John Newton 8,8,8,8 Return, O LORD, how long. Return to bless my waiting eyes, And cheer my mourning heart, O LORD! Without thee, all beneath the skies No real pleasure can afford. When thy loved presence meets my sight, It softens care, and sweetens toil; The sun shines forth with double light, The whole creation wears a smile. Upon thine arm of love I rest, Thy gracious voice forbids my fear; No storms disturb my peaceful breast, No foes assault when thou art near. But ah! since thou hast been away, Nothing but trouble have I known; And Satan marks me for his prey Because he sees me left alone. My sun is hid, my comforts lost, My graces droop, my sins revive; Distressed, dismayed, and tempest-tossed, My soul is only just alive! LORD, hear my cry and come again! Put all mine enemies to shame, And let them see, 'tis not in vain That I have trusted in thy name. |