A word from a friend brought to my attention this song. I looked up the words and I found them to be quite a deep sermon apart from the music. Sometimes we just sing the syllables and do not listen to the words. And this is quite apart from the fact that many churches do not sing hymns. The psalmist does say in a number of psalms sing to the lord a new song, but we did not throw out the book of psalms did we? Maybe we no longer sing the psalms as they did but the words do not get old. Ruminate on these words they are quite a sermon for this busy culture.
Words: William D. Longstaff, 1882.
Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God's children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.
Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.
Take time to be holy, let Him be thy Guide;
And run not before Him, whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,
And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.
Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
Each thought and each motive beneath His control.
Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.
Sabbath peace, and bless God on this wonderful day He has made.
