Ye Simple Souls That Stray – Hymn Lyric
“Ye Simple Souls That Stray” is a hymn that emphasizes the need to find peace, wisdom, and happiness in life. It urges those who have lost their way to reconsider their choices and embrace the wisdom that comes from above. The hymn also reminds us of our worth as God’s cherished children and offers hope in times of sorrow.
Table of Contents
Ye Simple Souls That Stray – Hymn Lyric
Ye simple souls, that stray
Far from the path of peace
(That unfrequented way
To life and happiness)
How long will ye your folly love,
And throng the downward road,
And hate the wisdom from above,
And mock the sons of God?
Madness and misery
Ye count our life beneath,
And nothing great can see
Or glorious in our death:
As born to suffer and to grieve
Beneath your feet we lie,
And utterly contemn’d we live,
And unlamented die.
Poor pensive sojourners,
O’erwhelm’d with griefs and woes,
Perplex’d with needless fears,
And pleasure’s mortal foes;
More irksome than a gaping tomb
Our sight ye cannot bear,
Wrapt in the melancholy gloom
Of fanciful despair.
So wretched, and obscure,
The men whom ye despise,
So foolish, weak, and poor
Above your scorn we rise:
Our conscience in the Holy Ghost
Can witness better things,
For he whose blood is all our boast
Hath made us priests and kings.
Riches unsearchable
In Jesus’ love we know,
And pleasures from the well
Of life our souls o’erflow:
From him the Spirit we receive
Of wisdom, grace, and pow’r,
And alway sorrowful we live
Rejoicing evermore.
Angels our servants are,
And keep in all our ways,
And in their hands they bear
The sacred sons of grace;
Our guardians to that heav’nly bliss
They all our steps attend,
And God himself our Father is,
And Jesus is our friend.
With him we walk in white,
We in his image shine,
Our robes are robes of light,
Our righteousness divine:
On all the grov’ling kings of earth
With pity we look down,
And claim, in virtue of our birth,
A never-fading crown.
Meaning of Ye Simple Souls That Stray
Ye Simple Souls That Stray: Embracing the Path of Peace and Wisdom
In this beautiful hymn, we are reminded of the importance of seeking peace, wisdom, and happiness in our lives. The verses speak to those who have strayed from this path, urging them to reconsider their actions and embrace a life filled with God’s love and guidance. It is a message that resonates with all of us, regardless of our age or background.
The hymn begins by addressing those who have veered far away from the path of peace and happiness. It acknowledges that the road they have chosen leads only to folly and mocks the wisdom that comes from above. The author questions why one would willingly choose madness and misery when there is so much more to life. It is a thought-provoking question that invites us to reflect on our own choices and motivations.
As the verses continue, we are introduced to the notion that many view the lives of those who follow the path of peace with contempt and disregard. They see us as poor, weak, and foolish. Yet, the hymn reminds us that in truth, we are far from that. We have been elevated by the wisdom and grace of the Holy Ghost, and through the blood of Christ, we have become priests and kings. It is a powerful statement that affirms our worth and identity as God’s cherished children.
The hymn goes on to highlight the riches and pleasures that come from knowing Jesus’ love. Our souls overflow with joy and wisdom, sourced from the well of life itself. It is through Him that we receive the Holy Spirit, granting us wisdom, grace, and power. Though our lives may be filled with sorrow at times, we choose to rejoice always, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.
As believers, we are not alone in our journey. Angels serve as our faithful servants, guiding and protecting us on our walk of faith. We are reminded that we are not mere mortals, but rather bearers of God’s grace. Our sight transcends the earthly realm as we look down with pity upon earthly kings, aware that our worth lies in the eternal crown that awaits us.
The title of this hymn, “Ye Simple Souls That Stray,” can hold a variety of meanings. It speaks to those who have lost their way, encouraging them to return to the path of peace and wisdom. But it also reminds us that simplicity of heart and mind can be a powerful virtue. Often, it is in simplicity that we find the most profound truths and experiences. It is a call to let go of the complexities and distractions of the world and embrace a childlike faith, trusting in the love and guidance of our Heavenly Father.
In conclusion, “Ye Simple Souls That Stray” is a hymn that reminds us of the importance of seeking peace, wisdom, and happiness in our lives. It calls upon those who have strayed from this path to reconsider their choices and embrace the wisdom from above. It assures us of our worth and identity as God’s children and offers hope in the midst of sorrow. Let us treasure the simplicity of this message and strive to live in the love and grace of our Heavenly Father.
I hope this hymn inspired image brings you hope and peace. Share it with someone who needs it today!
