Sovereign Ruler Of The Skies

Sovereign Ruler of the skies.
Ever gracious,ever wise;
All my times are in thy hand,
All events at thy command.

His decree who formed the earth
Fixed my first and second birth;
Parents,native place,and time,
All appointed were by him.

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.

Times of sickness;times of health;
Times of poverty and wealth;
Times of trial and of grief;
Times of triumph and relief;

Times the tempter's power to prove;
Times to taste the Savior's love;
All must come,and last,and end,
As shall please my heavenly Friend.

Plagues and deaths around me fly
Till he bids,I cannot die;
Not a single shaft can hit,
Till the God of love sees fit. Amen.

John Ryland (1753-1825)