Elsberry Family Lyrics
We've dedicated this page to provide you with the lyrics to the songs we have written and many of the older songs from the Sacred Harp, Primitive Baptist Songbook and songs that were just passed down from generation to generation in the Southeastern United States. Through the years many people have written and called for these lyrics so I felt obliged to place them here for all to use along with a little story about the origin of the song as applicable.
This song was written by Tim and was included on the first recording of both the High Point Quartet and the Gospel Express.
MANY YEARS I TRAVELED, THE BROAD ROAD OF SIN
TOOK NO THOUGHT OF TOMORROW OR WHERE I’D BEEN
THEN THE PAINS OF HELL GOT HOLD OF MY SOUL
AND I WOULD CRY OUT IN THE NIGHT WHEN I WAS ALONE
I CARRIED MY BURDENS, AS FAR AS I COULD GO
I HAD HEARD OF A MAN, WHO COULD LIGHTEN MY LOAD
I CRIED OUT TO JESUS AND IN MERCY AND LOVE
HE SAVED MY POOR SOUL, GAVE ME A HOME IN HEAVEN ABOVE
CHORUS:
I’M GLAD (OH YES I’M GLAD) GOD STILL SAVES SINNERS (A SINNER LIKE ME) THOUGH YOUR SINS BE AS SCARLET HE’LL WASH THEM LIKE SNOW (AS WHITE AS THE SNOW) A FOUNTAIN OPENED UP IN THE HOUSE OF DAVID, MADE A WAY TO HEAVEN THAT OLD SINNERS MAY GO
NOW I’M WALKING A NEW ROAD, SINCE THE SAVIOR CAME IN
HE LIFTED MY BURDENS, GAVE ME PEACE WITH IN
UNWORTHY A SINNER, YET HE HEARD MY CRY
NOW I’M BOUND FOR THAT CITY, WAY UP IN THE SKY
YOU TOO CAN COME AND GO WITH ME
A WAY WAS MADE, AT MOUNT CALVARY
THE PRECIOUS BLOOD, THAT OUR SAVIOR GAVE
MADE A WAY THAT OLD SINNERS COULD BE SAVED
Tim wrote this song while walking down the railroad tracks alone at MARTA. He scratched the words on a piece of paper while inspecting the tracks. This song was included on the second recording of the High Point Quartet as well as the live recording from their 10th Anniversary. It was one of their most requested songs and remains so with the Elsberry Family today.
My friend and I were walking, down the road one day
Our hearts were so heavy as we talked along the way
For the one that we had counted, would redeem all Israel
They slew on a cruel cross, on Golgotha’s hill
A little farther down the road, there was a stranger standing there
He asked if he could join us, I said I didn’t care
Please tell me what has happened, why are you two so sad
Why it seems as though you lost, the only friend you had
I said I know you’re just a stranger, and I haven’t seen you before
And you must not have heard, how they crucified our Lord
Oh they took Him from the tree and laid Him in a borrowed tomb
They sealed up our hope, in that little room
Chorus
We thought He was the One that Moses spoke of
We thought He was the One the Prophets told of
But they took Him from the tree and laid him in a borrowed tomb
They sealed up our hope, in that little room
Of Moses and the Prophets, that stranger did expound
He spoke of Christ as the sun was going down
We just talked all the evening, until the day was done
When I reached my destination, the place that I call home
I turned to go inside, but He continued on His way
I said I know it’s getting late, and you’ll need a place to stay
Please want you come on in, and we’ll have a bite to eat
For I know that you are tired, and you need to rest your feet
We sat down at the table, and the blessing He did say
All at once our eyes were opened, then He vanished away
I looked at my friend, and He looked back at me
And I said friend please tell me, what your eyes did see
Chorus 2
He said that was the One that Moses spoke of
He said that was the One, the Prophets told of
The One who was dead is now, alive as He can be
Oh how my heart did burn, when He talked to me
Final verse
And now all my hope, is anchored in Him
The One who died, to save this world from sin
For I know that He now lives, and He lives eternally
‘Cause my heart still burns, when He talks to me
Another song that was written by Tim while walking track at Marta. This was the title song from the High Point Quartet's fourth recording.
