Classic Poem

I LOVE the Lord; — He lent an ear
When I for help implored;
He rescued me from all my fear;
Therefore I love the Lord.

Bound hand and foot with chains of sin,
Death dragg'd me for his prey;
The pit was moved to take me in;
All hope was far away.

I cried, in agony of mind,
" Lord! I beseech Thee, save: "
He heard me; — Death his prey resign'd,
And Mercy shut the grave.

Return, my soul, unto thy rest,
From God no longer roam;
His hand hath bountifully blest,
His goodness call'd thee home.

What shall I render unto Thee,
My Saviour in distress,
For all thy benefits to me,
So great and numberless?

This will I do, for thy love's sake,
And thus thy power proclaim;
The sacramental cup I'll take,
And call upon thy name.

Thou God of covenanted grace,
Hear and record my vow,
While in thy courts I seek thy face,
And at thine altar bow: —

Henceforth to Thee myself I give;
With single heart and eye,
To walk before Thee while I live,
And bless Thee when I die.