1 Sovereign ruler of the skies,
Ever gracious ever wise!
All my times are in thy hand,
All events at thy command.
2 His decree, that form'd the earth,
Fix'd my first and second birth;
Parents, native-place, and time,
All appointed were by him.
3 He that form'd me in the womb,
He shall guide me to the tomb:
All my times shall ever be
Order'd by his wise decree.
4 Times of sickness, times of health;
Times of penury and wealth:
Times of trial and of grief;
Times of triumph and relief.
5 Times the tempter's power to prove;
Times to taste a Savior's love:
All must come and last and end,
As shall please my heavenly friend.
6 Plagues and deaths around me fly;
Till he bids, I cannot die:
Not a single shaft can hit,
Till the God of love sees fit.
7 O thou gracious, wise and just,
In thy hands my life I trust;
Have I somewhat dearer still?
I resign it to thy will.
8 May I always own thy hand—
Still to thee surrender stand:
Know that thou art God alone,
I and mine are all thy own.
9 Thee at all times will I bless;
Having thee, I all possess:
How can I bereaved be,
Since I cannot part with thee.