TWAS GRACE THAT TAUGHT MY HEART TO FEAR , AND GRACE MY FEARS RELIEVED
IN THESE LATTER DAYS IT SEEMS MAN HAS FORGOT ABOUT CALVARY
AND THE LAMB THAT DIED TO SAVE OUR SOULS, AND THE BLOOD THAT STILL WASHES WHITE AS SNOW
CHORUS
AMAZING GRACE OH HOW SWEET THE SOUND, I ONCE WAS LOST BUT NOW I’M FOUND
I ONCE WAS BLIND BUT NOW I SEE AND HIS SWEET GRACE STILL AMAZES ME
I RECALL THE NIGHT DOWN ON MY KNEES, I CRIED OUT IN AGONY
AND THE MASTER HEARD MY PLEA AND HE REACHED WAY DOWN AND RESCUED ME
REPEAT CHORUS
IN TIMES OF JOY IN TIMES OF GRIEF, HIS SWEET GRACE ABIDES WITH ME
AND SOME DAY SOON TWILL LEAD ME HOME, WHERE SIN NOR SORROW ERE CAN COME
REPEAT CHORUS
HOW PRECIOUS DID THAT GRACE APPEARED, THE HOUR I FIRST BELIEVED
The fifth recording of the High Point Quartet consisted of seven original compositions. The title track "Daddy Prayed", a song popular around Christmas "In Bethlehem", a song about Tim's experience of Grace, "It happened to Me", "Wherefore My Brother and the most requested song Tim has ever written, "Two Socks." This song was written about the story of Tim's adoption when his Dad and Mom came to view him at the orphanage for the first time and noticed he only had one sock. This recording was dedicated to Tim's Mom and Dad and we are so thankful that it was recorded and released before they went on to Glory.
Daddy’s health is failing, age has colored Mama’s hair
They can’t get around like they used to
But they can still shout and lift their voice in prayer
And the Savior still visits them just like He used to do
I remember as a child, playing in the yard
In the evening Dad would come home
From working on his job
We would stop and listen, down through the woods he’d go
We could hear Daddy praying in the hollow down below
Chorus:
He would pray for the sick and afflicted
That the sinner would see the nail scared hands
For the Church for his friends and his family
And that God would save his little man
I grew to be a young man, toward trouble I was drawn
I forsook all the teaching, of my Christian home
In my darkest hour, in my memory
I could hear Daddy praying, in the hollow on his knees
My life was filled with trouble, I had no peace within
I cried out Lord save me, wash me of my sins
Then I walked down the aisle, to the Preacher gave my hand
You could hear Mama shout as Dad baptized his little man
Chorus:
cause he prayed for the sick and afflicted
That the sinner would see the nail scared hands
For the Church for his friends and his family
And that God would save his little man
oh and god did save his little man
A decree to be taxed has been dispersed
I must go to the city of my birth
My family have all started down
On their way headed toward Bethlehem
Strange things have been brought to my ear
A new star in the east has appeared
There are rumors flying all around
Something strange is going on in Bethlehem
Three men from the east just passed by
Said they were following that new star in the sky
There are no shepherds in the fields to be found
I guess they too have gone to Bethlehem
Chorus #1
In Bethlehem, there are rumors all a stir
About a new King and a Virgin birth
I think I’ll just do a little asking around
I’ll find out what’s going on in Bethlehem
The rooms are full and there’s no place to sleep
Up ahead there’s a gatherin’ in the street
That new star in the sky is shining down
Could this be the stir in Bethlehem?
