My Master.
‘I love my master; . . . I will not go out free. And he shall
serve him for ever.’—
Ex. xxi. 5, 6.
I
I love, I love my Master,
I will not go out free,
For He is my Redeemer,
He paid the price for me.
II
I would not leave His service,
It is so sweet and blest;
And in the weariest moments
He gives the truest rest.
III
I would not halve my service,
His only it must be,—
His only, who so loved me
And gave Himself for me.
IV
My Master shed His life-blood
My vassal life to win,
And save me from the bondage
Of tyrant self and sin.
V
He chose me for His service,
And gave me power to choose
That blessèd, ‘perfect freedom’
Which I shall never lose:
VI
For He hath met my longing
With word of golden tone,
That I shall serve for ever
Himself, Himself alone.
VII
‘Shall serve Him’ hour by hour,
For He will show me how;
My Master is fulfilling
His promise even now!
VIII
‘Shall serve Him,’ and ‘for ever;’
O hope most sure, most fair!
The perfect love outpouring
In perfect service there!
IX
Rejoicing and adoring,
Henceforth my song shall be:
I love, I love my Master,
I will not go out free!