Oh That I Were as in Months Past!

I

Sweet was the time when first I felt
  The Saviour’s pard’ning blood
Applied, to cleanse my soul from guilt,
  And bring me home to God.

II

Soon as the morn the light reveal’d,
  His praises tuned my tongue;
And when the evening shades prevail’d,
  His love was all my song:

III

In vain the tempter spread his wiles,
  The world no more could charm;
I lived upon my Saviour’s smiles,
  And lean’d upon his arm.

IV

In pray’r my soul drew near the Lord,
  And saw his glory shine;
And when I read his holy word
  I call’d each promise mine.

V

Then to his saints I often spoke
  Of what his love hath done:
But now my heart is almost broke,
  For all my joys are gone.

VI

Now when the evening shade prevails,
  My soul in darkness mourns;
And when the morn the light reveals,
  No light to me returns.

VII

My pray’rs are now a chatt’ring noise,
  For Jesus hides his face;
I read, the promise meets my eyes,
  But will not reach my case.

VIII

Now Satan threatens to prevail,
  And make my soul his prey;
Yet, Lord, thy mercies cannot fail:
  O come without delay!