I can see those shepherd boys gathered there
I can smell frankincense in the air
I make my way through the crowd so I can see
Lord there’s the Babe and He’s smiling up at me
I bow my head and wipe a tear from my eye
I’ve never felt so much joy in my life
The most precious gift from on high has been sent down
To a manger here in Bethlehem
Chorus #2
In Bethlehem, a miracle has appeared
Lord I’ve waited for Him, all these years
The shepherds said they heard the angels sing
To announce the coming of the King
Chorus #3
Bethlehem of the cities is the least
Tell old Simeon he now can leave in peace
I think I’ll just shout all over town
The King of Kings has been born in Bethlehem
When Moses raised his staff, the Red Sea did part
Old Noah saved his house, when he built an ark
The priests blew the horn; the walls of Jericho fell
The woman told Elisha, that everything was well
Jacob wrestled an angel, all through the night
The angel blessed old Jacob, along about daylight
He touched him on his leg and he halted there that day
Ever since that time, old Jacob walked a different way
I’ve read about how David, slew the giant man
About a little cloud, the size of a man’s hand
Of the many things that God has done through history
There’s one that stands out, cause it happened to me
Chorus
One night a sinner cried out, oh Lord please save my soul
I’m tired of this wicked life; I want to be made whole
I know you suffered for my sins and died upon the cross
Oh Lord please save me, don’t let my soul be lost
It happened right then, right there upon my knees
The Savior came down, oh I felt him touch me
He washed away each sin as the tears filled my eyes
I’ve never been the same, ever since that happy night
Chorus
One night a sinner cried out, oh Lord please save my soul
I’m tired of this wicked life; I want to be made whole
Jesus saved my soul, when he heard my plea
Thank God for His Grace, that saved a wretch like me
One day we’ll hear a shout an a trumpet sounding loud
The dead in Christ shall rise up to meet Him in the air
They that remain in a moment will be changed
And so shall we ever be with the Lord
Chorus
Wherefore (wherefore) My brother (my brother)
Just comfort one another
Jesus went away but He’s coming back again
Wherefore (wherefore) My brother (my brother)
Just comfort one another
To take us to a land where joy shall never end
You now have sorrow but I’ll see you again
Were the words of our Savior as He drew near the end
Father forgive them for they know not what they do
Upon a cross He died for me and for you
On a lonely hillside just outside of town
Jesus ascended as two angels stood around
This same Jesus that you see going away
Is coming again on that great homecoming day
Repeat Chorus
There was a little infant boy without a dad or mom
No one to hold him when he cried, an orphanage was his home
One day a couple came and saw the infant lying there
A tiny sock was on one foot but the other one was bare
The man then bowed his head and prayed, Oh Lord please hear my plea
If you will only give me strength, I’ll do my best to see
That the little man lying there, so still, so mild and meek
Will have a father and mother’s love and two socks upon his feet
Chorus
They took the little baby home and with such tender love
Taught him about saving Grace and that Heavenly home above
How that Jesus died upon cruel Calvary
And saw that he always had two socks upon his feet
Years passed by the young child grew, around their home he’d play
He listened as his dad went down into the woods to pray
In the kitchen Mom would sing old hymns, they sounded oh so sweet
He never did give much thought to the socks upon his feet
The child then grew into a man with a family of his own
He tried to live a Christian life and provide a happy home
One day while driving into work he had a thought so sweet
He reached down to feel and find two socks upon his feet
Chorus
He thought of how his mom and dad with such tender love
Taught him about saving Grace and that Heavenly home above
How that Jesus died upon cruel Calvary
And gave him so much more than two socks upon his feet
This was the opening song from the live Highpoint Quartet recording. This song was first performed at Grape Creek Baptist Church in Murphy NC. I will always remember a brother standing up once we were done singing and saying this song was right up there with Amazing Grace.
