778    104th     J. Hart
“Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.” 1 Sam. 7. 12

1 Though strait be the way, with dangers beset,
  And we on the way are no farther yet,
  Our good Guide and Saviour has helped us thus far;
  And ’tis by his favour we are what we are.

2 [A favour so great we highly should prize;
  Not murmur, nor fret, nor small things despise.
  But what call we small things – sin’s whole cancelled sum?
  ’Tis greater than all things, except those to come.]

3 My brethren, reflect on what we have been,
  How God had respect to us under sin;
  When lower and lower we every day fell,
  He stretched forth his power, and snatched us from hell.

4 Then let us rejoice, and cheerfully sing,
  With heart and with voice, to Jesus our King,
  Who thus far has brought us from evil to good;
  The ransom that bought us, no less than his blood.

5 For blessings like these, so bounteously given,
  For prospects of peace and foretastes of heaven,
  ’Tis grateful, ’tis pleasant, to sing, and adore;
  Be thankful for present, and then ask for more.