Eternal Father, Strong to Save

The Hymn "Eternal Father, Strong to Save" was one of those sung at the hymn service lead by Revd. Ernest Courtenay Carter.

William Whiting (1825-1878) wrote the lyrics, in 1860, as a poem for a student about to sail for America. Tyew music "Melita," by John Bacchus Dykes (1823-1876) was written in 1860. Dykes named the tune after a locale associated with a Biblical shipwreck. Melita was the island the Apostle Paul reached after his ship went down (Acts 28:1); today known as Malta.

1. Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who biddest the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!

2. O Christ! Whose voice the waters heard
And hushed their raging at Thy Word,
Who walked on the foaming deep,
And calm amidst its rage didst sleep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!

3. Most Holy Spirit! Who didst brood
Upon the chaos dark and rude,
And bid its angry tumult cease,
And give, for wild confusion, peace;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!

4. O Trinity of love and power!
Our family shield in danger's hour;
From rock and tempest, fire and foe,
Protect us wheresoever we go;
Thus evermore shall rise to Thee
Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.

Samples
Melita (Dykes) (midi)

Links
The Cyber Hymnal (http://www.cyberhymnal.org/)