O! But must I, Lord, return

O! But must I, Lord, return
Into the dreadful fight?
Bear what is not to be borne,
Again dragg'd out to light?
I, a weak and helpless worm,
Only shall Thy cause betray;
Perish in temptation's storm,
A final castaway.

Didst Thou only bid me leap
Into a burning fire,
Cast me down the threatening steep,
Or now my soul require;
Gladly would I now comply,
Plunge into the depths beneath,
Rush into the flames, and die
To escape the second death.

O Almighty God of Love,
Thy holy arm display;
Send me succour from above
In this my evil day;
Arm my weakness with Thy power;
Woman's Seed, appear within;
Be my safeguard, and my tower
Against the face of sin.

Could I of Thy strength take hold,
And always feel Thee near,
Steadfastly, divinely bold,
My soul would scorn to fear:
Nothing should my firmness shock:
Though the gates of hell assail,
Were I built upon the Rock,
They never could prevail.

Rock of my salvation, haste,
Extend Thy ample shade;
Let it over me be cast,
And screen my naked head:
Save me from the trying hour,
Thou my sure protection be,
Shelter me from Satan's power,
Till I am fix'd on Thee.

Set upon Thyself my feet,
And make me surely stand;
From temptation's rage and heat
Cover me with Thy hand:
Let me in the cleft be placed,
Never from my fence remove,
In Thine arms of love embraced,
Of everlasting love.