SOVEREIGN Ruler of the skies! Ever gracious, ever wise! All my times are in Thy hand, All events at Thy command.
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 a Saviour’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 thinks fit.
O Thou gracious, wise and just, In Thy hands my life I trust: Thee, at all times, will I bless; Having Thee, I all possess.
John Ryland, 1753-1825