
Sweetest Redeemer, Saviour, Friend,
‘Tis only Thou this grace can send.
Influence my heart and fill my breast
With sweet aroma of the blest;
Fragrance of grace Thou dost afford
To spread Thine unction on Thy word:
Grant me such earnest from above,
Assure my heart that Thou art love.
Passion of Christ in suffering rude,
Prevail upon me, for He stood
Before Thy wrath and took my stain,
And bore the penalty and pain:
God of all glory, rich in grace,
O set my heart to seek Thy face!
“O death where is Thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”
1 Corinthians 15:55 (66.84.D. Dolwyddelan)
See Christ the Victor raised
In resurrection life,
The mighty arm of God displayed,
Who ends the strife.
He is the Lord of all,
Whose arm is shortened not;
See devils’ flight, and Satan’s fall,
And hell their lot.
What miracle of grace
To mortal life’s brief span,
So marred by sin and hell’s disgrace,
A glorious plan!
The Father on me looked,
And saw my great distress;
He wove a gown, He only could,
Immortal dress.
The sting of death is sin,
The power of law declares;
But Jesus Christ the Son doth win –
Our guilt He bears.
Behold, ye sinners, now,
And look to Christ alone;
Behold the blood upon His brow –
He did atone.
Be steadfast in life’s race,
Abounding in His way,
For all we do is by His grace,
For we would stray.
He took mortality
With sin’s corrupting blight,
And nailed it all to Calvary’s tree,
To give us light.
Immortal is my dress,
Corruption fled away,
Now robed in Him, yes, nothing less,
In bright array.
O death, where is thy sting?
O grave, thy victory?
The living Christ on mercy’s wing
Grants peace to me.
“I find in him no fault at all.”
John 18:38 (64.64.66.64. Something for Thee)
See yonder Calvary,
Crowned with a cross;
God’s mercy now declares
Sin’s final loss.
Justice and mercy meet,
Love at the Saviour’s feet;
Gentle the grace we greet,
Pardon so sweet.
Here is my radiant Lord,
Sin cannot dim;
Look on His lovely life,
No guilt in Him.
Though men did spit and scorn,
Spurned Him and truth have torn,
See God in human form,
Christ virgin-born.
What woeful, foul abyss
Startles my soul?
What weary load I bear,
Sin’s heavy toll!
O Blessèd Trinity,
Thrice Holy Unity:
Gaze on His purity,
No guilt in Thee.
Lord, I shall never cross,
Sad is my lot;
Jordan shall on me roll,
Strength I have not.
Yet a great sight I see,
My sin is nailed on Thee;
Grant grace eternally,
No guilt in me.
Strange and amazing truth,
Hope lights my heart:
God in His mercy stooped,
Love to impart.
See how my soul will soar,
Faith leads me to the store,
Gone all the guilt of yore –
Grace evermore!
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.”
Psalm 84:11 (77.77.D. Hollingside or Aberystwyth)
See, my soul, the courts of God,
Graced with mercy, peace and joy,
Where the saints have gladly trod,
There to meet and Thee enjoy.
For Thy presence I will weep
That I may in Thee delight;
Better far Thy doors to keep
Than to dwell in sin’s dark night.
Thou hast never failed Thine own,
Strength to give upon life’s race;
All their prayers before Thy throne
Thou hast heard and granted grace.
Thou wilt never turn away,
For I know Thy word of old;
Hear my cry and with me stay,
That for Thee I may be bold.
Blest the days for him who lives
In sweet fellowship with Thee;
Dark the seasons Satan gives,
Souls to keep from Calvary.
To Thine altar bind my soul,
Where Thy Son for sin has died;
Make my fainting spirit whole,
O Thou glorious Crucified!
Nothing shall my soul now lack
In the risen, living Lord;
Shield of faith from all attack
And the thrusts of Satan’s sword.
Jesus Christ, my Sun and Light,
Is the joy my glad heart boasts;
O how amiable the sight
Of the glorious Lord of hosts.
“But ye come unto Mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly of the church of the firstborn.”
Hebrews 12:22,23 (87.87.D. Prysgol or Blaenwern)
Shake the earth, O mighty Saviour!
Let Thy voice like trumpet sound,
Full of strength and purest grandeur,
Stirring all the lost now found.
Sinners trembling, saints rejoicing,
As He calls His heavenly throng;
Hear new voices now proclaiming
Hallelujah gospel song!
We are come to this assembly
Of our Judge and of the Lamb,
Triune splendour dressed in mercy;
None of His shall come to harm.
See the firstfruits, Christ-begotten;
Read their names upon His palm;
They shall never be forgotten –
This shall be their happy psalm.
See the Saviour’s exultation,
Son of God and Son of Man!
Now we see the consummation
And fulfilment of His plan.
