The Hymnal ‎#247a

247a. Make me a captive, Lord

1 Make me a captive, Lord,
And then I shall be free;
Force me to render up my sword,
And I shall conqueror be.
I sink in life's alarms
When by myself I stand;
Imprison me within Thine arms,
And strong shall be my hand.

2 My heart is weak and poor
Until it master find;
It has no spring of action sure—
It varies with the wind.
It cannot freely move
Till Thou hast wrought its chain;
Enslave it with Thy matchless love,
And deathless it shall reign.

3 My power is faint and low
Till I have learned to serve;
It wants the needed fire to glow,
It wants the breeze to nerve;
It cannot drive the world
Until itself be driven;
Its flag can only be unfurled
When Thou shalt breathe from heaven.

4 My will is not my own
Till Thou hast made it Thine;
If it would reach a monarch's throne,
It must its crown resign;
It only stands unbent
Amid the clashing strife,
When on Thy bosom it has leant
And found in Thee its life.

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: Make me a captive, Lord
• Author: Rev. George Matheson (1842-1906)
• Meter: S. M. D.
• Publication Date: 1950
• Topic: The Life in Christ: Dedication and Consecration; Consecration; Courage and Loyalty; Dedication of Life; Discipleship and Service; God: Will, Doing His; Loyalty and Courage; School and College
• Copyright: Words used by permission of Messrs. McClure Naismith Brodie and Company.

Tune Information

• Name: LLANLLYFNI
• Composer: John Jones (Talysarn) (1797-1857)
• Arranger: David Jenkins (1849-1915)
• Meter: S. M. D.
• Key: e minor
• Copyright: Tune used by permission of Miss Nellie D. Jenkins.