Jacob’s Ladder
If the Lord our leader be, We may follow without fear; East or West, by land or sea, Home, with him, is everywhere; When from Esau Jacob fled, Though his pillow was a stone, And the ground his humble bed, Yet he was not left alone. Kings are often waking kept, Racked with cares on beds of state; Never king like Jacob slept. For he lay at heaven's gate: Lo! he saw a ladder reared, Reaching to the heav'nly throne; At the top the Lord appeared, Spake and claimed him for his own. 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 accomplished all. 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 affirming flesh and blood, Jesus heav'n and earth unites; We by faith ascend to God, God to dwell with us delights. 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.
John Newton’s other poems:
