O for a Closer Walk with God

John Newton · 1779

Catalog grade guidance: 3–5 — Cowper longing hymn; gentle for grades 3–8.

46 content lines · 226 words · Est. recitation about 2 min 52 sec (approx.)

Public-domain text for reading and recitation practice. Source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library (Olney Hymns, 1779).Estimated time uses ~120 words/minute plus short pauses—not a contest rule.

Hymn 3

John Newton

7,6,7,6

We were once as you are.

Shall men pretend to pleasure

Who never knew the LORD?

Can all the worldling's treasure

True peace of mind afford?

They shall obtain this jewel

In what their hearts desire,

When they by adding fuel

Can quench the flame of fire.

Till you can bid the ocean,

When furious tempests roar,
Isa 57:20,21

Forget its wonted motion,

And rage, and swell, no more:

In vain your expectation

To find content in sin;

Or freedom from vexation,

While passions reign within.

Come, turn your thoughts to JESUS,

If you would good possess;

'Tis he alone that frees us

From guilt, and from distress:

When he, by faith, is present,

The sinner's troubles cease;

His ways are truly pleasant,
Pr 3:17

And all his paths are peace.

Our time in sin we wasted,

And fed upon the wind;

Until his love we tasted,

No comfort could we find:

But now we stand to witness

His pow'r and grace to you;

May you perceive its fitness,

And call upon him too!

Our pleasure and our duty,

Though opposite before;

Since we have seen his beauty,

Are joined to part no more:

It is our highest pleasure,

No less than duty's call;

To love him beyond measure,

And serve him with our all.