O Jesus Christ, when Thou didst dwell

O Jesus Christ, when Thou didst dwell
On earth with mortals long ago,
The heavy-laden knew Thee well,
And Thou didst heed their cry of woe.

And Thou didst hear the humble prayer
That told the sorrow of the soul;
And to the spirit crushed by care
Thou gav'st the word that made it whole.

The darkened mind with heavenly light
Thou, from Thy presence, didst illume;
And day returning after night,
Dispelled their dismal clouds of gloom.

And eyes with sorrow filled were made
To shine with hope like early morn;
Enduring joys for those that fade,
Thou gav'st their sadness to adorn.

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And Thou, O Christ, art still the same,
Time hath not chilled Thy loving heart;
Come then, as Christ in mercy came,
And now, as then, Thyself impart.

We need Thee still; O gracious Lord,
In all our sin, and grief, and pain,
Come then, and let Thy living word
Enrich our needy lives again.