Turn On the Search Light

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While aimlessly sailing on life's rugged sea

Author: J. M. Hagan
Tune: [While aimlessly sailing on life's rugged sea]
Published in 5 hymnals

Audio files: MIDI

Representative Text

1 While aimlessly sailing on life’s rugged sea,
Oft halting ‘twixt wrong and the right;
A sweet voice tenderly whispered to me,
“There’s danger, turn on the search-light.”

Refrain:
Turn on the search-light,
Turn on the search-light,
There’s danger in further delay;
Turn on the search-light,
Turn on the search-light,
And rescue some lost one today.

2 That whisper I welcomed, the voice I obeyed,
And peace fill’d my soul with delight;
I came to the Saviour, not a moment delayed,
He helped me turn on the search-light. [Refrain]

3 Dear friends, whither drifting, by what hand now led,
No rudder or compass in sight?
The whirlpool, destruction, lies there just ahead,
Better halt and turn on the search-light. [Refrain]

4 Flee to the Great Captain, who speaks, “Peace be still,”
And calm are the waves that affright;
Just trust Him for guidance, confide in His will,
Fear not, He’ll turn on the search-light. [Refrain]

Source: Crowning Day No. 5 #93

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Author: J. M. Hagan

DEACON JAMES MONROE HAGAN: Professor J. M. Hagan, as he was affectionately known, was born in Monroe County, Kentucky, on February 25, 1858, and was the son of James Fendel and Sarah Strode Hagan. He was reared under the most difficult circumstances but was able to work his way through the meager common schools, college and university. He followed the profession of teaching all of his life. His principal teaching was in High Schools in Warren, Munroe [sic], Metcalf [sic], Hart, and Daviess Counties, in Kentucky. He was head or joint head in Munroe [sic] Normal for many years located at Flippin, Kentucky; with Professor T. C. Gillianwaters. Altogether he taught for forty years. Mr. Hagan married Miss Ella B. Evans of Tompkinsville, K… Go to person page >

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Text Information

Text Information

First Line:	While aimlessly sailing on life's rugged sea
Title:	Turn On the Search Light
Author:	J. M. Hagan
Language:	English
Refrain First Line:	Turn on the searchlight
Copyright:	Public Domain