Scripture Verse

For He wounds, but He binds up; He smites, but His hands heal. Job 5:18

Introduction

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John B. Dykes
1823–1876

Words: Ben­ja­min Bed­dome, 1778. Bed­dome wrote this hymn to ac­com­pa­ny a ser­mon gi­ven (un­known to him at the time) the day his son died.

Music: Be­a­ti­tu­do John B. Dykes, in Hymns An­cient and Mo­dern, 1875 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Lyrics

My times of sorrow and of joy,
Great God, are in Thy hand;
My choicest comforts come from Thee,
And go at Thy command.

Oh Lord, shouldst Thou withhold them all,
Yet would I not repine;
Before they were by me possessed,
They were entirely Thine.

Nor would I drop a murmuring word,
Though the whole world were gone,
But seek enduring happiness,
In Thee, and Thee alone.

What is the world with all its store?
’Tis but a bitter sweet;
When I attempt to pluck the rose
A pricking thorn I meet.

Here perfect bliss can ne’er be found,
The honey’s mixed with gall;
Midst changing scenes and dying friends,
Be Thou my all in all.