1857 7. 7 7
SOVEREIGN Ruler of the skies!
   Ever gracious, ever wise!
All my times are in Thy hand,
All events at Thy command.
 
2  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.
 
3  Times of sickness, times of health;
Times of poverty and wealth;
Times of trial and of grief;
Times of triumph and relief;
 
4  Times the tempter’s power to prove;
Times to taste a Saviour’s love:
All must come, and last, and end,
As shall please my heavenly Friend.
 
5  Plagues and deaths around me fly,
Till He bids I cannot die:
Not a single shaft can hit
Till the God of love thinks fit.
 
6  O Thou gracious, wise and just,
In Thy hands my life I trust:
Thee, at all times, will I bless;
Having Thee, I all possess.
 
John Ryland, 1753-1825