Sovereign Ruler of the skies! Sovereign Ruler of the skies

Ever gracious, ever wise!

All my times are

in Thy hand,

All events at Thy command.

His decree, who formed the earth,

Fixed my first and second birth;

Parents, native place and time,

All appointed were by Him.

He that formed me in the womb,

He shall guide me to the tomb;

All my times shall ever be

Ordered by His wise decree.

Times of sickness, times of health,

Times of penury and wealth;

Times of trial and of grief,

Time of triumph and relief.

Times the tempter’s power to prove,

Times to taste a Savior’s love:

All must come, and last and end,

As shall please my heavenly Friend.

Plagues and deaths around me fly,

Till He bids I cannot die:

Not a single shaft can hit

Till the God of love thinks fit.

O Thou Gracious, Wise and Just,

In Thy hands my life I trust:

Have I somewhat dearer still?

I resign it to Thy will.

May I always own Thy hand

Still to the surrender stand;

Know that Thou art God alone,

I and mine are all Thine own.

Thee, at all times, will I bless;

Having Thee, I all possess;

How can I bereaved be,

Since I cannot part with Thee?