Listen to the acclamation,
Ringing loud the heavens to hear,
Thanking God for our salvation
And for Jesus Christ so dear.
“Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands.”
Isaiah 49:16 (C.M. Saron)
Show me Thy hands, a myriad names
Are written in Thy palm,
Of sinners saved from Satan’s flames,
Now praise with hymn and psalm.
What wondrous grace, what strange design
Of love within Thy heart,
Caused sinful man to sin resign
And find in Thee a part.
What rich inheritance divine
Without corruption’s lies:
Here nought defiles this home of Thine
And no one ever dies.
O show me, Lord, and calm my fear;
My name is written there
On Thy pure hand with imprint clear,
That I am in Thy care.
My sinful life I now confess
With guilt my hands hang low:
O look upon my deep distress,
And mercy, mercy show.
‘Tis then I see those hands so fair,
They beckon now to me:
My name in blood is written there,
At costly Calvary.
Engraved for ever in Thy heart
My faith lays hold on thee.
No, never more from Thee depart,
Or move from Calvary.
For now I see the mystery
Unfolding to new eyes:
The God eternal – Trinity
On whom the world relies.
For far beyond the birth of time
My name was written there.
Eternal grace, with joy sublime
Thy matchless Name declare.
Rejoice, rejoice O happy soul;
Immortal is thy state.
The grace that sought and made thee whole
In newness did create.
“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given us.”
Romans 5:5 (87.87.47. Dismissal)
Show my soul this blessèd Saviour,
Visit me, O Holy Dove;
Let me see and let me ponder
On the merit of His love.
Grace and mercy
Flow from Him for fallen man.
Touch my heart with Thy redemption;
Quicken me, Lord, with Thy grace;
Grant me cleansing, and an unction,
With a vision of Thy face.
Smile upon me;
Let this pardon me embrace.
Draw my heart in deep affection
To my Saviour and my Lord,
With desire of Thy direction,
Dwelling on Thy Holy Word.
Give me wisdom;
Guide my steps, and rule my life.
Turn my gaze in time of sorrow,
There by faith to rest on Thee;
Teach me how to see the morrow
Lightened by eternity.
Giving honour,
For all things Thou doest well.
Victor now, O fair condition,
In the conquest of Thy might;
Who can shake this sure foundation
As I stand in glorious light?
I will praise Thee
With a song of victory.
Vernon Higham Hymns T
“Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”
Revelation 2:10 (D.S.M. Leominster)
Thanks be to Thee, my God,
My heart and soul rejoice,
And praises blend in sweet accord
In anthems of Thy choice.
O hear the gospel song,
Our Saviour did atone,
With full forgiveness for my wrong,
Saved by His grace alone.
Was ever grace like Thine
Which always finds its own,
Is satisfied when Thou art mine,
And turns me to Thy throne?
I’m saved by grace, I know,
Embraced eternally
By arms of mercy here below,
The folds of Calvary.
This confidence I bring,
That fears will all allay,
As tears of sorrow by this King
Are gently wiped away.
I’ll turn my gaze to see
My risen glorious Lord,
And thank Him for the victory,
The promise of His Word.
The end of faith He shows,
The fullness of His love,
And how He spares me from my foes
In bringing me above.
This is my home at last,
Where Jesus will me greet;
The crown He gives, I gladly cast
Beneath His feet.
Based on Isaiah 62. (88.88. Celeste)
The day of Thy grace is at hand
To tell and to trust in Thy Name,
Thy righteousness stands to command
Thine honour and glory and fame.
No more shall Jerusalem mourn,
Nor heaviness wear them that weep;
His beauty for ashes will turn
The contrite, their Saviour to greet.
The spirit of praise shall be heard
In Zion, the city of God,
Proclaiming the truth of His Word,
Good tidings their tongues sound abroad.
Forsaken, forgotten no more
And stark desolation they spurn;
Delight of the Lord, O restore
Her lamp of salvation to burn.
Prepare, O prepare for the day
The glory of God will appear.
Prepare, O prepare now the way;
Dispel from your hearts every fear.
O Sought out and cherished by grace,
Go through, O go through His great gates,
And enter with worship, and raise
His standard, and hold His dictates.
“For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”
2 Corinthians 5:1 (S.M. Sarah)
The God of grace and love,
Who holds me to His breast:
My present peace, my home above
In His protection rest.
But for a moment brief
Sorrows surround my days;
Yet with a glorious glad belief
I see my hope and stay.
Exceeding is the weight
Of glory for the saint;
Surpassing thought, celestial sight
For those who will not faint.
I have a mansion fair,
A home not made by hand,
A place prepared with holy care,
Designed by His command.
Whilst in this body worn,
My spirit groans for Thee;
Yet in my heart a hope is born –
Immortal I shall be.
Then shall I praise His name,
Sweet melody of grace;
Fashioned anew, in glorious frame,
I shall behold His face.
