Hymnal: The Christian Hymn Book
Date: 1865
Compiler: Alexander Campbell
Publisher/Printer: Central Book Concern
First Line: Oh that I could for ever dwell
Topic: The New Life/Private Devotions
Writer: <no first name given> Reed
Composer:
Meter: LM
Tune:
Hymn Number: 981
Page Number: 582, click to see hymnal pages
LyicsOh that I could for ever dwell,
Delighted at the Saviour's feet;
Behold the form I love so well,
And all his tender words repeat!
The world shut out from all my soul,
And heaven brought in with all its bliss,
O! is there aught, from pole to pole,
One moment to compare with this?
This is the hidden life I prize-
A life of penitential love;
When I my follies most despise,
And raise my highest thoughts above;
When all I am I clearly see,
And freely own with deepest shame;
When the Redeemer's love to me
Kindles within a deathless flame.
Thus would I live till nature fail,
And all my former sins forsake;
Then rise to God within the vail,
And of eternal joys partake.