Hymns and Devotions for Daily Worship ‎#347

347. The Christian's Noblest Resolution

1. Ah, wretched souls, who strive in vain,
Slaves to the world, and slaves to me!
A nobler toil may I sustain,
A nobler satisfaction win.

2. I would resolve with all my heart,
With all my pow'rs to serve the Lord,
Nor from his precepts e'er depart,
Whose service is a rich reward.

3. Oh, be his service all my joy;
Around let my endeavors shine;
May others love the blest employ
And join in labors so divine.

4. Be this the purpose of my soul,
My solemn, my determined choice,
To yield to his supreme control,
And in his kind commands rejoice.

5. O may I never faint nor tire,
Nor wand’ring leave his sacred ways;
Great God, accept my soul’s desire,
And give me strength to live your praise.

Text Information

• First Line: Ah, wretched souls, who strive in vain
• Title: The Christian's Noblest Resolution
• Author: Anne Steele (1760)
• Meter: 8.8.8.8
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2024
• Scripture:
  Joshua 24:15
• Topic: Ordinary Time: Week 27
• Notes: Text by English poet Anne Steele, from Poems on Subjects Chiefly Devotional, Vol. 1 (1760), alt.

Tune Information

• Name: WARRINGTON
• Composer: Ralph Harrison (1784)
• Meter: 8.8.8.8
• Incipit: 55435 11271
• Key: B♭ Major
• Notes: Tune WARRINGTON by Ralph Harrison, minister at Cross Street Unitarian Chapel, Manchester, from his collection Sacred Harmony (1784).