Sweet was the time when first I felt

Oh that I were as in months past! by John Newton


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


 * Soon as the morn the light revealed,
 * His praises tuned my tongue;
 * And when the evening shades prevailed,
 * His love was all my song.


 * In vain the tempter spread his wiles,
 * The world no more could charm;
 * I lived upon my Savior's smiles,
 * And leaned upon his arm.


 * In prayer my soul drew near the Lord,
 * And saw his glory shine;
 * And when I read his holy word,
 * I called each promise mine.


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


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


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


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