“The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”
Isaiah 40:3 (10.10. 10.10. Pantyfedwen)
The highway of the Lord hast thou not known?
Prepared by grace for men to find a way;
A path declared, His Gospel made renown:
The Prince of Glory takes our sin away.
The valleys give their voices now to raise,
And mountains melt before Thy powerful name;
Good tidings come and Zion fills with praise
For God has come His Gospel to proclaim.
The glory of the Lord is now revealed,
A voice has cried and all the earth hast heard
The message of the God in Christ who healed
The sorrow and the sin against His Word.
He fainteth not nor faileth in His love,
Yet youths shall fall in all their vanity;
But those who call and wait for Him above,
Like eagles rise and see His Calvary.
This is the God to whom all nations bend,
For time and space are nestled in His hand.
He is the Lord, and will the heavens rend
And blessing pour upon a thirsty land.
O comfort, comfort let there ever be
For He is God and ever reigns supreme;
Our sorrows banished by His love’s decree,
O love of God, in Christ who doth redeem.
“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.”
Acts 2:2,3 (66.84.D Leoni)
The Holy Ghost has come
And shed His strength abroad;
The waiting Church, no longer dumb,
Extols her lord.
Upon them all He came
Together as they prayed,
A mighty sight of wind and flame,
God’s power displayed.
The promise of the Lord
Is now fulfilled in time;
The truth of Christ, a shining sword,
Is all sublime.
The gospel now applied
Brings hope and glorious light,
And happiness to those who sighed:
In Christ delight.
O gentle Dove of grace,
Who causes men to search,
Work on in hearts which in disgrace
Thy law besmirch.
For Thou alone canst bring
The lost to Jesu’s feet,
Present the rebel to the King
For pardon sweet.
O Father, hear our cry,
In Jesu’s name we ask;
The Spirit give, do not deny,
For Thy great task.
Behold a fallen race,
A church in weary state;
Baptise Thy children, grant this grace:
The hour is late.
“Father, the hour is come; glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son also may glorify Thee: as Thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as Thou hast given Him.”
John 17:1,2 (C.M. Bangor)
The hour is come, the Saviour cried,
To glorify Thy name:
For us He lived, for us He died,
To take away our shame.
The Father to the Son now gave
His own to glorify;
His very own, that Christ might save
This lovely legacy.
We hide within the Saviour’s prayer,
The shadow of His grace;
The sunshine of His costly care,
For evermore embrace.
When all seemed lost and we alone
At desolation stared;
This we believed, we were His own:
He prayed because He cared.
Yes, we believe that we are Thine,
The gifts of God to Thee,
And Thou art ours, our Friend Divine
To love eternally.
Eternal life Thou dost bestow
To know Thee, and adore;
For heaven to us, is Thee to know,
And dwell for evermore.
Based on The Song of Solomon. (D.C.M. Rhos)
The Lord drew near my love to find,
And called me to His side.
With sad reluctance I declined,
And turned away to hide.
My lonely soul in sudden fear,
Cried out His lovely Name:
But He was gone, I knew not where,
And left me in my shame.
What have I done, this soul of mine,
To grieve the dearest One?
To drive Him from my breast, yet pine
Not to be left alone.
Shunned by my friends, and all did spurn,
In bitter tears I mourn;
Return, O Holy One, return,
My soul shall no more roam.
O daughters of Jerusalem,
Beloved is His Name:
Turn not away, do not condemn
And leave me in my shame.
O let me of my longing share
For Jesus Christ my Lord.
He is the One, my soul does care
To stay in sweet accord.
He is the Rose of Sharon rare,
The Lily of the Vale,
His countenance so fine, most fair,
His strength can never fail.
He is the lover of my heart,
My yearning soul desires:
My ravished heart will not depart:
My eager soul inspires.
I hear a sound, a gentle sound,
Yet strong in powerful grace:
At last my soul by Him is found,
I shall behold His face.
He is the Bright and Morning Star,
This Christ of Calvary.
O’er hill and vale and mountains far
He calls, He comes for me.
“The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.”
Nahum 1:7 (D.C.M.)
The Lord is good with tender way
He cares for all His own.
His heart of love will ne’er betray
Or ever His disown.
These are the children of His choice,
Who on His Son relied
They are the ones that heard His voice,
And now in Him abide.
In days of trouble or in strife,
Bowed down by grief and pain.
They now possess eternal life
Where God Himself doth reign.
They have a stronghold safe and sure
In God’s predestined will.
Whilst here on earth they can endure
And marvel at His skill.
Within the heart of God above
His children are all known.
Such knowledge of this wondrous love
Still overwhelms His own.
Deep in God’s heart they have a place,
A stronghold less they stray.
They shall in glory see His face,
And enter perfect day.
“Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in His holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, not sworn deceitfully.”
Psalm 24:3,4 (86.86.88. Tydi a Roddaist)
The Lord of glory formed the earth
And all that dwell therein;
His ancient power of life gave birth
To hope, for those in sin.
For who shall climb this mount of grace,
Or ever stand in that pure place?
The King of glory opened wide
The gates of truth and love;
His hands and heart and wounded side
Were heaven’s delight above,
For who shall climb this mount of grace,
Or ever stand in that pure place?
The God of glory pardon gives
To those with hearts that seek;
A generation blessed, that lives
To hear the gospel speak.
For who shall climb this mount of grace,
Or ever stand in that pure place?
For these are they who stand one day
Before Thy throne of grace,
With hands and hearts and lips that say,
‘Behold His lovely face.’
The mount of grace shall now rejoice,
And glory ever be its choice.
The gates of heaven are lifted high,
And hallelujahs ring;
The ransomed hearts of sinners cry
‘Hosanna,’ to their King!
For these are they that stand in joy,
And all their praises now employ.
Amen, amen, amen.
“Let not your hearts be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.”
John 14:1 (66.84.D. Dolwyddelan)
The mansions of the Lord
Are fair beyond compare;
The house of God will peace afford:
To all declare.
See Jesus Christ has died
For those who once did roam;
And He alone can be our guide
To bring us home.
Let not your troubled heart
Dismay in doubt and die;
Believe in God, do not depart;
Now hear His cry.
The way to God above
Is only through His Son;
No other path, but by His love
So dearly won.
Look to the Saviour now,
Embrace His glorious form;
The way, truth, life He will endow
In gospel warm.
Complete in all He is,
Conforming to God’s will;
A destined death by traitor’s kiss
He did fulfil.
To all who trust in Him
God’s word will never fall;
For He will guide and gather in
His children all.
The gentle Christ behold,
Who shed His blood so free;
Comes for His own, leads to the fold
His family.
The peace of God is strong,
And far above this earth;
It is the gift and happy song
Of heaven’s worth.
This peace of heart and mind
That stays in storm and care,
Which God bestows to those who find
This Saviour fair.
“And when He had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight.”
Acts 1:9 (66.84.D. Leoni)
The Saviour now ascends
Before the Father’s throne;
He pleads for us and now defends
Who are His own.
He gave us noble birth,
An act of grace in time,
He called us His, and prayed on earth,
‘For they are Thine’.
Because He went on high,
On God’s right hand to stand,
The Holy Spirit brings Him nigh
To every land.
Sweet messenger of grace,
Companion in our ways,
This wondrous name we’ll not disgrace
In all our days.
A constant presence now,
Our Advocate and Friend;
Before our Saviour all will bow,
And to Him bend.
A comfort to each heart
With knowledge that He cares;
In life or death He’ll not depart:
His kingdom shares.
“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we area healed.”
Isaiah 53:5 (88.88.D. Trewen)
The Saviour’s sad visage behold!
Despised and rejected of all;
His sorrow the prophets foretold,
With grief that was bitter as gall.
Our faces we turned, and our thought
Away from the Lamb of the cross;
Esteeming and shunning as nought
The One who has suffered such loss.
He carried our failure and sin,
On His blessèd shoulders, our shame:
The pain of our wandering for Him,
A burden, His heart did inflame.
O blessèd Redeemer of men!
Thy name is ineffably sweet;
We cling to Thy merits for heaven,
Adoring we fall at Thy feet.
The Saviour was wounded for me,
Was bruised and chastised for my sake;
They led Him to Calvary’s tree,
And spat at the man at the stake.
The stripes of the Saviour, they heal,
His blood for our sin does atone;
Amazing how grace will reveal
The plan He accomplished alone!
A lamb to the slaughter, He came,
From prison and judgement condemned.
They schemed for His end without shame,
He never a word did defend.
Was ever a Saviour so meek,
So mighty, and able to keep?
His grace to our hearts gently speaks
And comforts the sinner that weeps.
My heart with Thy love Thou dost smite,
Convincing my soul, so complete,
Thy Spirit revealing my plight,
The shadow of hell at my feet.
O Saviour, have pity on me,
Thy merits with mercy apply,
And endless my praises to Thee
I’ll sing as Thou callest me nigh.
“Where art thou?”
Genesis 3:9 (76.76.D. Kilmorey or Ewing)
The voice of God eternal
Was heard in Eden far,
‘Mid silence that was fearful,
For sin had come to mar.
Where art thou, child created,
Where hidest thou from Me?
For sin has man defeated,
God’s face he could not see.
A separation woeful
From God and hope and life,
Despair and death so painful,
A way of grief and strife.
The serpent so beguiling
Enticed mankind to fall,
The whole creation writhing,
From Satan’s tempting call.
