Father!

O Father! What a name by which to call
The Highest God who rules and reigns us all!
What gentle word is chosen to express
That Heav’nly Being whom we may address!

The cost of our adoption is a price
To drain the coffers of his paradise:
The highest Prince of heaven sacrificed
That sinners may be heirs with Jesus Christ!

What sweet affection, of a Father’s love,
Adopts a wretch, and makes him heir above!
He melts the hardened heart with love and grace
And greets the outcast with a warm embrace.

He welcomes us within his royal court
To plead our deepest needs of every sort,
To cast our sorest cares before his throne,
And urges us to share each tear and groan.

No distant monarch is our Friend on high,
No loveless despot rules from brazen sky.
So walk with trust within this passing realm:
A loving Father holds the thrashing helm.