I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.
Philippians 2:16
Words: Reginald Heber (1783–1826). Published posthumously in Hymns Written and Adapted to the Weekly Church Service of the Year (London: J. Murray, 1827), pages 62–63.
Music: Yorkshire John Wainright, 1750 (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tune:
Oh more than merciful! whose bounty gave
Thy guiltless self to glut the greedy grave!
Whose heart was rent to pay Thy people’s price;
The great high priest at once and sacrifice!
Help, Savior, by Thy cross and crimson stain,
Nor let Thy glorious blood be spilt in vain!
When sin with flowery garland hides her dart,
When tyrant force would daunt the sinking heart,
When fleshly lust assails, or worldly care,
Or the soul flutters in the fowler’s snare—
Help, Savior, by Thy cross and crimson stain,
Nor let Thy glorious blood be spilt in vain!
And, chiefest then, when nature yields the strife,
And mortal darkness wraps the gate of life;
When the poor spirit, from the tomb set free,
Sinks at Thy feet and lifts its hope to Thee—
Help, Savior, by Thy cross and crimson stain,
Nor let Thy glorious blood be spilt in vain!