Absence from God

Verse 1

O Thou, whose tender mercy hears Contrition's humble sigh, Whose hand indulgent wipes the tears From sorrow's weeping eye;

Verse 2

See, low before Thy throne of grace, A wretched wanderer mourn; Hast Thou not bid me seek Thy face? Hast Thou not said, return?

Verse 3

And shall my guilty fears prevail To drive me from Thy feet? O let not this dear refuge fail, This only safe retreat!

Verse 4

O shine on this benighted heart, With beams of mercy shine! And let Thy healing voice impart A taste of joys divine.

Verse 5

Thy presence only can bestow Delights which never cloy: Be this my solace here below, And my eternal joy!