We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
Hebrews 6:19
Words: Francis A. Simkins, in Glad Hallelujahs, edited by John R. Sweney & William Kirkpatrick (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Thomas T. Tasker, Sr., 1887), number 85.
Music: William J. Kirkpatrick (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good picture of Simkins (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Dark are the waters before me—
Loud is the voice of the gale;
Storm cloud and tempest are o’er me,
Boatman! O list to my hail.
Refrain
Carry me over the tide,
Dark are the waters,
And deep and wide;
Yonder, just over the sea,
My mansion is waiting for me.
Onward I move o’er the waters,
Lurid the lightning’s fierce glare,
Angry the surges beneath me—
Boatman! lo, danger is there.
Refrain
Peril is in the dark waters—
Safety beyond the deep wave;
Father! O let me not perish—
Thou who art mighty to save.
Refrain
Ah, when the voyage is over,
There, on that beautiful shore,
Safely beyond the dark waters,
Joy shall be mine evermore.
Refrain