Scripture Verse

Serve the Lord with gladness. Psalm 100:2

Introduction

Words: Anne Steele, Po­ems on Sub­jects Chief­ly De­vo­tion­al 1760, Vol­ume 1, page 161. The words come from the long­er po­em Ah, Wretch­ed Souls Who Strive in Vain.

Music: Rock­ing­ham (Ma­son) Lo­well Ma­son, 1832 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tunes:

If you know where to get a good pic­ture of Steele (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

portrait
Lowell Mason (1792–1872)

Lyrics

Now I resolve with all my heart,
With all my powers, to serve the Lord:
Nor from His precepts e’er depart,
Whose service is a rich reward.

O be His service all my joy;
Around let my example shine
Till others love the best employ
And join in labors so divine.

Be this the purpose of my soul,
My solemn, my determined choice,
To yield to His supreme control,
And in His kind commands rejoice.

O may I ne­ver faint nor tire,
Nor wandering leave His sacred ways;
Great God, accept my soul’s desire,
And give me strength to live Thy praise.