Old words

I grew up with the old hymns.

As a child I often wondered at the archaic language in those hymns which at best was indecipherable, at worst misleading and confusing.

Despite the gap between my English and the sometimes inaccessible vocabulary, I still enjoyed singing in the church back home. Over the years, I learned what most of the words meant and understood the sentiment of the lyrics.

Later on, like many of my generation, I welcomed the new praise music that spoke in more familiar terms and allowed me to sing from my heart without barriers.

Lately, however, I've noticed the depth of understanding in some of those old songs. Here's one that caught my attention recently, and although the language isn't native to me, I value highly the words of the writer:

O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I'm constrained to be.
Let thy goodness like a fetter
Bind my wandering heart to thee.

Here's my heart, O take and seal it
Seal it for thy courts above.
Never let me wander from thee,
Never leave the God I love.