1. Jesus, Savior, pilot me Over life's tempestuous sea; Unknown waves before me roll, Hiding rock and treach'rous shoal; Chart and compass come from thee; Jesus, Savior, pilot me! 2. As a mother stills her child, Thou canst hush the ocean wild; Boist'rous waves obey Thy will, When Thou say'st to them, "Be still." Wondrous Sov'reign of the sea, Jesus, Savior, pilot me! 3. When at last I near the shore, And the fearful breakers roar 'Twixt me and the peaceful rest, Then, while leaning on Thy breast, May I hear thee say to me, "Fear not, I will pilot thee."
Lyrics: Edward Hopper
Music: John Edgar Gould
Tune: PILOT
Meter: 7.7.7.7.7.7.
Edward Hopper, 1818–1888
Edward Hopper was a Presbyterian minister with an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree. His most fruitful ministry, however, was with the sailors at the small Church of the Sea and Land in the New York harbor area, where he ministered until his death. Hopper wrote this text especially for the spiritual needs of these sailors from around the world; it became their favorite hymn. The hymn uses only three of the original six verses written by Dr. Hopper.
Edward Hopper died at the age of 70 as he was sitting peacefully in his study, pencil in hand, working on a new poem about heaven. At his funeral this tribute was given: “Suddenly the gentle, affectionate spirit of Edward Hopper entered the heavenly port, as he had requested—safely piloted by that never-failing friend, Jesus, whose divine voice was still tenderly whispering to him, ‘Fear not, I will pilot thee.’ ”