Scripture Verse

How great is His goodness, and how great is His beauty! Corn shall make the young men cheerful, and new wine the maids. Zechariah 9:17

Introduction

Words: Ro­bert F. Gor­don, in Dain­ty Songs for Lit­tle Lads and Lass­es (New York: John Church, 1887).

Music: James R. Mur­ray (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a good pho­to of Gor­don (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

portrait
James Murray (1841–1905)

Lyrics

For Christ is our endeavor,
Our hearts to Him belong;
His presence cheers us ever,
His love inspires our song;
We come in youth’s bright morning,
Obedient to His Word;
And seek for our adorning,
The beauty of the Lord:
And seek for our adorning,
The beauty of the Lord.

In fullness of His mercy,
Good work for Him we do;
His name with joy confessing,
His standard bearers true:
And He will ne­ver fail us,
Whatever may betide;
Tho’ danger should assail us,
In Him we safe abide:
Tho’ danger should assail us,
In Him we safe abide.

So with youth’s ardor glowing,
We willing service give;
The mind of Je­sus knowing,
We for His honor live:
For He is our endeavor,
And to Him we belong;
Whose grace shall ne­ver fail us,
Whose love inspires our song:
Whose grace shall ne­ver fail us,
Whose love inspires our song.