The Hartford Selection of Hymns from the Most Approved Authors ‎#CIX

CIX. The spirit of God insensibly withdrawn

1 A present God is all our strength,
And all our joy and hope;
When he withdraws, our comforts die,
And every grace must droop.

2 But flattering trifles charm our hearts
To court their false embrace,
Till justly this neglected friend
Averts his angry face.

3 He leaves us and we miss him not;
But go presumptuous on,
Till baffled, wounded, and enslav'd,
We learn that God is gone.

4 And what, my soul, can then remain
One ray of light to give?
Sever'd from him, their better life,
How can his children live?

5 Hence, all ye painted forms of joy,
And leave my heart to mourn:
I would devote these eyes to tears,
Till chear'd by his return.

6 Look back, my Lord, and own the place,
Where once thy temple stood;
For lo, its ruins bear the mark
Of rich atoning blood.

Text Information

• First Line: A present God is all our strength
• Title: The spirit of God insensibly withdrawn
• Meter: C. M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1799
• Scripture:
  Judges 16:20
• Topic: Spirit: Withdrawn

Tune Information

(No tune information)