The Cyber Hymnal ‎#6672

6672. Thou Sweet, Belovèd Will of God

1. Thou sweet, belovèd will of God,
My anchor ground, my fortress hill,
My spirit’s silent, fair abode,
In thee I hide me and am still.

2. O will, that willest good alone,
Lead thou the way, thou guidest best;
A little child, I follow on,
And, trusting, lean upon thy breast.

3. Thy beautiful, sweet will, my God,
Holds fast in its sublime embrace
My captive will, a gladsome bird,
Prisoned in such a realm of grace.

4. Within this place of certain good,
Love evermore expands her wings,
Or, nestling in thy perfect choice,
Abides content with what it brings.

5. O lightest burden, sweetest yoke!
It lifts, it bears my happy soul,
It giveth wings to this poor heart,
My freedom is thy grand control.

6. Upon God’s will I lay me down,
As child upon its mother’s breast;
No silken couch, nor softest bed,
Could ever give me such deep rest.

7. Thy wonderful grand will, my God,
With triumph now I make it mine;
And faith shall cry a joyous Yes!
To every dear command of thine.

Text Information

• First Line: Thou sweet, belovèd will of God
• Title: Thou Sweet, Belovèd Will of God
• German Title: Liebwerther, süsser Gottes-Wille
• Author: Gerhard Tersteegen (1729)
• Translator (from German): Emma Bevan (1858)
• Meter: LM
• Language: English
• Source: Geistliches Blumen-Gärtlein
• Copyright: Public Domain
• Notes: Alternate tune: ABENDS, Herbert S. Oakeley, 1874

Tune Information

• Name: HOLLEY
• Composer: George Hews (1835)
• Meter: LM
• Incipit: 32313 23453 54533
• Key: E♭ Major
• Copyright: Public Domain