The Christians Duty, exhibited, in a series of Hymns ‎#CCCXVIII

CCCXVIII. Return of Joy

1 When Darkness long has vail'd my Mind,
And smiling Day once more appears;
Then, my Redeemer, then I find
The Folly of my Doubts and Fears.

2 I chide my unbelieving Heart,
And blush that I should ever be
Thus prone to act so base a part,
Or harbor one hard Thought of thee!

3 O! let me then at length be taught
(What I am still so slow to learn)
That GOD is Love, and changes not,
Nor knows the Shadow of a Turn.

4 Sweet Truth, and easy to repeat!
But when my Faith is sharply try'd
I find myself a Learner yet,
Unskilful, weak, and apt to slide.

5 But O my LORD, one look from thee
Subdues the disobedient Will;
Drives Doubt and Discontent away,
And thy rebellious Worm is still.

6 Thou art as ready to forgive,
As I am ready to repine;
Thou, therefore, all the praise receive;
Be Shame, and Self-abhorrence, mine.

Text Information

• First Line: When Darkness long has vail'd my Mind
• Title: Return of Joy
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1791
• Topic: Faith and Obedience

Tune Information

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