Hold Thou my hand! so weak I am, and helpless,
I dare not take one step without Thy aid;
Hold Thou my hand! for then, O loving Saviour,
No dread of ill shall make my soul afraid.
Hold Thou my hand! and closer, closer draw me
To Thy dear self — my hope, my joy, my all:
Hold Thou my hand, lest haply I should wander;
And, missing Thee, my trembling feet should fall.
Hold Thou my hand! the way is dark before me
Without the sunlight of Thy face divine;
But when by faith I catch its radiant glory,
What heights of joy, what rapturous songs are mine!
Hold Thou my hand! that when I reach the margin
Of that lone river Thou didst cross for me,
A heavenly light may flash along its waters,
And every wave like crystal bright shall be.