The Saviour to the victory
From heaven to earth came down;
He came to show God’s mercy
And move the Father’s frown.
Upon His blessèd shoulders
Our Saviour took our shame,
And paid the price for sinners;
Who can forget His name?
Where art thou, O poor sinner,
In death and sin’s dark night?
O listen to the wonder
Of words of truth and light.
O turn thy gaze to Calvary
Where Jesus calls thee back;
From hiding come for mercy,
In Christ thou wilt not lack.
O wondrous restoration,
An act of grace sublime!
The news of man’s salvation
Was planned by love divine.
What peace and joy is given
To those who hear His voice
To come and be forgiven,
And in His grace rejoice.
“How long, Lord? wilt Thou hide Thyself for ever? shall Thy wrath burn like fire?”
Psalm 89:46 (L.M. Duke Street)
The ways of God outspan the sky,
His word will make the tempest cry;
His glorious realms outreach my thought,
And show me daily I am nought.
My glorious God is judgement’s seat,
And mercy flows with love complete
From God to me, this love divine
Embraces all this need of mine.
My wilful pride raised up its head,
And sought to guide my feet, instead
Of God alone, who is my King
And Righteousness, of whom I sing.
For, hidden in the heart divine
Is wrath and holiness sublime;
It purges hard, it washes clean,
And on His arm it makes me lean.
The enemies of truth delight
To see the saints in dismal plight;
They cry in glee their end to see
And tremble not, as needs must be.
How long, O Lord, Thy love withhold?
How long Thine anger, grief untold?
My mortal shame the wretch I am,
My shortened youth at Thy command.
Sweet covenant of God, whose plan
Of grace distils the soul of man;
My heart is pure, I know I’m Thine,
My confidence on Thee recline.
Thy former truths unchanging still,
Thy love and mercy are my fill,
Thy stern rebuke, or chastening sweet
I’ll trust Thee all my needs to meet.
My Lord and God is King of all,
He guides my footsteps lest I fall;
Praise loud His name, His mercy sing:
The Lord Omnipotent is King.
For ever true the immortal throne,
The Triune God, yet He alone
Extends His covenant to men,
The blood of Christ and heaven’s Amen.
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” Luke 2:11,12 (Irregular: Ar Gyfer Heddiw’r Bore)
Welsh Carol ‘Ar gyfer heddiw’r bore’ by Dafydd Hughes ‘Eos Iâl’ (1794-1862)
Translation: W.Vernon Higham (b.1926)
There came a day of glory,
Little Child, little Child.
It was the dawn of mercy,
Little Child.
From Bosra came the mighty
From Sinai’s law most holy,
From Cal’vry’s flood of mercy
Little Child, little Child.
Held to the breast of Mary,
Little Child.
Ezekiel’s blessings flowing,
From the Child, Mary’s Child
And Daniel’s true Messiah
On her knee.
Isaiah’s Child of wisdom
The promise made in Eden.
The Alpha and Omega
On her knee, Mary’s knee
Sweet harmony of Beth’lem,
On her knee.
He left His crown of beauty
Of His will, of His will.
For Zion’s sake and mercy
Of His will.
His perfect head He lowered,
A crown of thorn He suffered,
And vileness of men’s hatred
Of His will, of His will.
To save the ones deserted
Of His will.
Now hasten happy sinner,
As you are, as you are,
And seek Him for His favour,
As you are.
For there a fount is open,
To heal a law once broken,
And lift up those now fallen,
As you are, as you are,
Now sinner quickly hasten
As you are.
“In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.”
Romans 8:37 (D.C.M. Vox Dilecti)
There is a fount of costly love
Found in Thy heart sublime;
Redemption planned in heaven above,
Fulfilled by Thee in time.
This painful sacrifice of grace,
With message that He died,
Brings to my soul the smiling face
Of justice satisfied.
There is a gentleness of peace
Around Thy throne divine;
A place where grace will now release
The flow of mercy’s wine.
The peace of God is vast and pure,
No words can ever tell;
It cannot fail, it will endure,
Withstand the gates of hell.
There is a power of strength untold
That comes from Thee alone,
Which gives me courage, makes me bold,
Transforms my heart of stone.
I am persuaded now at last,
When I behold Thy care,
That I am safe from Satan’s blast:
No more shall I despair.
In every thing and every place,
In every changing wind,
I’ll trust in Thee along life’s race,
And find thee to be kind.
Thou liftest me by Thy great hand,
By many foes oppressed;
As more than conqueror I stand:
The victory of the blessed.
“And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”
Revelation 21:2 (C.M. Hiraeth)
There is a home with God above,
A place of peace and joy;
A sweet inheritance of love
Which nothing can destroy.
At last my soul shall enter in
And join the happy throng;
‘A ransom paid for all my sin’
Shall be my joy and song.
