A Pocket hymn-book, designed as a constant companion for the pious: collected from various authors (11th ed.) C. How tedious and tasteless the hours

A Pocket hymn-book, designed as a constant companion for the pious‎#C

Text:

C. How tedious and tasteless the hours

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1 How tedious and tasteless the hours,
When Jesus no longer I see;
Sweet prospects, sweet birds, and sweet flow'rs,
Have all lost their sweetness to me:
The mid-summer sun shines but dim,
The fields strive in vain to look gay;
But when I am happy in him,
December's as pleasant as May.

2 His name yields the richest perfume,
And sweeter than music his voice;
His presence disperses my gloom,
And makes all within me rejoice.
I should, were he always thus nigh,
Have nothing to wish or to fear;
No monarch so happy as I,
My summer would last all the year.

3 Content with beholding his face,
My All to his pleasure resign'd,
No changes of seasons or place,
Would make any change in my mind:
While bless'd with the sense of his love,
A palace a toy would appear;
And prisons would palaces prove,
If Jesus would dwell with me there.

4 Dear Lord, if indeed I am thine,
If thou art my sun and my song;
Say, why do I languish and pine,
And why are my winter so long?
O drive those dark clouds from my sky,
Thy soul-cheering presence restore;
Or take me to thee up on high,
Where winter and clouds are no more.