My well beloved, hath a vineyard, in a very fruitful hill
Fenced it in, gathered out the stones, from this fertile field
Planted the choicest vine, a tower He did build
Looked for it to bring forth fruit, but wild grapes were the yield
By the rivers of Babylon, Israel sat and wept
When they remembered the former days and the law that wasn’t kept
There the captors required of them, sing one of Zion’s songs
They could not, for in the willows is where their harps were hung
How can we sing the Lord’s song, here in this strange land?
We forsook our chief joy, He withdrew his hand
Jerusalem, oh how we long, for our happy home
What more could He have said, what more could He have done
What more could He have said
What more could He have done
He left the ninety and nine to search for the lost one
In humble obedience at Calvary, died God’s only Son
What more could He have said, what more could He have done
A babe was born of a virgin, in the town of Bethlehem
Falsely accused and condemned, they found no fault in Him
He healed the lame, the deaf and dumb and opened blinded eyes
Then in the garden where He prayed, He bowed His head and cried
Let this cup pass by me, Lord if it be Thy will
Nevertheless, I will walk up Golgotha’s hill
At Calvary, for you and me, our blessed Savior cried
Father, forgive them, then bowed his head and died
They laid him in a borrowed tomb, at the door they placed a stone
On the third day, the stone rolled away, as grace began to dawn
Victorious, over death and hell, rose the Darling One
What more could He have said, what more could He have done.
From the first recording by the Elsberry Family.
Ten Virgins were called, to a wedding one day
Five wise and five foolish, the Bible does say
Five were prepared, but five brought no oil
The cry came at midnight, Who’s ready to go
The Five Wise arose, and trimmed their lamps
The foolish cried out, our lamps have gone out
Give us your oil, the foolish then cried
We’ve only enough, you must go and buy
While they were gone, the Bride Groom showed up
The wise entered in, then the door was shut
The foolish returned, crying please let us in
Depart I don’t know you, came the reply from within
Chorus:
Be ready to go, for you know not the time
It could be this morning, or maybe tonight
Be washed in the blood, made whiter than snow
Have oil in your vessel, be ready to go
In God’s Holy Word, we read of the oil
Representing the Spirit, as the wine does the blood
If you’re light is to shine, you’ll need oil in your lamp
Or in darkness you’ll stumble, and wander about
John says it plain, that the True Light has come
And lights every one, into this world that’s born
Your lamp will be lit, til the moment comes
You turn him away, then your oil will be gone
So now my friend, I have good news for you
If your lamp has gone out, here’s what you can do
Just call on the One, more precious than gold
He’ll fill up your vessel, when He saves your soul.
Chorus:
Another song from the Elsberry Family's first recording.
While you set under the drippings of the Gospel
And your heart starts pounding in your chest
If you’re weary and tired of the pathway of sin
Come to Jesus and He’ll give you rest
Chorus
Deal kindly and truly with the Master
If the Spirit is calling to you
If your heart begins to burn, and the tears start to flow
He’s ready to save your poor soul
Jesus died on the old cross at Calvary
That a sinner to Heaven could go
If you’ll call on His name, then you’ll never be the same
Once He saves your never-dying soul
Repeat Chorus and tag
If your heart begins to burn, then just call on his name
Come to Jesus and never be the same
Another song from the Elsberry's first recording. This is a topic that is not very popular today but needs to be remembered and practiced.
Supper being ended and His time a drawing nigh,
Girded with a towel, His garments laid aside,
The basin filled with water, the Master then knelt down,
And began to wash their feet and He dried them with the towel,
Then spake Simon Peter, Lord you’ll never wash my feet,
If I wash thee not, then you’ll have no part with me,
Not just my feet but also my head and hands,
Old Peter became willing though he did not understand,
Chorus
If I your Lord and Master have knelt and washed your feet
Ye should wash one another’s for I want you all to see,
Be humble and be meek and my Father will be pleased,
As oft as ye do this, you will remember me
If you know these things and do them, then happy you will be,
Set up for an example to show humility,
As the bread and the wine, to the body and blood,
Washing the Saints feet, represents His perfect love,
In these modern days, this act is now frowned on,
Are we too proud, to do what Jesus done,
If we take the bread and wine, let’s take the water too,
It won’t take you to heaven but it’ll bring heaven down to you,
Chorus
If I your Lord and Master have knelt and washed your feet
Ye should wash one another’s for I want you all to see,
Be humble and be meek and I will be well pleased,
As oft as ye do this, you show you do love me
From the Elsberry's first recording and written about the morning that Tim's Mother went to be with the Lord.
