The Cyber Hymnal ‎#9483

9483. When I Survey Life's Varied Scene

1 When I survey life’s varied scene,
Amid the darkest hours,
Sweet rays of comfort shine between,
And thorns are mixed with flowers.

2 Lord, teach me to adore Thy hand,
From whence my comforts flow,
And let me in this desert land
A glimpse of Canaan know.

3 Is health and ease my happy share?
O may I bless my God;
Thy kindness let my songs declare,
And spread Thy praise abroad.

4 While such delightful gifts as these
Are kindly dealt to me,
Be all my hours of health and ease
Devoted, Lord, to Thee.

5 In griefs and pains Thy sacred Word
(Dear solace of my soul!)
Celestial comforts can afford,
And all their power control.

6 When present sufferings pain my heart,
Or future terrors rise,
And light and hope almost depart,
From these dejected eyes,

7 Thy powerful Word supports my hope,
Sweet cordial of the mind,
And bears my fainting spirit up,
And bids me wait resigned.

8 And, O, whate’er of earthly bliss
Thy sovereign hand denies,
Accepted at Thy throne of grace,
Let this petition rise;

9 ‟Give me a calm, a thankful heart,
From every murmur free;
The blessings of Thy grace impart,
And let me live to Thee.

10 Let the sweet hope that Thou art mine,
My path of life attend;
Thy presence through my journey shine,
And bless its happy end."

Text Information

• First Line: When I survey life’s varied scene
• Title: When I Survey Life's Varied Scene
• Author (attributed to): Anne Steele
• Meter: CM
• Language: English
• Source: Poems on Subjects Chiefly Devotional, 1760
• Copyright: Public Domain
• Notes: Alternate Tunes: BEATITUDO by John B. Dykes; WILTSHIRE by George T. Smart

Tune Information

• Name: NAOMI
• Composer: Hans Nägeli, 1773-1836
• Arranger: Lowell Mason
• Meter: CM
• Key: D Major
• Copyright: Public Domain