Scripture Verse

The children of men put their trust under the shadow of Thy wings. Psalm 36:7

Introduction

portrait
Robert Lowry (1826–1899)

Words: Will­iam Bry­ant, in Bright­est and Best, ed­it­ed by Ro­bert Low­ry & W. How­ard Doane (New York & Chi­ca­go, Il­li­nois: Big­low & Main, 1875), page 129. The words are oft­en in­cor­rect­ly at­trib­ut­ed to Will­iam Cull­en Bry­ant. They were al­so pub­lished 30 years lat­er, at­trib­ut­ed to Jen­nie Will­ing.

Music: Pes­ca­dor­es Ro­bert Low­ry, 1875 (🔊 pdf nwc).

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

Lyrics

Standing forth on life’s rough way,
Father, guide them;
Oh! we know not what of harm
May be­tide them;
’Neath the sha­dow of Thy wing,
Father, hide them;
Waking, sleep­ing, Lord, we pray,
Go be­side them.

When in pray­er they cry to Thee,
Thou wilt hear them;
From the stains of sin and shame,
Thou wilt clear them;
’Mid the quick­sands and the rocks,
Thou wilt steer them;
In temp­ta­tion, tri­al, grief,
Be Thou near them.

Unto Thee we give them up,
Lord, re­ceive them;
In the world we know must be
Much to grieve them—
Many striv­ing oft and strong
To de­ceive them;
Trustful, in Thy hands of love
We must leave them.