Book III · Hymn 31 · Return, O Lord, How Long

John Newton

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.