Such sacrifice of costly grace;
The Saviour died for me:
Enabled me to see His face,
To live eternally.
Surrounded by such loveliness,
My heart has lost all fear;
I see the Father’s tenderness
Who wipes away each tear.
Time and decay shall reign no more,
For death has lost its sting.
The victor rules forevermore,
My Lord and glorious King.
The wonder of God’s grace untold,
The mysteries of his will,
He tenderly will now unfold,
And show His sovereign skill.
The freedom of His presence gives
Each precious soul delight,
And happy is the soul that lives
To see this vision bright.
“And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.”
Ephesians 3:19 (C.M. Penmachno)
There is a love that Christ alone
Can give to hearts that seek:
A love that fills and keeps His own,
And makes the mighty meek.
Such meekness, Lord, is strength divine,
That leads to paths of grace:
That tells my heart that I am Thine,
And shall behold Thy face.
The length and breadth no more can tell
The depth and height of love:
It passes knowledge, like the swell
Of gracious waves above.
There is a place where I may find
The fulness of God’s grace:
A path of faith and love, to bind
God’s promise and embrace.
O let me, Lord, pursue Thee now,
The Christ of Calvary:
O stir my soul that I may bow,
And plead my cause to Thee.
This promise, Thou wilt honour, Lord,
To hearts that Thou hast moved:
O leave me not, but grace afford,
And let Thy name be proved
Exalt Thy name in hearts of stone,
Now stirred to love Thy name:
For Thou art God, and Thou alone
Canst spread Thy royal fame.
“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind.”
Acts 2:2 (L.M. Duke Street)
There is a path from heaven above
Through hills and vales beyond our sight,
Where gentle breezes of Thy love
Caress our hearts with glorious light.
Thy light alone can scatter far
And cause this dimness to depart,
These heavy clouds which always mar
And hide the smile of Thy pure heart.
O Breath of Heaven, eternal Spring,
Thou pure, celestial Dove of grace,
O wing Thy truth, and let us sing
The praises of the Prince of peace.
When will the sky with radiance shine,
With favoured smile of heaven’s grace?
O lift the gloom with wind divine,
And warm our hearts with Thine embrace.
“In whom we have redemption through His blood the forgiveness of sins.”
Ephesians 1:7 (73.73.77.73.73. Cymod)
There is a path of pardon
In His blood;
There is a sure salvation
In His blood.
The law’s full consummation,
A Father’s approbation –
Hear Zion’s acclamation!
In His blood –
Atonement and redemption
In His blood!
O come, ye sons of Adam,
And rejoice!
Now trust the God of Abraham
And rejoice!
O hasten, happy sinner,
To life in Christ for ever,
To bonds that nought can sever:
O rejoice!
In full and glad surrender
Come, rejoice!
William Williams (Llanbrynmair) 1801-76
Trans. by William Vernon Higham
“And the Lord turned, and looked on Peter.”
Luke 22:61 (86.84. St. Cuthbert)
There is a place of sweet repose,
A rest upon the way,
A shelter from a myriad foes:
In Thee my stay.
I hide secure beside this Tree,
A place of curse and shame,
Where Thou hast wrought a victory:
A glorious flame.
Now I shall dwell for ever here
Whatever may befall,
In life and death, in every sphere:
Thy grace my all.
In all my life Thou dost impart
The gifts of love and care;
Yet sweeter far is what Thou art,
Beyond compare.
But there are times I wander far,
And from Thy side depart;
I turn away, Thy work to mar
And grieve Thy heart.
What low desires within my breast
That pierce Thy wounds afresh,
And follow still what I detest –
Deceitful flesh!
O keep me, Lord, beneath Thy wing,
For ever sheltered there
From Satan and his evil sting,
My Saviour fair.
“There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.”
Hebrews 4:9 (D.S.M. Nearer Home)
There is a rest prepared
That we may enter in,
A place of peace where love has cared
And dealt with all our sin.
The power of hell is stayed;
The path of life is shown;
The dreadful penalty is paid:
For sin did Christ atone.
There is a path prepared,
Paved by the grace of heaven,
A place of joy and mercy shared,
And sheltered from all harm.
We rest our weary souls,
We cast our burdens here;
And find that Jesus Christ controls,
Is King in every sphere.
There is a peace prepared,
That silences the storm,
When all the elements have raged
And left our souls forlorn.
This peace will now abide
And drive away our fears;
Then draw us to Thy blessèd side,
And wipe away our tears.
There is a place prepared,
And Thou wilt bring us in;
Crush unbelief where sin has dared
To enter such a scene.
O place our faith secure,
And tell us we are blessed;
O grant a vision to endure,
Our final Sabbath rest.
“I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.”
Matthew 7:24 (D.C.M. St. Matthew or Land of Rest or Seraph)
There is a Rock on which I stand
And now I am secure;
Its mighty base within the land
Of God’s eternal shore.
