Hymnal: A Selection of Christian Hymns
Date: 1818
Compiler: Rice Haggard
Publisher/Printer: John Norvell
First Line: How did the powers of darkness rage
Topic: The Backslider Returning
Writer: <no first name given> Fawcett
Composer:
Meter: CM
Tune:
Hymn Number: 29
Page Number: 033, click to see hymnal pages
LyicsHow did the powers of darkness rage
Against the son of God!
While cruel men on earth engage
To shed his precious blood.
His friends forsook him with surprise,
When that dread scene began;
And one perfidiously denies
He ever knew the man.
How feeble human efforts prove
Against temptations power!
E'en Peter's flaming zeal and love
Are vanquished in an hour.
His firmest purpose will not stand;
Behold his guilt and shame!
Lord, keep me by thy mighty hand,
Or I shall do the same.
At length the suffering Saviour turns,
And looks with pitying eyes!
Peter relents, withdraws and mourns,
And loud for mercy cries.
So boundless is Jehovah's grace,
He hears the humble prayer;
If I am found in Peter's case,
Yet let me not despair.
Look on me, Lord, with eyes of love,
My wandering soul restore:
My guilt forgive, my fears remove,
And let me sin no more.