Introduction
(1823–1876)
Words: Benjamin Beddome (1717–1795).
Music: St. Agnes John B. Dykes, in Hymnal for Use in the English Church, by John Grey, 1866 (🔊 pdf nwc).
We must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: yet doth He devise means, that His banished be not expelled from Him.
2 Samuel 14:14
Words: Benjamin Beddome (1717–1795).
Music: St. Agnes John B. Dykes, in Hymnal for Use in the English Church, by John Grey, 1866 (🔊 pdf nwc).
One of his best hymns Mr. Beddome wrote after recovering from a severe illness. He had first written a hymn of gratitude for his restoration to health. On further reflection He wrote these lines.
Burrage, p. 51.
If I must die, O let me die
Trusting in Jesus’ blood!
That blood which hath atonement made,
And reconciles to God.
If I must die, then let me die
In peace with all mankind,
And change these fleeting joys below
For pleasures more refined.
If I must die, as die I must,
Let some kind seraph come,
And bear me on his friendly wing
To my celestial home!
Of Canaan’s land from Pisgah’s top
May I but have a view!
Though Jordan should o’erflow its banks,
I’ll boldly venture through.