Christ My Song - 1096
When one whom ... - I Am With You Alway
(Hannah K. Burlingham/Johannes Thomas Rüegg)
I Am With You Alway.
"He that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him." (Mark 5,18)
1. When one whom Satan’s hosts had made their prey,
was freed for ever by thy word of power,
he prayed thee, Lord, that he might with thee stay,
nor lose the impress of that wondrous hour. PDF - Midi
2. Like him I thought that to abide with thee,
I needs must leave the busy haunts of men;
in some far, tranquil solitude must be, –
nor near thee till such pause came round again.
3. Each day my heart more full of sadness grew,
nor thought to serve thee in life’s simplest things;
that I was one thy blood had bought I knew;
I would have flown to thee had I had wings.
4. For oh! I longed no more to leave thy side,
not understanding thou art ever near,
nor how with thee in spirit to abide
throughout the needed desert-training here.
5. "Home to thy friends" – was thy own gracious charge
(thy earlier rescued one since Home to thee);
for love may offices on earth discharge,
such as are not, where soon I too shall be.
6. And I have proved thy power to stay the mind
amid the turmoil of this outer life;
what perfect peace the wearied heart may find,
e’en in the very thickest of the strife.
7. I have been learning how thy presence, Lord,
is my pavilion, my repose, my shield;
here rest is found, according to thy word –
safe garrison – though on the battle-field.
8. Henceforth I fain would be apart with thee,
in quiet sweet communion of soul;
whilst hands and outward thoughts in service free
fulfill their share of God-allotted toil.
9. "The Carpenter" they called thee here below;
so many years thou hadst this lowly place:
men knew thee not; thou, Lord, alone couldst know
how glorious shone on thee the Father’s face.
10. O blessèd Jesus! Thou hast made me thine;
teach me to mark thy every tone and word:
deepen thou still this fellowship divine,
until the welcome summons home be heard.
Hannah K. Burlingham, Wayside Songs, 1901, 107-109.