How Firm a Foundation

How firm a foundation, you saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can He say than to you he has said -
you, who unto Jesus for refuge have fled?

In every condition - in sickness, in health.
in poverty's vale, or abounding in wealth;
at home or abroad, on the land, on the sea,
as days may demand, shall your strength ever be.

'Fear not, I am with you, O be not dismayed!
I, I am your God, and will still give you aid:
I'll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand,
upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.

'When through the deep waters I cause you to go,
the rivers of grief shall not you overflow;
for I will be with you, your troubles to bless,
and sanctify to you your deepest distress.

'When through fiery trials your pathway shall lie,
my grace all-sufficient shall be your supply;
the flame shall not hurt you: I only design
your dross to consume, and your gold to refine.

'The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
that soul, though all hell should endeavour to shake,
I'll never, no never, no never forsake!'

('K' in Rippon's Selection, 1787)