By various maxims, forms and rules

1 By various maxims, forms, and rules,
That pass for wisdom in the schools,
I strove my passion to refrain;
But all my efforts proved in vain.

2 But since the Savior I have known,
My rules are all reduced to one;
I keep my Lord by faith in view,
Which strength supplies and motives too.

3 I see him lead a suffering life,
Patient amidst reproach and strife;
And from this pattern courage take
To bear and suffer for his sake.

4 Upon the cross I see him bleed,
And by the fight from guilt am freed;
This fight destroys the life of sin,
And quickens heavenly life within.

5 To look to Jesus as he rose,
Confirms my faith, disarms my foes;
Satan I shame and overcome,
By pointing to my Savior's tomb.

6 Exalted on his glorious throne,
I see him make my cause his own;
Then all my anxious cares subside,
For Jesus lives, and will provide.

The Hartford Selection of Hymns from the most approved authors, 1799