Hymn 189 - "O Lord, amid corruption,"
O LORD, amid corruption,
Where hatred did abound,
Thy path of true perfection
Was light on all around.
In scorn, neglect, reviling,
Thy patient grace stood fast,
Man's malice unavailing
To move Thy heart to haste.
O'er all, Thy perfect goodness
Rose blessedly divine;
Poor hearts opprest with sadness
Found ever rest in Thine.
The strong man in his armour
Thou mettest in Thy grace,
Didst spoil the mighty charmer
Of our unhappy race.
Disease, and death, and demon,
All fled before Thy word,
As darkness, the dominion
Of day's returning lord!
Love, that made Thee a mourner
In this sad world of woe,
Proved wretched man a scorner
Of grace that brought Thee low.
O Lord, Thy love's sweet savour
Shone forth in every deed,
And showed God's loving favor
To every soul in need.