Scripture Verse

My son, give Me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe My ways. Proverbs 23:26

Introduction

Words: Ed­en R. Lat­ta, in Gos­pel Hymns No. 5, ed­it­ed by Ira D. San­key, James Mc­Gra­na­han & George C. Steb­bins (Cin­cin­na­ti, Ohio; New York & Chi­ca­go, Il­li­nois: John Church and Big­low & Main, 1887), num­ber 19.

Music: Alon­zo J. Ab­bey (🔊 pdf nwc).

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

portrait
Eden R. Latta (1839–1915)

Lyrics

Wherever we may go, by night or day,
A lov­ing voice with­in doth gent­ly say:
My son, from ev­ery way of sin de­part;
Be Sa­tan’s slave no more, give Me thy heart!

Refrain

Give Me thy heart, give me thy heart;
O wea­ry, wan­der­ing child, give Me thy heart.

Slight not that voice so kind, but glad­ly hear,
And choose the Lord to­day, while He is near;
He will His par­don­ing love to thee im­part,
Oh, hear Him call­ing still, Give Me thy heart!

Refrain

We may have chos­en long from Him to roam,
Yet He will wel­come us, if we but come;
Oh, may we not de­lay, but quick­ly start—
While Je­sus say­eth still, Give Me thy heart!

Refrain