When those who feared the Lord of old

Verse 1

When those who fear'd the Lord of old Met oft, and spoke with one accord, A book was written, and enroll'd Their faithful names before the Lord.

Verse 2

They shall be mine, Jehovah said, And as a signet on my hand, A crown of glory for my head, Among my chosen jewels stand.

Verse 3

And I will spare them in that day, Even as a father spares his son, When all the proud are swept away, The wicked, root and branch, undone.

Verse 4

Then shall my righteousness be shown; Then, by their good or evil lot, The sinner and the saint be known, Who served the Lord, who served Him not.

Verse 5

Lord, we are taught Thy name to fear, O may we tremble to offend; Lord, we are taught to serve Thee here, May we be faithful to the end.

Verse 6

Our names are on Thy Church's rolls, But in Thy book our pardon write: Rich was the ransom of our souls, May they be precious in Thy sight.