The Hartford Selection of Hymns ‎#CCLVI

CCLVI. Declension lamented

1 Once, O Lord, thy garden flourish'd,
Ev'ry part look'd gay and green;
Then thy word our spirits nourish'd,
Happy seasons we have seen!

2 But a drought has since succeeded,
And a sad decline we see;
Lord, thy help is greatly needed,
Help can only come from thee.

3 Where are those we counted leaders,
Fill'd with zeal, and love and truth?
Old professors, tall as cedars,
Bright examples to our youth!

4 Some, in whom we once delighted,
We shall meet no more below,
Some, alas! we fear are blighted,
Scarce a single leaf they show.

5 Younger plants--the sight how pleasant,
Cover'd thick with blossoms stood;
But they cause us grief at present,
Frosts have nipp'd them in their bud!

6 Dearest Saviour, hasten hither,
Thou canst make them bloom again;
Oh, permit them not to wither,
Let not all our hopes be vain!

Text Information

• First Line: Once, O Lord, thy garden flourish'd
• Title: Declension lamented
• Refrain First Line: Eights and Sevens
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1799
• Topic: Declension: Lamented
• Notes: Now Public Domain.

Tune Information

(No tune information)