As we gathered around the bed, where my feeble Mother lay
I knelt down beside her, and there began to pray
I knew she neared the river, I knew she’d soon be gone
I prayed for God to meet her, and Grace to let her go
Chorus
I know that God is rich in love, His mercies never cease
But oh what Grace while my heart does break, my soul is filled with peace
Her eyes were only half open, as I knelt down to pray
When I arose and looked on her, a glow was on her face
I softly sang an old time hymn, while she was lying there
If I here no more see you, go on, I’ll meet you there
Chorus
My wife asked Mom do you see that land, that land so bright and fair
Do you see your husband, do you see the Master there
Though Momma could not speak to us, with her head a nod she gave
Confirming all we’d heard about, that land of endless day
Chorus
We carried her to the grave yard, and buried her by Dad
It was there I wept and said goodbye, to the dearest friends I’ve had
I know that they’re with Jesus, and we’ll meet again someday
Lord help me walk the path they trod, I do humbly pray
Chorus
A recitation written the night that Tim's Dad was buried. This is found on the Elsberry Family's first recording.
They say the snow blew in on you, the night that you were born
Way back in 27, your Mother kept you warm
Born the only son to Gertie and to Moon
You left in August of 03, you left here way too soon
You and Pa worked the fields by the sweat of your brow
Your childhood was spent, behind a mule and plow
You always loved sports and would stay late after school
Even though your Ma would whip you, for that was against the rules
One day you heard a calling, from the Master up on high
To go and preach the Gospel, to travel far and wide
An old Deacon made a move, to license you to preach
You begged him not to do so with a convincing speech
Another older Preacher said, “we’ll license him anyway”
It was the will of God, you couldn’t run away
There’s no doubt that some folks, questioned your qualifications
After all you only had, a ninth-grade education
What most folks didn’t realize but you assuredly knew
The preaching would come from God and only through you
You had the old time sound like Godly men of old
You never were afraid, to remove your tie and coat
In the year of 1960, in the state of Tennessee
A little boy was born as helpless as could be
A ward of the state, unclaimed and alone
Till you and Mom showed up and took me to your home
You made my childhood happy playful and carefree
Ya’ll were the greatest parents that there could ever be
I listened every evening, when in the woods you’d pray
Not just every once in a while, but almost every day
You called me to the den, when I was nine years old
The story of my adoption, to me you tearfully told
I remember you asking, if that my feelings changed
I remember replying no Dad, that don’t change a thing
I later heard it said, you were afraid someone would tell
You wanted me to hear it from you and not from someone else
Someone said there’s no way that you could love me like your own
You sure made them eat their words, you sure proved them wrong
You made me feel real special, because you picked me out
I know that God was watching over me without a doubt
You loved me even with the trouble I caused you
You always stood beside me, you proved your love was true
You never counted Baptisms or Weddings that you had
You never counted Funerals and you know for that I’m glad
You never took credit for what the Lord had done
You always gave the glory to God’s Darling Son
I’ll miss our visits and I’ll miss our scriptural talks
I’ll miss hearing your shout and your holy walk
I’ll miss leaning on you and asking your advice
I’m missing you now, as the tears fall from my eyes
I know I shouldn’t sorrow as those that have no hope
I know we’ll meet again on Heaven’s happy shore
I know that I will remember you in everything I do
I cannot bring you back, but I can go to you
This song has not yet been released on a recording. We are planning to release this song on our next album.