It never moves, it never falls,
Or fails to keep each saint
Who trusts in Christ, and on Him calls
When Satan bids him faint.
Upon this Rock I now will build
My life, and live for Thee;
O daily grant my vessel filled
With Thy serenity.
A heart of prayer, a loving way
That will not Jesus fail;
So grace may flow to those who stray,
And see Thy love prevail.
What is this Rock, this place of peace,
Above the fears of life,
That grants me joy and gives me grace
To live above the strife?
This Rock is Christ of Calvary
Who took away my stain,
Whose life and death avail for me;
Eternal life I gain.
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”
John 10:27,28 (76.76.D Bentley)
There is a Shepherd bidding,
Who calls His sheep by name;
His gentle voice compelling
To leave the paths of shame.
They hear Him in their wandering
From distant rock and range,
And long for His embracing;
Their way they cannot change.
Now see the blessèd Saviour,
Who seeks and finds His sheep;
His footsteps never falter,
He has the power to keep.
Behold the marks of suffering;
Where has the Shepherd been?
These wounds and blood, this mocking,
O, hast thou, sinner, seen?
O wanderer, see Him beckon,
His person drawing nigh;
Respond and call for pardon,
And He will hear thy cry.
For none can ever pluck thee
From those eternal hands;
The strength of God Almighty
Confirms the gracious bands.
The plan which God unfolded
Was full of love and care.
The Saviour, who committed
Himself, His grace did share.
This Lord of peace we cherish,
Grants life that cannot fade;
And we shall never perish
In God’s eternal shade.
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
Acts 4:12 (C.M. Saron)
There’s none but Jesus, beauteous Lord,
Can fill this heart of mine
With comforts sweet and kind accord,
From depths of death divine.
No other one, with such delight,
Can fill my troubled breast;
I often gaze upon that sight,
And in His merits rest.
In His rich wounds I see a place
My guilty head to hide,
For there I’ll find sufficient grace,
And in His arms abide.
The price He paid, my soul has found,
And rests secure in love;
For there upon redemption ground,
I’ll claim my home above.
William Rees v. 1, 2 & 3
William Jones v. 4
Trans. William Vernon Higham
“My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies.”
Song of Solomon 2:16 (86.86 D)
Thou art the dearest to my heart,
The fairest One of all;
This love of Thine cannot depart
Or ever let me fall,
The Name of Jesus glorious sound
My being fills with peace.
I bless the day when I was found
In grace that will not cease.
O blessèd Saviour full of love,
Beyond all measure’s span,
Such sacrifice was planned above
In God’s eternal plan.
The gift of faith in Him alone,
With true repentance came,
Revealed to me, He did atone
For all my sin and shame.
Now stir my soul to meet on high,
And join the saints of yore.
And with the pilgrims that are nigh
Rejoice for evermore.
O glory, glory to His Name,
That devils flee and fear,
And may the Saviour ever claim,
And ever hold me dear.
“To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified.”
Isaiah 61:3 (C.M. Bangor)
Thy beauty Lord for ashes give
To those who mourn for Thee;
Their hearts desire, for Thee to live;
Their utmost: Christ to see.
The oil of joy, Thy Spirit’s grace,
O grant and pour on Thine;
For those that long to see Thy face,
And taste heaven’s sweetest wine.
The broken heart Thou dost restore,
And set the captive free:
The riches of Thy boundless store,
Displayed at Calvary.
The garment of Thy righteousness,
Bring praises from the heart;
A path of grace and holiness,
Be now our pleasant part.
Thy beauty Lord, that day behold,
In fullness of Thy joy;
The praises of Thy name untold,
Of grace Thou didst employ.
The garment of Thy blessèd Son,
Shall robe our waiting frame;
For ever more to be Thine own,
And dwell in halls of fame.
“I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”
John 10:9 (88.88.88. St. Catherine)
Thy gentle hand has touched my heart
With quickening life Thou didst impart:
I never knew such grace could be,
Or joy and peace from Calvary.
Amazing grace, eternal Lord,
This life abundant spread abroad.
Thy gentle hand has touched my life,
Leading me onwards through the strife;
Comfort and strength for daily needs;
Thy wondrous presence now me leads.
In life or death or sore distress
I rest on Thy great faithfulness.
Thy gentle hand has touched my soul,
And brought me to Thy chosen fold,
Never to lose my way again,
Or wander in the paths of pain.
Now I rejoice in ways of grace,
Happy to see and know Thy face.
“And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a cleft of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by.”
Exodus 33:22 (76.76.D. Rutherford)
Thy grace, my God, is mighty,
Sufficient for my need;
And from Thy wondrous bounty
My soul will ever feed.
