Methodist Hymn and Tune Book ‎#655

655. O'er the trackless ocean guided

1 O'er the trackless ocean guided
By Thy hand our fathers came;
They, O Lord, in Thee confided,
Loved Thy day, revered Thy name;
Nor would we, their faith despising,
False to their devotion be,
But, on wings of prayer arising,
Lift our contrite hearts to Thee.

2 In the new land, wild and lonely,
Rude the homes which they upraised,
There they sought unto Thee only,
There Thy love and mercy praised;
In our fairer habitations,
May their zeal in us increase,
While Thy gracious consolations
Prove our everlasting peace.

3 Where, in wilderness extending,
Every creature had his lair,
Now behold us humbly bending
In this holy place of prayer;
Let the world transformed around us
Witness be of change within
Joy divine that God hath found us,
Healed the deadly wounds of sin.

4 Destined for their fathers' places,
Age on age until the end,
Keep, O keep, our children's faces
Turned to Thee, our changeless Friend;
And may all who boon of heaven
Now or evermore shall crave,
Know on earth Thy blessing given,
Glory find beyond the grave.

Text Information

• First Line: O'er the trackless ocean guided
• Author: W. H. Adams, 1864-
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1917
• Topic: Pioneers' Hymn; Seasons and Occasions

Tune Information

• Name: DEERHURST
• Composer: J. Langran, 1835-1909
• Meter: 8.7.8.7.8.7.8.7
• Key: E♭ Major