I Saw Him In Childhood

1 I saw Him in childhood with eyes brightly beaming,
At home in the hills where the sun-light was streaming;
We played with the stars, on the clouds swiftly riding,
And saw not the cross which the woodlands were hiding.

2 I saw Him in youth when my soul was unfolding,
My spirit flew high when His glory beholding;
He beckoned my soul, and He filled me with gladness,
His glory lent brightness to life's gloom and sadness.

3 I saw Him in manhood, when Adam resembling,
My soul for His righteous judgment was trembling,
When dimmed were my eyes and my vision was darkened,
Since unto the tempter my spirit had harkened.

4 First then I could call Him my Master and Savior,
First then I could look on the cross as a favor,
First then I could give Him my down-broken spirit,
In life and in death to rely on His merit.

5 Since then I have told Him, to Him I will hurry
With weeping my face in His bosom to bury;
Since then I have asked Him with mercy to guide me
And in His pavilion securely to hide me.

6 To Him I will hasten, His name softly calling
When broken and weary my house shall be falling;
I'll greet Him with joy when my heart ceases beating,
And unto His kingdom my spirit is fleeting.

Source: Hymnal for Church and Home (2nd ed.) #272