The good news of Christ
The haughty laugh of hostile man
Would hide with lies the wholesome truth,
Make whimpering cowards and weeping maids
Of devout defenders of divine justice.
Save me, Lord, from spiteful men,
Belligerent beasts who lay in wait;
Let the Way be plain, your will be done,
The incredulous fall, and the Cross increase.
A word from God to quench my thirst,
A mighty working to transform;
To Scripture always I turn first,
For calm and courage in the storm.
Your law’s my constant friend and guide,
My heart delights to hear and obey;
What joy, your statutes at my side!
At your command, there’s no delay.
This holy Book by God inspired,
Conducts us all before his throne;
What all our lives we e’er desired:
To know Him fully and be known.
Not peace upon the earth, but a sword,
The gospel cannot be ignored;
The Son of Man will bear his cross,
And calls his kin to wear this loss
Of friend and brother, lands and gain,
To preach in Athens, Rome, and Spain.
May I be faithful now and hence,
With God my strength, my recompense.