Father of Mercies, in Thy Word

367 Father of Mercies, in Thy Word

1 Father of mercies, in Thy word,
   What endless glory shines!
   Forever be Thy name adored
   For these celestial lines.

2 Here springs of mercy rise
   To cheer the fainting mind,
   And thirsty souls receive supplies,
   And sweet refreshment find.

3 O may these heavenly pages be
   My ever dear delight.
   And still new beauties may I see,
   And still increasing light.

4 Divine Instructor, gracious Lord,
   Be Thou forever near:
   Teach me to love Thy sacred word
   And view my Savior there.
                         Anne Steele
                         The Methodist Hymnal, 1964 edition

<idle musing>
Although I don't recall ever singing this song, it seems fairly popular, occurring in more than 750 hymnals. The variations are many; even aside from the verses chosen, the wording varies among them. As usual, Cyberhymnal has the most complete version:

2. Here may the wretched sons of want
   Exhaustless riches find;
   Riches above what earth can grant,
   And lasting as the mind.

3. Here the fair tree of knowledge grows
   And yields a free repast;
   And richer fruits than nature shows
   Invite the longing taste.

4. Amidst these gloomy wilds below,
   When dark and sad we stray,
   Here beams of Heaven relieve our woe,
   And guide to endless day.

6. Here the Redeemer’s welcome voice
   Spreads heavenly peace around
   And life and everlasting joys
   Attend the blissful sound.

</idle musing>