Hymnal: The Christian Hymn-Book
Date: 1815
Compiler: John Thompson et al
Publisher/Printer: Looker and Wallace
First Line: Sweet was the time when first I felt
Topic: The Backslider Returning to God
Writer: <no first name given> <no last name given>
Composer:
Meter: CM
Tune:
Hymn Number: 28
Page Number: 026, click to see hymnal pages
LyicsSweet was the time when first I felt
The Saviour's pard'ning blood,
Applied to cleanse my soul from guilt,
And bring me home to God.
Soon as the morn the light reveal'd,
His praises tun'd my tongue;
And when the evening shades prevail'd,
His love was all my song.
In vain the tempter spread his wiles,
The world no more could charm;
I liv'd upon my Saviour's smiles,
And lean'd upon his arm.
In prayer my soul drew near the Lord,
And saw his glory shine;
And when I read his holy word,
I call'd each promise mine.
Then to his saints I often spoke,
Of what his love had done;
But now my heart is almost broke,
For all my joys are gone.
Now, when the evening shade prevails,
My soul in darkness mourns;
And when the morn the light recalls,
No light to me returns.
My prayers are now a chatt'ring noise,
For Jesus hides his face;
I read: the promise reach'd my eyes,
But does not reach my case.
Now Satan threatens to prevail,
And make my soul his prey;
Yet Lord, thy mercies cannot fail,
O come without delay.