I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.
Genesis 32:26
Words: Eben E. Rexford, in The International Lesson Hymnal (Chicago, Illinois: David C. Cook, 1878), number 72.
Music: Eugene A. G. Little, 1878 (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tune:
If you know Little’s full name, or where to get a good photo of him (head-and-shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels), would you ?
Dear Lord, I need Thee all the time,
The road is rough and steep,
And only as I trust to Thee,
The way to Heav’n I keep.
How heavy are the many sins
Which grieve Thy kind heart so!
Dear Lord, until Thy blessing comes,
How can I let Thee go?
Refrain
Dear Lord, I need Thee more and more
As earthly troubles come;
Oh, let me keep my hand in Thine,
Till safe with Thee at home.
Temptations meet me everywhere,
To lure my heart from Thee;
I cannot fight them all alone—
Dear Lord, my helper be.
This heart of mine so stained with sin,
Oh, wash it white like snow,
Until the blessing comes, dear Lord,
How can I let Thee go?
Refrain
Dear Lord, I tremble when from me
Thy gentle face is hid,
And falter in the way to Heav’n,
Earth’s dreary storms amid.
But when I touch Thy loving hand,
What rest and peace I know!
Dear Lord, I need Thee all the time,
And cannot let Thee go.
Refrain