Hymn 286. The Christian’s Noblest Resolution

 Josh. 24. 15.

         Ah wretched souls, who strive in vain,

         Slaves to the world, and slaves to sin!

         A nobler toil may I sustain,

         A nobler satisfaction win.

         May I resolve with all my heart,                                               

         With all my powers to serve the Lord,

         Nor from his precepts e’er depart,

         Whose service is a rich reward.

         O be his service all my joy,

         Around let my example shine,                                                              

         Till others love the blest employ,

         And join in labours so divine.

         Be this the purpose of my soul,

         My solemn my determin’d choice,

         To yield to his supreme controul,                                                         

         And in his kind commands rejoice.

         O may I never faint nor tire,

         Nor wandering leave his sacred ways;

         Great God, accept my soul’s desire,

         And give me strength to live thy praise.

Text: Timothy Whelan, gen. ed., Nonconformist Women Writers, 8 vols. (London: Pickering & Chatto, 2011), vol. 1, pp. 141-42; Collection of Hymns Adapted to Public Worship, no. 286 (all stanzas); Poems, 1780, vol. 1, pp. 161-62; MS, Steele Collection, STE 3/1/1 no. 89, Angus Library, Regents Park College,  Oxford.