Olney Hymns (1840)/Book 1/Hymn 9

9.
Jacob's Ladder.—Gen. xxviii, 12.

1 If the Lord our leader be,
We may follow without fear;
East or west, by land or sea,
Home with him is every where.
When from Esau Jacob fled,
Though his pillow was a stone,
And the ground his humble bed,
Yet he was not left alone.

2 Kings are often waking kept,
Rack'd with cares on beds of state:
Never king like Jacob slept,
For he lay at heaven's gate.
Lo! he saw a ladder rear'd,
Reaching to the heavenly throne;
At the top the Lord appeared,
Spake, and claim'd him for his own:—

3 "Fear not, Jacob, thou art mine,
And my presence with thee goes;
On thy heart my love shall shine,
And my arm subdue thy foes:
From my promise comfort take,
For my help in trouble call;
Never will I thee forsake
Till I have accomplish'd all."

4 Well does Jacob's ladder suit
To the gospel throne of grace;
We are at the ladder's foot,
Every hour, in every place.
By assuming flesh and blood,
Jesus heaven and earth unites;
We by faith ascend to God,
God to dwell with us delights.

5 They who know the Saviour's name
Are for all events prepared;
What can changes do to them,
Who have such a guide and guard?
Should they traverse earth around,
To the ladder still they come:
Every spot is holy ground,—
God is there, and he's their home.