Sovereign Ruler of the Skies

Lyrics: Rev John Ryland
Music: William B. Bradbury

Sovereign Ruler of the skies!
Ever gracious, ever wise!
All my times are in your hand,
All events at your command.

His decree, who formed the earth,
Fixed my first and second birth;
Parents, place of birth, and time—
All appointed were by him.

He that formed me in the womb,
Guides my footsteps to the tomb;
All my times shall ever be
Ordered by his wise decree.

Times of sickness, times of health;
Times of poverty and wealth;
Times of trial and of grief;
Times of triumph and relief.

Times the tempter’s power to prove;
Times to taste a Saviour’s love:
All must come, and last, and end,
As shall please my heavenly Friend.

Plagues and deaths around me fly
Till he bids, I cannot die:
Not a single arrow hits
Till the God of love permits.

O Most Gracious, Wise, and Just,
In your hands my life I trust:
Have I something dearer still?
I resign it to your will.

May I always own your hand,
Still to the surrender stand;
Know that you are God alone,
I and mine are all your own.

You at all times I will bless;
Having you, I all possess;
What in truth a loss can be
Since you will not part from me?

 

Three Witnesses There Are Above

Lyrics: William Barton (From 1 John 5:7)
Music: William Croft

Three witnesses there are above,
And all these three are one:
The Father, Son and Sacred Dove,
One Deity alone.

The Living Father sent the son,
Who by the Father lives:
And unto them that ask of Him
The Holy Ghost he gives.

 

Holy Spirit While We Bend

Lyrics: G. W. Crofts
Music: John P. Hillis

Holy Spirit, while we bend,
Graciously on us descend;
Like a gentle dove appear
To each waiting spirit here.

Holy Spirit, come within,
Crucify this heart of sin,
Let it die upon the cross
With its soul defiling dross.

Holy Spirit, life provide
For the heart thus crucified,
Let it break the bonds of death
By the power of Thy breath.

Holy Spirit, I would be
Filled, yea, wholly filled by Thee;
Come with overflowing love,
Let me Thy sweet presence prove.

Holy Spirit, heav’n on earth,
Seal me with celestial birth;
Bear me on Thy wings of love
To my blissful home above.

Yet I Will Rejoice

Lyrics: J. Chng (Hab 3:17-19)
Music: William Croft

Although the fig tree shall not bloom,
Nor fruit be in the vines;
The labour of the olive fail,
Yet I’ll rejoice in God.

And though the fields shall yield no meat;
The flock cut from the fold,
E’en there no herd be in the stalls,
Yet I’ll rejoice in God.

Yes, in the LORD I find my joy,
I will rejoice in God.
He who is my salvation, strength,
Who’ll lift my feet once more.

God My Father Reigns

 

Lyrics: J. Chng
Music: Deborah Mae

God my Father reigns supremely,
And He calls the stars by name;
So when tried, I’ll stay upon Him,
He knows each step I take.

Chorus:
Hold, fast, to His Word,
And His peace enfolds me;
For He holds my life securely,
Now and forevermore.

Though He slay me, yet I’ll trust Him
To work all things for my good.
When the flesh grows weak and fails me,
Still will I bless my Lord.

Chorus:
Hold, fast, to His Word,
And His peace enfolds me;
For He holds my life securely,
Now and forevermore.

O what blessed hope in trials,
When my eyes are on the cross,
From the dead Christ resurrected,
Conquered death evermore.

Final Chorus:
He arose, He arose, I rejoice greatly,
Though in sorrow with tears I cried;
With a song I’ll praise His name,
Come before His throne,
My God will be magnified;
God will be glorified.