I left the God of truth and light

Verse 1

I left the God of truth and light, I left the God who gave me breath, To wander in the wilds of night, And perish in the snares of death.

Verse 2

Sweet was His service, and His yoke Was light and easy to be borne; Through all His bands of love I broke, I cast away His gifts with scorn.

Verse 3

I danced in folly's giddy maze, And drank the sea, and chased the wind; But falsehood lurk'd in all her ways, Her laughter left remorse behind.

Verse 4

I dream'd of bliss in pleasure's bowers, While pillowing roses stayed my head; But serpents hiss'd among the flowers; I woke, and thorns were all my bed.

Verse 5

In riches, when I sought for joy, And placed in sordid gain my trust, I found that gold was all alloy, And worldly treasure--fleeting dust.

Verse 6

I woo'd ambition, climb'd the pole, And shone among the stars,--but fell, Headlong in all my pride of soul, Like Lucifer, from heaven to hell.

Verse 7

Heart-broken, friendless, poor, cast down, Where shall the chief of sinners fly, Almighty Vengeance! from thy frown-- Eternal Justice! from thine eye?

Verse 8

Lo, through the gloom of guilty fears, My faith discerns a dawn of grace; The Sun of Righteousness appears In Jesus' reconciling face.

Verse 9

My suffering, slain, and risen Lord, In sore distress I turn to Thee, I claim acceptance on Thy word, My God! my God! forsake not me.

Verse 10

Prostrate before the mercy seat, I dare not, if I would, despair; None ever perish'd at Thy feet, And I will lie for ever there.