Give Me That Old Time Gospel

[Soldier4Christ]

Of Deliverance from Death

O Lord, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit. Psalm 30:3

Thy mercy chased the shades of death,
And snatch'd me from the grave;
Oh may thy praise employ that breath
Which mercy deigns to save!

[Soldier4Christ]

Of the Vanity of Human Life

And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrimage are an hundred and thirty years: few and evil have the days of the years of my life been. Gen. 47:9

This life's a dream, an empty show,
But the bright world to which we go
Hath joys substantial and sincere:
When shall I wake, and find me there?

[Soldier4Christ]

Of Departed Friends

I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 1 Thess. 4:13, 14

Though loved and lost, not ours the pang of those
Whose earth-born grief no heavenly balsam knows:
We would not call their spirits from their home
Where sin assails them not, and sorrow cannot come.

[Soldier4Christ]

Aged Believer's Retrospect

O God, thou has taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not. Psalm 71:17, 18

Still hath my life new wonders seen
Repeated every year:
Behold, my days which yet remain
I trust them to thy care.

[Soldier4Christ]

Retrospection Should Lead to Gratitude

What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. Psalm 116:12, 13

When all thy mercies, O my God,
My rising soul surveys,
Transported with the view I'm lost
In wonder, love and praise.

[Soldier4Christ]

Retrospection Should Lead to Self-Examination

I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times. I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search. Psalm 77:5, 6

Help me, O Lord, to try my heart,
To search with strictest care,
And all my thoughts, and words, and ways,
With Scripture to compare.

[Soldier4Christ]

Retrospection Should Lead to Self-Abasement

And Jacob said, I am not worthy of the least of all thy mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant. Gen. 32:10

Unworthy, Lord, of all
Thy mercies though we be,
Yet for the greatest we may call,
The greatest are most free.

[Soldier4Christ]

Retrospection Should Lead to Repentance

Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more: that which I see not teach thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more. Job 34:31, 32

In thought, in will, in word and deed,
What evils have I done,
Against the God of grace and love,
His Spirit and his Son?

[Soldier4Christ]

Retrospection Should Lead to Amendment of Life

I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments. Psalm 119:59, 60

Thou art my portion, O my God;
Soon as I know thy way,
My heart makes haste to obey thy word,
And suffers no delay.

[Soldier4Christ]

Retrospection Should Lead to Confidence in God

Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee. For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. Psalm 116:7, 8

For this, when future sorrows rise,
To him will I direct my cries;
For this, through all my future days,
Adore his name, and sing his praise.

[Soldier4Christ]

Retrospection Should Lead to Devotedness to God

Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you. 1 Sam. 12:24

My God, my King, thy various praise
Shall fill the remnant of my days;
Thy grace employ my humble tongue
Till death and glory raise the song.

May every hour successive bear
Some thankful tribute to thine ear;
And by thy grace accepted be,
As works of love perform'd for Thee.

[Soldier4Christ]

Believer's Confidence in God

My times are in thy hand: make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies' sake. Psalm 31:15, 16

"My times are in thy hand,"
My God, I wish them there;
My life, my friends, my soul, I leave
Entirely to thy care.

[Soldier4Christ]

Of Future Support

Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Psalm 37:3, 4

The birds without barn or storehouse are fed;
From them let us learn to trust for our bread:
His saints what is fitting shall ne'er be denied,
So long as 'tis written, The Lord will provide.

[Soldier4Christ]

Of Deliverance from Trouble

Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth. Psalm 71:20

From every piercing sorrow
That heaves our breast to-day,
Or threatens us to-morrow,
Hope turns our eyes away;
On wings of faith ascending,
We see the land of light,
And feel our sorrows ending
In infinite delight.

[Soldier4Christ]

Of Being Kept by Christ

I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 2 Tim. 1:12

Beneath his smiles my heart has liv'd,
And part of heaven possess'd;
I thank him for the grace receiv'd,
And trust him for the rest.