The Old Ship of Zion

Verse 1

I was drifting away on life’s pitiless sea, And the angry waves threatened my ruin to be, When away at my side, there I dimly descried, A stately old vessel, and loudly I cried: Ship ahoy! Ship ahoy! And loudly I cried: Ship ahoy!

Verse 2

’Twas the old ship of Zion, thus sailing along, All aboard her seemed joyous, I heard their sweet song; And the captain’s kind ear, ever ready to hear, Caught my wail of distress, as I cried out in fear: Ship ahoy! Ship ahoy! As I cried out in fear: Ship ahoy!

Verse 3

The good captain commanded a boat to be low’red, And with tender compassion He took me on board; And I’m happy today, all my sins washed away In the blood of my Savior, and now I can say: Bless the Lord! Bless the Lord! From my soul I can say: Bless the Lord!

Verse 4

O soul, sinking down ’neath sin’s merciless wave, The strong arm of our captain is mighty to save; Then trust Him today, no longer delay, Board the old ship of Zion, and shout on your way: Jesus saves! Jesus saves! Shout and sing on your way: Jesus saves!