Oh Saviour, I have promised

O Jesus, I have promised
To serve thee till the end;
Be thou forever near me,
My Master and my Friend:
I shall not fear the battle
If Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway
If Thou wilt be my guide.

Oh, let me feel Thee near me;
The world is ever near.
I see the sights that dazzle,
The tempting sounds I hear.
My foes are ever near me,
Around me and within;
But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer,
And shield my soul from sin.

Oh, Jesus thou hast promised
To all who follow Thee,
That when Thou art in glory
There shall Thy servant be;
And, Jesus, I have promised
To serve the till the end.
Oh! Give me grace to follow,
My Master and my Friend.

- John E. Bode