Thy matchless precious presence,
So full of truth and grace,
Shall be my only preference:
I’ll ever seek Thy face.
Thy face, O my Redeemer,
With countenance so fair,
Delights my heart with wonder:
None can with Thee compare.
From wounds of merit costly
Flow pardon, peace and joy,
O blessèd, blessèd Calv’ry!
My God I will enjoy.
And yet, O Lord of mercy,
Withhold Thy hand at times,
For when Thou dost embrace me
My feeble frame declines.
The anguish of Thy glory
My trembling soul can’t bear:
I sink in human frailty,
Without Thy covering care.
O fortify me, Saviour,
With strength that comes from Thee;
Endue my soul, Redeemer,
With sweet serenity.
I long to know such fulness,
But grant me grace to stand,
A vessel with new firmness
Controlled by Thy great hand.
“For day and night Thy hand was heavy upon me.”
Psalm 32:4 (87.87.887. Dies Irae or Elberfeld)
Thy living word my heart did break
When I beheld the Saviour;
From paths of sorrow I did wake
To seek Thy might favour.
Mercy of God, atoning love,
Spirit of joy, flow from above,
Thy gentle grace revealing.
Thy searching eye exposed my sin
And motives so unworthy;
Shame and remorse now welled within;
Thy gaze was full of pity.
Mercy of God disturbing me,
Spirit of truth and purity,
Thy gentle grace revealing.
Thy loving hand restrained my way,
In righteousness to follow;
Thy will prevailed lest I should stray,
And cause my soul to sorrow.
Mercy of God, constraining care,
Spirit of light beyond compare,
Thy gentle grace revealing.
Thy tender dealing with my heart,
Most painful, yet with healing;
This grace that bids me not depart,
Pours balm with love constraining.
Mercy of God, eternal, strong,
Spirit of grace with victor’s song,
Thy gentle grace revealing.
“As for God, His way is perfect.”
Psalm 18:30 (D.C.M. Ellacombe)
Thy perfect law is my delight,
O Lord of truth and grace;
In all Thy ways a beauteous sight
To aid us in our race.
To love the Lord my God above,
My neighbour as my own,
Is Thy command, O Lord of love,
Thy Spirit now has shown.
Thy perfect law now dwells within
And whispers peace to me;
The breath of pardon for my sin
Thy pain at Calvary.
O may this love now richly flow,
And grant me sweet increase;
Thus let my heart forever know
The touch of heaven’s peace.
Thy perfect name a melody
Of grace I will endear;
Yet Satan fears and devils flee
The name they dread to hear.
Now in my heart He is my King,
My Sovereign Lord of all;
I humbly bow and gladly sing –
’Tis fragrance to my soul.
“My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 (D.C.M. Ellacombe or Kingsfold)
Thy tender grace I’ve sought so long,
Thy gentle touch to feel;
To know within my heart a song
Thy mercy will reveal.
O gaze upon my aching soul,
And hasten to restore;
O tell me Thou canst make me whole,
Cause me to love Thee more.
What are the hindrances in me
That turn my gaze away,
And make my soul to flee from Thee
Who art my hope and stay?
Thy Spirit showed me depths within
Of deep rebellious ways,
And taught me more about my sin
By His exposing rays.
O rouse my soul to call on Thee
On whom my sin was laid;
Remind my heart of Calvary
Where my great debt was paid.
How could I ever Thee forget,
Or roam from Thy dear side?
Forgive me, Lord, for my neglect;
In Thee let me abide.
At last my soul in Thee hath found
All, all sufficient grace,
And I shall be in mercy bound,
And dwell in Thine embrace.
I’ll seek Thee more, and find Thee still
All Thou hast claimed to be;
O grant that now, unhindered, will
Thy grace fill even me.
“Turn us again, O God, and cause Thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.”
Psalm 80:3 (8.10.10.4. Ellasgarth)
Turn us again, Shepherd Divine;
Cherubims praise and heaven declares Thy Name;
Name of Our Lord and name to us most dear;
Kindle a flame.
Kindle a flame, within the hearts,
Stir us to seek and turn to God again:
O let Thy grace draw forth our souls to Thee,
Thy name to claim.
Teach us to weep for godly gifts;
Tears in great measure grant to us today:
Tasting the bread, the sorrows of the Head,
Whom men did slay.
O bless the fruit for it is Thine,
Pour forth Thy presence, see our cruel foes;
Stir up Thy strength and come, O come O Lord!
Remove our woes.
Jerusalem is desolate,
Yet once was full with glory and with grace;
The shadow of Thy Cross spread through the land:
We seek Thy face.
Look down upon Thy heritage;
Let fruits of grace flow down as holy wine;
Revive Thy work, and cause Thine own to praise:
Visit this vine!
Vernon Higham Hymns U
“In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins.”
Colossians 1:14 (L.M. Glanllyfynwy)