460. Father! I bless thy gentle hand

1 Father, I bless thy gentle hand:
How kind was thy chastising rod,
That forc'd my conscience to a stand,
And brought my wand'ring soul to God!

2 Foolish and vain, I went astray
Ere I had felt thy scourges, Lord!
I left my guide, and lost my way;
But now I love and keep thy word.

3 'Tis good for me to wear the yoke,
For pride is apt to rise and swell;
'Tis good to bear my Father's stroke,
That I might learn his statutes well.

4 The law that issues from thy mouth
Shall raise my cheerful passions more
Than all the treasures of the south,
Or western hills of golden ore.

5 Thy hands have made my mortal frame,
Thy Spirit form'd my soul within;
Teach me to know thy wondrous name,
And guard me safe from death and sin.

6 Then all, that love and fear the Lord,
At my salvation shall rejoice;
For I have trusted in thy word,
And made thy grace my only choice.

Text Information
First Line: Father! I bless thy gentle hand
Meter: L. M.
Language: English
Publication Date: 1814
Topic: The Troubles of Life
Tune Information
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