In the Salvation Army Song Book, the song "I would be true" has only two verses, but with a chorus added, "Jesus will help me,"
I came across the song which has six verses.
I would be true, for there are those who trust me;
I would be pure, for there are those who care;
I would be strong, for there is much to suffer;
I would be brave, for there is much to dare.
I would be friend of all - the foe, the friendless;
I would be giving, and forget the gift;
I would be humble, for I know my weakness;
I would look up, and laugh, and love and lift.
I would be faithful through each passing moment;
I would be constantly in touch with God;
I would be strong to follow where He leads me;
I would have faith to keep the path Christ trod.
Who is so low that I am not his brother?
Who is so high that I've no path for him?
Who is so poor, that I may not feel his hunger?
Who is so rich that I may not pity him?
Who is so hurt I may not know his heartache?
Who sings for joy my heart may never share?
Who in God's heaven has passed beyond my vision?
Who to hell's depths where I may never fare?
May none, then, call on me for understanding,
May none, then, turn to me for help in pain,
And drain alone his bitter cup of sorrow,
Or find he knocks upon my heart in vain.
Impossible to accomplish what I desire to be and to do without the help of God. So I need to add that prayer
Jesus will help me
He is my Friend;
He'll lead I will follow
Till life's very end.
Greetings from Wordwise Hymns. Your post caught my attention because I posted an article on this hymn today. Actually, the original song by Howard Walter, had only three stanzas (the first three you quote) and no refrain. The last three stanzas were written by Samuel Harlow, after Walter's death.
ReplyDeleteHe claimed he had a dream in which Howard Walter asked him to add the last stanzas! Whether this is true or not, Mr. Harlow's stanzas certainly don't match what has come before. They seem to be an entirely different song. Just thought you might be interested.