Confirmation 379. O Jesus, I have promised

[1438]Day of Rest:

James William Elliott, 1874

John E. Bode, 1869

O Jesus, I have promised

To serve thee to the end:

Be thou for ever near me,

My Master and my Friend!

I shall not fear the battle,

If thou art by my side,

Nor wander from the pathway,

If thou wilt be my Guide.

O let me feel thee near me!

The world is ever near;

I see the sights that dazzle,

The tempting sounds I hear;

My foes are ever near me,

Around me and within;

But, Jesus, draw thou nearer,

And shield my soul from sin.

O let me hear thee speaking

In accents clear and still,

Above the storms of passion,

The murmurs of self-will!

O speak to reassure me,

To hasten or control!

O speak, and make me listen,

Thou Guardian of my soul!

O Jesus, thou hast promised

To all who follow thee,

That where thou art in glory

There shall thy servant be;

And, Jesus, I have promised

To serve thee to the end;

O give me grace to follow,

My Master and my Friend!

O let me see thy footmarks,

And in them plant my own!

My hope to follow duly

Is in thy strength alone.

O guide me, call me, draw me,

Uphold me to the end!

At last in heaven receive me,

My Savior and my Friend!

Amen.