O, those Blissful Hours

1 Blissful hours, when first I knew him--
Jesus, friend of all our race;
When my heart clung fondly to him,
In delighted, firm embrace;
Then no fear nor sorrow shook me,
Of his boundless love possest;
In his saving arms he took me;
I reposed upon his breast.

2 When the sky with morning brighten'd,
And the day came on apace,
He my rising sun enlighten'd.
All my soul with beams of grace;
Upward to my Saviour springing,
On the wings of faith I flew;
Hymns of grateful praises singing,
Neither doubt nor care I knew.

3 When the light of day was waning,
And the evening shadows fell;
On his bosom safely leaning,
I could warble, "All is well."
I was happy in his keeping,
Happy through the shades of night;
Angels watch'd around me sleeping,
And I dream'd of heavenly light.

4 When the blessed Sabbath enter'd,
With its still and holy air;
On His house my thoughts were center'd,
For I long'd to meet him there.
There I met my glorious Saviour,
There I feasted on his word;
Mine his promises and favor,
Mine the everlasting Lord.


Source: The Minstrel of Zion: a book of religious songs, accompanied with appropriate music, chiefly original #57