I vow to you, my Saviour, all earthly things above

I vow to you, my Saviour, all earthly things above,
entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love;
the love that asks no questions, the love that stands the test,
that lays upon his altar the dearest and the best;
the love that never falters, the love that knows the price,
the love that stands indebted before your sacrifice.

And there's a royal country I've heard of long ago,
it speaks of grace and heaven, a place that all may know;
we may not count her armies, we may not see her King;
her emblem on a hilltop, the Cross of suffering,
and soul by soul and silently, her citizens increase,
her ways are ways of gentleness and all her paths are peace.

O tell me of the Kingdom that stands the test of time,
O lead me to its gateway, and speak the word sublime
that tells me I'm forgiven, my name is in the Book,
the Cross of Jesus holds me, as heavenward I look;
baptised into a living hope, I'll walk the path that's new;
and the prize of God in Jesus for ever I'll pursue.

So light the fire within me, and let me fan the flame,
and fill me with the Spirit, that I may bear your Name;
in season and in hardship, to run my given race,
O keep me ever-burning until I see your face.
I vow to you, my Saviour, that where your feet have trod,
I'll serve and follow faithfully, my Master and my God!

after Sir Cecil Spring-Rice (1859-1918)
revised and expanded Richard Bewes
Tune: Thaxted: Gustav Holst, (1874-1934)
verses 1 and 2 © in this version Richard Bewes / admin The Jubilate Group
verses 3 and 4 © Richard Bewes / admin The Jubilate Group