Author: John Newton Meter: 8.6.8.6 Appears in 343 hymnals Lyrics: 1 Sweet was the time when first I felt
The Savior’s pardoning blood
Applied, to cleanse my soul from guilt,
And bring me home to God.
2 Soon as the morn the light revealed,
His praises tuned my tongue;
And when the evening shades prevailed,
His love was all my song.
3 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.
4 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.
5 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.
6 Now when the evening shade prevails,
My soul in darkness mourns,
And when the morn the light reveals,
No light to me returns.
7 My prayers are now a chattering noise,
For Jesus hides His face;
I read, the promise meets my eyes,
But will not reach my case.
8 Now Satan threatens to prevail,
And make my soul his prey;
Yet, Lord, Thy mercies cannot fail,
O come without delay. Used With Tune: EVAN Text Sources: Olney Hymns (London, W. Oliver, 1779)
Sweet Was The Time When First I Felt