Scripture Verse

He sent forth the dove out of the ark, and the dove came in to him in the evening. Genesis 8:10–11

Introduction

illustration
Return of the Dove, from Bible Heroes,
by Mary A. Lathbury, 1898

Words: Fan­ny Cros­by, in Songs of Joy and Glad­ness, by Will­iam Mc­Don­ald et al. (Bos­ton, Mas­sa­chu­setts: Mc­Don­ald, Gill, 1886), num­ber 45.

Music: Will­iam J. Kirk­pat­rick (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
William J. Kirkpatrick
1838–1921

Lyrics

Like a bird on the deep,
Far away from its nest,
I had wandered, my Savior, from Thee,
But Thy dear loving voice
Called me home to Thy breast,
And I knew there was welcome for me.

Refrain

Welcome for me,
Savior, from Thee;
A smile and a welcome for me;
Now, like a dove, I rest in Thy love,
And find a sweet refuge in Thee.

I am safe in the ark;
I have folded my wings
On the bosom of mercy divine;
I am filled with the light,
Of Thy presence so bright,
And the joy that will ever be mine.

Refrain

I am safe in the ark,
And I dread not the storm,
Though around me the surges may roll;
I will look to the skies,
Where the day never dies,
I will sing of the joy in my soul.

Refrain