Homeward-bound

Called by the grace of my Saviour on high
Leave I this world without even a sigh,
Called to a kingdom and glory above,
Bars of brass broken by infinite love,
Fetters of Satan, sin’s service, death’s fears,
Gone with the grief of rebellious years.
Free as the bird that hath broken the snare
Wakes with its music the slumbering air,
Thus to the glory my glad way I wend,
Thus the cords tender of nature I rend.
Hold me not country, companion, nor kin,
Loss shall be gain for the Christ I shall win.
Guarded by grace thro’ an enemy’s land,
Strong made the night of fell foes to withstand
Fit made to fight thro’ their forces my way
Right to the porch of perpetual day
Where an inheritance fadeless and fair
I with my risen Redeemer shall share.
Gone is what creatures of natural birth
Count in this world of unrighteousness worth,
Gone for my soul in the cross of my Lord,
Gone in the power of His Spirit and Word.
Blind me, O Lord, to earth’s profitless joys,
Deaf make mine ears to the spell of its voice,
On to the glory my feeble feet guide,
Kill in my soul carnal passion and pride:
Be Thou my object as Thou art my life,
Cover my head in the pitiless strife,
SON OF THE FATHER, MY LOVER AND FRIEND,
BE THOU MY GLORY AND GUIDE TO THE END.