1 Before the earth or seas were made,
Jesus was chosen as our Head,
The Father’s first Elect;
In him the church was chosen too,
And he engaged to bring them through;
Nor will he them neglect.
2 He undertook the care and charge,
And promised they should walk at large,
And all his glory view.
Anon the Father’s set time came,
Nor did the Saviour then disdain
The Father’s will to do.
3 “Behold him now,” the Father cries;
“Ye mourning souls, lift up your eyes
And view your Saviour dear.
In him my soul delighteth well;
My great commands he shall fulfil,
And banish all your fear.
4 “Ye tried, ye tempted sinners, look
To my Elect, who undertook
To ransom you with blood.
In him I’m ever, ever pleased,
And you shall of your pain be eased,
And see a smiling God.
5 “Whatever be your frame of mind,
You never will perfection find,
But in the Lord alone.
No spot nor wrinkle can I see
In them that unto Jesus flee;
For they and he are one.”
Source: A Selection of Hymns for Public Worship. In four parts (10th ed.) (Gadsby's Hymns) #572
Gadsby, William , was born in 1773 at Attleborough, in Warwickshire. In 1793 he joined the Baptist church at Coventry, and in 1798 began to preach. In 1800 a chapel was built for him at Desford, in Leicestershire, and two years later another in the town of Hinckley. In 1805 he removed to Manchester, becoming minister of a chapel in Rochdale Boad, where he continued until his death, in January, 1844. Gadsby was for many years exceedingly popular as a preacher of the High Calvinist faith, and visited in that capacity most parts of England. He published The Nazarene's Songs, being a composition of Original Hymns, Manchester, 1814; and Hymns on the Death of the Princess Charlotte, Manchester, 1817. In 1814 he also published A Selection of Hymn… Go to person page >
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