The longer I dwell, in this lowland of sorrow
The sweeter my home in Heaven does grow
Precious jewels that once, sparkled down here
Shine even brighter in that new home
Now some folks long, for stars in their crown
And natural treasures that are prized here below
The collection my Lord, has tenderly gathered
Sparkle brighter than any this world can afford
Chorus
Where your treasures are, there your heart will be also
You’ll find that your thoughts; are dwelling on them
As your treasures increase, so does the longing
Until up in Heaven you’re together again
Mom and Dad were to me, rare precious jewels
They lit up my life with their walk here below
But now they both shine, from the windows of Heaven
They’re gone from my sight but I still see the glow
There’s one jewel there, that’s shining the brightest
Though His value on earth was never realized
The rejected stone, the sweet Rose of Sharon
The most precious treasure will ever be mine.
Chorus
Where your treasures are, there your heart will be also
You’ll find that your thoughts; are dwelling on them
As your treasures increase, so does the longing
Until up in Heaven you’re together again
This song has not yet been recorded but is being performed at most of the Elsberry Family's live performances.
David tired and weary, hiding in a cave
Running for his life, fleeing from Saul’s face
The mighty men there with him listened to him tell
How he longed for water from Bethlehem’s well
The Philistines garrison, guarded Bethlehem
Only three in number yet they did not fear them
They fought hard to break the line determined not to fail
They brought David water, from Bethlehem’s well
Chorus
Nothing else can quench your thirst and satisfy your soul
More precious than your silver, worth more than all your gold
It’s been known to raise the dead and quench the fires of hell
The water David longed for, from Bethlehem’s well
A woman came unto the well where there she met a man
Who offered living water said she’d never thirst again
The well was deep He had no rope not even a pale
How could He draw water from Jacob’s well
One drank of that water washed all her sins away
She left there a shouting left her water pot that day
She ran back to the city what a story she did tell
About the living water from Bethlehem’s well
Struggling on my journey, burdened down with sin
Thirsty, tired and hungry, cold and empty within
All hope was gone and I could see that I was bound for hell
Just in time I caught a glimpse of Bethlehem’s well
The well there was surrounded by the enemy
David had his mighty men but who would fight for me
The Father, Son and Holy Ghost, heard my cry for help
The Mighty Men brought water, from Bethlehem’s well
Chorus
Nothing else can quench your thirst and satisfy your soul
I wouldn’t trade it for your silver wouldn’t trade it for your gold
It raised me from the dead and rescued me from hell
The water David longed for, from Bethlehem’s well
Chorus
Nothing else can quench your thirst and satisfy your soul
It’s the greatest love story that ever has been told
So if you’re dry and thirsty and on your way to hell
Ask Jesus for some water, from Bethlehem’s well
Press on toward that city
While walking in the pathway both straight and narrow too,
I’ll tell you of the wonders that came into my view,
The pathway ever climbing ore hills and valleys deep,
When now and then a glimpse of that city I did see,
That city I did see
From the mountain where the Son shines, through the valley deep,
Tired and cold and weary with dark clouds over me,
When there in the valley the Lily I did see,
Twas Christ my Blessed Savior, He came to strengthen me,
He came to strengthen me,
Chorus:
Press on, toward that city, our ever-lasting home,
Where sickness pain and sorrow, even death cannot come,
I can hear, the distant singing, the sweet song of victory,
Through faith I can see Him, waiting there to welcome me,
Waiting there to welcome me,
I saw those on the wayside cast their stones my way,
I cried oh do not hinder, I must not be delayed,
I’m heading for that city on Zion’s Holy Hill,
Though my body’s tired, I must press on still,
I must press on still,
The path led to a river so wide and so deep,
I could not wade nor swim so I began to weep,
The Boatman came unto me and offered me a ride,
He promised joy awaited, over on the other side,
Over on the other side,
Chorus:
When I had crossed the river, I came unto the gate,
Unsure of how I’d enter for I had nothing to pay,
When One so bright and shining said I have paid the price,
Now enter into the joy of my abundant life,
My abundant life,
Now safe inside the gates of my eternal home,
Sickness pain and sorrow from me have all flown,
I see the Precious Savior, the One who died for me,
Mom and Dad and Saints of old as happy as can be,
As happy as can be,
Chorus:
The Elsberry Family has always possessed a love for the old gospel songs. Not the ones most folks consider old now days but the ones that were written 300-400 years ago. Most of these songs are found in the Primitive Baptist or Sacred Harp hymnals. Some were passed down from generation to generation. We hope you find these songs as inspirational, uplifting and enjoyable as we have.
