Hymns, Selected and Original ‎#380

380. 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 with me.
The mid-summer's 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 so 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 resign'd;
No changes of seasons or place,
Would make any change in my mind:
While bless'd with the 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 winter so long?
O drive those dark clouds from my sky,
Thy soul-cheering presence restore;
Or take me unto thee on high,
Where winter and clouds are no more.

Text Information

• First Line: How tedious and tasteless the hours
• Meter: P. M.
• Publication Date: 1828
• Scripture:
  Psalm 73:25
• Topic: Christian experience: Communion with Christ, and love to him; None upon earth I desire besides thee

Tune Information

(No tune information)