My Father and my God

My Father and my God,
O, set this spirit free!
I'd gladly kiss the rod
That drove my trembling soul to Thee,
And made it Thine eternally!

Sweet is the bitterest smart
That, with the bended knee,
Bows down this broken heart;
For who, my Saviour, who could be
A sufferer long, that flies to Thee?

The tears we shed for sin
When heav'n alone can see,
Leave truer peace within
Than worldly smiles, — which cannot be
Lit up, my God, with smiles from Thee.

Then give me any lot,
I'll bless Thy just decree
So Thou art not forgot, —
And I may ne'er dependent be
On any friend, my God, but Thee!

As needle to the pole,
There fix'd but tremblingly,
Such be my trusting soul!
Whateer life's variations be,
For ever pointing, Lord, to Thee!