O Holy Saviour, Friend Unseen
Words: Charlotte Elliott (1789–1871)
Music: Flemming | Friedrich Ferdinand Flemming (1778–1813)
1. O holy Savior, friend unseen,
Since on Thine arm Thou bid’st me lean,
Help me, throughout life’s varying scene,
By faith to cling to Thee.
2. Blest with this fellowship divine,
Take what Thou wilt, I’ll ne’er repine;
E’en as the branches to the vine,
My soul would cling to Thee!
3. Far from her home, fatigued, opprest,
Here she has found her place of rest
An exile still, yet not unblest,
While she can cling to Thee.
4. What though the world deceitful prove,
And earthly friends and joys remove,
With patient, uncomplaining love
Still would I cling to Thee.
5. Oft when I seem to tread alone
Some barren waste with thorns o’ergrown,
Thy voice of love, in gentlest tone,
Still whispers, “Cling to Me!”
6. Though faith and hope may oft be tried,
I ask not, need not aught beside;
How safe, how calm, how satisfied,
The souls that cling to Thee!
7. They fear not life’s rough storms to brave,
Since Thou art near, and strong to save;
Nor shudder e’en at death’s dark wave,
Because they cling to Thee.
8. Blessed is my lot, whate’er befall;
What can disturb me, who appall,
While as my strength, my rock, my all,
Savior, I cling to Thee!