367: HOW firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord

367: HOW firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord

by Richard Keene (d. 1787)

1 HOW firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid up for faith in God's excellent word!
What more can He say, than to you He has said ---
You who to the Saviour for refuge have fled?

2 In every condition, in sickness, in health;
In poverty's vale, or abounding in wealth;
At home, or abroad; on the land, on the sea;
As need may demand shall our strength ever be.

3 If through the deep waters He cause us to go,
The rivers of grief shall not overflow;
And He will be with us in troubles to bless,
And sanctify to us our deepest distress.

4 If through fiery trials our pathway should lie,
His grace all-sufficient shall be our supply;
The flame shall not hurt us; His only design
Is the dross to consume and the gold to refine.

5 Fear not, He is with us; oh, be not dismayed!
For He is our God, and will still be our aid;
He'll strengthen us, help us, and cause us to stand,
Upheld by His gracious omnipotent hand.

6 The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
He will not (He's said it) give up to its foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavour to shake,
He'll never --- no, never --- no, never forsake.