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 every where. 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, Rack’d with cares on beds of state: Never king like Jacob slept, For he lay at heaven’s gate. Lo! he saw a ladder rear’d, Reaching to the heavenly throne; At the top the Lord appeared, Spake, and claim’d 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 accomplish’d 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 assuming flesh and blood, Jesus heaven 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.