Hymns

The LORD, our salvation and light,

by John Newton·1779·Meter 8.8.8.8a

Based on 1 Sam 7:12

1

The LORD, our salvation and light,
The guide and the strength of our days;
Has brought us together, tonight,
A new Ebenezer to raise:
The year, we have now passed through,
His goodness with blessings has crowned;
Each morning his mercies were new,
Then let our thanksgivings abound.

2

Encompassed with dangers and snares,
Temptations, and fears, and complaints;
His ear he inclined to our prayers,
His hand opened wide to our wants:
We never besought him in vain,
When burdened with sorrow or sin,
He helped us again and again,
Or where, before now, had we been?

3

His gospel, throughout the long year,
From Sabbath to Sabbath he gave;
How oft has he met with us here,
And shown himself mighty to save?
His candlestick has been removed
From churches once privileged thus;
But, though we unworthy have proved,
It still is continued to us.

4

For so many mercies received,
Alas! what returns have we made?
His Spirit we often have grieved,
And evil, for good, have repaid:
How well it becomes us to cry,
"O, who is a GOD like to thee?
Who passest iniquities by,
And plungest them deep in the sea!"

5

To JESUS, who sits on the throne,
Our best hallelujahs we bring;
To thee it is owing alone,
That we are permitted to sing:
Assist us, we pray, to lament
The sins of the year that is past;
And grant that the next may be spent
Far more to thy praise than the last.

The Close of the Year