Author: Benjamin Beddome, 1717-1795 Meter: 8.7.8.7 D Appears in 3 hymnals First Line: When oppressed with sore affliction Lyrics:
1 When oppressed with sore affliction,
In the sacred word I find
Antidotes against dejection,
Sovereign balm to heal the mind;
As I turn the volume over,
And explore each ample page,
Treasures new I oft discover
Which my warmest thoughts engage.
2 But at times, alas, I wander,
Seem to read the word in vain,
And too oft that time I squander,
When true wisdom I might gain,
Pardon, Lord, my inattention,
Sacred energy impart,
To restore from this declension,
My deceitful, wandering heart.
3 Shed on me Thy rays transporting,
Dissipate the gloom within,
May I to Thy word resorting,
Rescued be from every sin;
Let the joys of Thy salvation,
Ever hence my powers engage,
Send Thy truth to every nation,
Bid it shine from age to age.
Used With Tune: SAILING Text Sources: Hymns Adapted to Public Worship (London: Burton & Briggs, 1818)
When Oppressed With Sore Afflcition