These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
Hebrews 11:13
Words: John Needham, Hymns Devotional and Moral on Various Subjects (Bristol, England: S. Farley, 1768), number 190.
Music: Peterborough (Harrison) Ralph Harrison, 1786 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good picture of Needham or Harrison (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Rise, O my soul, pursue the path
By ancient heroes trod;
Ambitious view those holy men
Who lived and walked with God.
Though dead, they speak in reason’s ear,
And in example live;
Their faith, and hope, and mighty deeds
Still fresh instruction give.
Say, by whose strength their feeble flesh,
Such various toils sustained;
Say, by what means these heirs of grace,
Immortal triumphs gained.
’Twas through the Lamb’s most precious blood
They conquered every foe;
And to His power and matchless grace
Their crowns and honors owe.
Warmed by the love that stirred their breasts
We shall be heroes, too;
Inspired by equal faith and zeal,
What wonders we shall do.
The world and flesh shall be denied,
Nor shall we dread the cross;
Pleased that our future gains increase,
By every present loss.
Lord, may I ever keep in view
The patterns Thou hast given
And ne’er forsake the blessèd path
That led them safe to Heaven.