How blessed, from the bonds of sin

And earthly fetters free,

In singleness of heart and aim,

Thy servant, Lord, to be!

The hardest toil to undertake

With joy at Thy command!

The meanest office to receive

With meekness at Thy hand!

With willing heart and longing eyes,

To watch before Thy gate,

Ready to run the weary race,

To bear the heavy weight;

No voice of thunder to expect,

But follow calm and still,

For love can easily divine

The One Beloved's will.

Thus may I serve Thee, gracious Lord

Thus ever Thine alone,

My soul and body given to Thee,

The purchase Thou hast won:

Through evil or through good report

Still keeping by Thy side,

By life or death, in this poor flesh

Let Christ be magnified!

How happily the working days

In this dear service fly!

How rapidly the closing hour,

The time of rest, draws nigh!

When all the faithful gather home,

A joyful company,

And ever where the Master is,

Shall His blest servants be.