They that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called,
Isaiah 53:5The repairer of the breach, the restorer of paths to dwell in.
Words: Frank W. Gunsaulus, 1911. Appeared in Songs of the Christian Life, edited by Charles H. Richards (New York: Charles C. Merrill, 1912), number 335.
Music: Brynywawr Daniel W. Protheroe, 1911 (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tune:
If you know where to get a better photo of Gunsaulus or Prothero (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
O God, would I might bring to Thee
Of ripened grain an autumn yield;
But midst my harvest sheaves I see
The places waste within my field.
I take Thy promise to my heart:
Thy places waste will I restore.
Never shall hope or joy depart
If love so triumph evermore.
My waste of time—Immortal One,
Alone eternity may take
And bind my losses to Thy throne,
To make them gains for love’s dear sake.
My waste of power—Thy wisdom, Lord,
Will show me things worth while at length;
Then I will battle in accord
With love’s enfolding arm of strength.
The waste that sin has wrought in me,
Beneath Thy cross is all restored;
My time, my power, my heart to Thee,
My life renewed I give, Thee, Lord.