Tune: Ananias Davisson, 1816
Words: Charles Wesley,1763
And am I born to die? To lay this
body down?
And must my trembling spirit fly, Into a world unknown -
A land of deepest shade, Unpierced by
human thought,
The dreary regions of the dead, Where all things are forgot?
Soon as from earth I go, What will
become of me?
Eternal happiness or woe Must then my portion be;
Waked by the trumpet's sound, I from
my grave shall rise,
And see the Judge with glory crowned, And see the flaming skies.
How shall I leave my tomb? With
triumph or regret?
A fearful or a joyful doom, A curse or blessing meet?
Will angel-bands convey Their brother
to the bar?
Or devils drag my soul away, To meet its sentence there?
Who can resolve the doubt, That tears
my anxious breast?
Shall I be with the damned cast out, Or numbered with the blest?
I must from God be driven, Or with my
Saviour dwell;
Must come at his command to heaven, Or else - depart to hell.
O thou that wouldst not have One
wretched sinner die,
Who died'st thyself; my soul to save, From endless misery!
Show me the way to shun, Thy dreadful
wrath severe,
That when thou comest on thy throne, I may with joy appear.
Thou art thyself the Way; Thyself in
me reveal;
So shall I spend my life's short day, Obedient to thy will;
So shall I love my God, Because he
first loved me,
And praise thee in thy bright abode, To all eternity.
Words: Charles Wesley, 1759
Meter: Common Meter (8,6,8,6)
And let this feeble body fail, And
let it droop and die;
My soul shall quit the mournful vale, And soar to worlds on high;
Chorus
And I'll sing hallelujah, And you'll sing hallelujah,
And we'll all sing hallelujah, When we arrive at home.
Shall join the disembodied saints, And find its long sought rest,
That only bliss for which it pants, In my Redeemer’s breast.
In hope of that immortal crown, I
now the cross sustain,
And gladly wander up and down, And smile at toil and pain:
I suffer out my threescore years, Till my Deliverer come,
And wipe away His servant’s tears, And take His exile home.
O what hath Jesus bought for me!
Before my ravished eyes
Rivers of life divine I see, And trees of paradise:
I see a world of spirits bright, Who taste the pleasures there;
They all are robed in spotless white, And conquering palms they bear.
O what are all my sufferings here,
If, Lord, Thou count me meet
With that enraptured host to appear, And worship at Thy feet!
Give joy or grief, give ease or pain, Take life or friends away,
But let me find them all again In that eternal day.
551 Jacob’s Vision
Tune: Margaret Wright, 1959
Words: Evangelical Association Hymns, 1850
Meter: Particular Meter: 11,12,12,12
As Jacob with travel was weary one day, And at night on a stone for a pillow he lay,
There he saw in a vision a ladder so high, That its foot was on earth and its top in the sky.
Chorus:
Alleluia to Jesus who died on the tree, And hath raised up a ladder of mercy for me.
The ladder is long, it is strong and well-made, It stood hundreds of years, and is not yet decayed;
Many millions have climbed it and reached Zion’s hill, And thousands by faith are now climbing it still.
(Chorus)
Come, let us ascend! All may climb it who will, For the angels of Jacob are guarding it still.
There are regions of light, there are mansions of bliss, Oh, then, who would not climb such a ladder as this?