1 How keen the tempter's malice is!
How artful, and how great!
Tho' not one grain shall be destroyed,
Yet will he sift the wheat.
2 But God can all his power control,
And gather in his chain;
And, where he seems to triumph most,
The captive soul regain.
3 There is a shepherd kind and strong,
Still watchful for his sheep;
Nor shall the infernal lion rend,
Whom he vouchsafes to keep.
4 Blest Jesus, intercede for us,
That we may fall not more,
O raise us when we prostrate lie,
And comfort lost restore,
5 The secret energy impart,
That faith may never fail;
But, 'midst whole showers of fiery darts,
That temper'd shield prevail.
6 Secur'd ourselves by grace divine,
We'll guard our brethren too;
And, taught their frailty by our own,
Our care of them renew.
Source: A Selection of Hymns: from the best authors, intended to be an appendix to Dr. Watt's psalms and hymns. (1st Am. ed.) #CLV