Sovereign Ruler of the skies, Ever gracious, ever wise,
All my times are in Thy hand, All events at thy command.
His decree, who formed the earth, Fixed my first and second birth;
Parents, native place, and time, All appointed were by Him.
He that formed me in the womb, He shall guide me to the tomb.
All my times shall ever be, Ordered by His wise decree.
Times of sickness, times of health; Times of poverty and of wealth;
Times of trial and of grief, Times of triumph and releif.
Times the tempter’s power to prove, Times to taste the Savior’s love;
All must come, and last, and end, As shall please my heavenly Friend.
Plagues and death around me fly; Till He bids, I cannot die;
Not a single shaft can hit, Till the God of love sees fit.
O Thou Gracious, wise and just! In Thy hands, my life I trust:
Have I something dearer still? I resign it to Thy will.
May I always own Thy Hand; Still to the surrender stand;
Know that Thou art God alone; I and mine are all Thy own.
Thee at all times will I bless; Having Thee I all possess;
How can I bereaved be; Since I cannot part with Thee?
John Ryland
1753-1825
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