1. Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin? The blood of Jesus whispers peace within. 2. Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties pressed? To do the will of Jesus, this is rest. 3. Peace, perfect peace, with sorrows surging round? On Jesus' bosom naught but calm is found. 4. Peace, perfect peace, with loved ones far away? In Jesus' keeping we are safe, and they. 5. Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown? Jesus we know, and He is on the throne. 6. Peace, perfect peace, death shadowing us and ours? Jesus has vanquished death and all its powers. 7. It is enough: earth's struggles soon shall cease, And Jesus, call us to heav'n's perfect peace.
Lyrics: Edward Henry Bickersteth
Music: George Thomas Caldbeck
Tune: PAX TECUM
Meter: Irregular meter
Edward H. Bickersteth, 1825–1906
This hymn was written by an English minister of the Anglican church. Edward Bickersteth, Jr. served as the Bishop of Exeter, England, and became well-known for his many books of sermons, poetry, and hymns.
While vacationing in August, 1875, Bickersteth heard a sermon on Isaiah 26:3 and was deeply moved by the way this verse reads in Hebrew: “Thou wilt keep him in peace, peace whose mind is stayed on Thee … ” The repetition of the word conveyed the idea of absolute perfection. That afternoon while visiting a dying aged relative, Bickersteth read this verse from Isaiah to comfort the man. Then at the bedside he quickly composed the lines of this hymn text just as it reads today.