64    7s     J. Ryland
God’s Decrees. Eccles. 3. 1-8, 17; Ps. 31. 14, 15

1 Sovereign Ruler of the skies,
  Ever gracious, ever wise;
  All my times are in thy hand,
  All events at thy command.

2 His decree who formed the earth
  Fixed my first and second birth;
  Parents, native place, and time,
  All appointed were by him.

3 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.

4 [Times of sickness; times of health;
  Times of penury and wealth;
  Times of trial and of grief;
  Times of triumph and relief;

5 Times the tempter’s power to prove;
  Times to taste the Saviour’s love;
  All must come, and last, and end,
  As shall please my heavenly Friend.]

6 Plagues and deaths around me fly;
  Till he bids, I cannot die;
  Not a single shaft can hit,
  Till the God of love sees fit.