African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal ‎#463

463. How Tedious and Tasteless the Hours

1 How tedious and tasteless the hours
When Jesus no longer I see!
Sweet prospects, sweet birds, and sweet flowers,
Have all lost their sweetness to me;
The midsummer sun shines but dim,
The fields strive in vain to look gay;
But when I am happy in Him,
December's as pleasant as May.

2 His name yields the richest perfume,
And sweeter than music His voice;
His presence disperses my gloom,
And makes all within me rejoice;
I should, were He always thus nigh,
Have nothing to wish or to fear;
No mortal so happy as I,
My summer would last all the year.

3 Content with beholding His face,
My all to His pleasure resigned,
No changes of seasons or place
Would make any change in my mind:
While blest with a sense of His love,
A palace a toy would appear;
And prisons would palaces prove,
If Jesus would dwell with me there.

4 Dear Lord, if indeed I am Thine,
If Thou art my sun and my song,
Say, why do I languish and pine,
And why are my winters so long?
O drive these dark clouds from my sky,
Thy soul-cheering presence restore;
Or take me to Thee upon high,
Where winter and clouds are no more.

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: How tedious and tasteless the hours
• Title: How Tedious and Tasteless the Hours
• Author: John Newton, 1725-1807
• Meter: 8.8.8.8.D.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2011
• Scripture:
  Psalm 30:1
  ;
  Acts 4:12
• Topic: The Christian Life: Joy and Peace; Joy

Tune Information

• Name: CONTRAST
• Meter: 8.8.8.8.D.
• Key: G Major or modal
• Source: Early American melody