Hymnal: The Christian Hymn Book
Date: 1865
Compiler: Alexander Campbell
Publisher/Printer: Central Book Concern
First Line: When gathering clouds around I view
Topic: The New Life/Afflictions
Writer: Robert Grant
Composer:
Meter: LM six lines
Tune:
Hymn Number: 999
Page Number: 592, click to see hymnal pages
LyicsWhen gathering clouds around I view,
And days are dark and friends are few;
On him I lean, who not in vain,
Experienced every human pain.
He sees my wants, allays my fears,
And counts and treasures up my tears.
If aught should tempt my soul to stray
From heavenly wisdom's narrow way,
To fly the good I would pursue,
Or do the ill I would not do;
Still, he who felt temptation's power,
Will guard me in that dangerous hour.
When, sorrowing, o'er some stone I bend,
Which covers all that was a friend;
And from his had, his voice, his smile,
Divides me for a little while --
My Saviour marks the tears I shed,
For "Jesus wept" o'er Lazarus dead.
And, O! when I have safely pass'd
Through every conflict but the last,
Still, Lord, unchanging, watch beside
My dying bed, for thou hast died;
Then point to realms of cloudless day,
And wipe the latest tear away.