How Gentle God's Commands

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A friend recently gave me a small paperback World War I Service Songbook for my hymnal collection. What a treasure!

Leafing through the pages, I reflected on our young men, serving America in muddy trenches on the front lines of France. I imagined how, in quiet moments, the weary soldiers gathered around the chaplain for a brief time of worship. I pictured them opening up these little red books, and drawing a good measure of comfort and strength.

Several songs held significant meaning. I was especially drawn to the beautiful lyrics by Philip Doddridge, "How Gentle God's Commands" (sung to tune of "Blest Be the Tie that Binds")

How gentle God's commands;
how kind his precepts are.
Come cast your burdens on the Lord
and trust his constant care.

Beneath his watchful eye
his saints securely dwell.
That hand which bears all nature up
shall guard his children well.

His goodness stands approved,
unchanged from day to day.
I'll drop my burden at his feet
and bear a song away.

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