Source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library (Olney Hymns, 1779)
Source URL: https://ccel.org/ccel/newton/olneyhymns
Public domain basis: First published London, 1779; Newton d. 1807, Cowper d. 1800. CCEL first-edition transcription. US public domain.
Coverage: Complete individual poem extracted from parent edition olney-hymns at bytes 310460-311368; checksum 2b9b748e84b3c3a3c23e5c5c4b60ca9181ecc07b9ed5215e8fff7c8074de17b0.


# Return, O LORD, how long

Hymn 31

John Newton

8,8,8,8

Return, O LORD, how long.

Return to bless my waiting eyes,

And cheer my mourning heart, O LORD!

Without thee, all beneath the skies

No real pleasure can afford.

When thy loved presence meets my sight,

It softens care, and sweetens toil;

The sun shines forth with double light,

The whole creation wears a smile.

Upon thine arm of love I rest,

Thy gracious voice forbids my fear;

No storms disturb my peaceful breast,

No foes assault when thou art near.

But ah! since thou hast been away,

Nothing but trouble have I known;

And Satan marks me for his prey

Because he sees me left alone.

My sun is hid, my comforts lost,

My graces droop, my sins revive;

Distressed, dismayed, and tempest-tossed,

My soul is only just alive!

LORD, hear my cry and come again!

Put all mine enemies to shame,

And let them see, 'tis not in vain

That I have trusted in thy name.