436 I will sing my Maker's praises,

1 I will sing my Maker's praises, And in Him most joyful be, For in all things I see traces Of the good He meaneth me: Nothing else but love could move Him With such sweet and tender care All who try to serve and love Him Evermore to raise and bear. 2 Yea, so dear doth He esteem me, That the Son He loves so well He hath given to redeem me From the quenchless flames of hell; Well of life that springeth ever! Sea of love that hath no ground! Fruitless were my best endeavor Depth of love like Thine to sound. 3 All which for my soul is needful He will carefully provide Nor of that is he unheedful Which my body needs beside: When my strength cannot avail me At the best a broken reed God appears; He will not fail me In the time of utmost need. 4 As a father ne'er removeth All his love for some lost child, But the prodigal still loveth, Yearning to be reconciled; So my sins and many errors Find a tender pardoning God, Who doth not with penal terrors Chasten them, but with the rod. 5 All His blows and scourges truly For the moment grievous prove, And yet, when I weigh them duly, Are but tokens of His love; Proofs that He is watching o'er me, And would, by the cross and rod, From this wicked world restore me To my Father and my God. 6 Since then neither change nor coldness In His precious love can be, Lo! I lift my hands with boldness, As a child I come to Thee. Grant me grace, O God, I pray Thee, That I may with all my might Love, and trust Thee, and obey Thee, Till I reach the realms of light.