If the Lord our leader be

by John Newton

Jacob's Ladder by John Newton

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 Savior'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.