O Thou in whose presence my soul takes delight

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O Thou in whose presence my soul takes delight

Author: Joseph Swain (1791)
Tune: MEDITATION (Lewis)
Published in 468 hymnals

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Representative Text

1 O thou, in whose presence my soul takes delight,
on whom in affliction I call,
my comfort by day, and my song in the night,
my hope, my salvation, my all:
Where dost thou, dear Shepherd, resort with thy sheep
to feed in the pastures of love?
Say, why in the valley of death should I weep
or lone in the wilderness rove?

2 Oh, why should I wander an alien from thee
or cry in the desert for bread?
Thy foes will rejoice when my sorrows they see
and smile at the tears I have shed.
Yet speak, and ten thousands of angels rejoice;
thy soul-cheering wisdom impart.
Eternity echoes the sound of thy voice
that reaches my desolate heart.

Source: Voices Together #600

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Author: Joseph Swain

Swain, Joseph, was born at Birmingham in 1761, and after being apprenticed to an engraver, removed to London. After a time he became a decided Christian, and being of an emotional poetic temperament, began to give expression to his new thoughts and feelings in hymns. In 1783 he was baptized by the Rev. Dr. Rippon, and in 1791 became minister of a Baptist congregation in East Street, Walworth. After a short but popular and very useful ministry, he died April 16, 1796 Swain published the following:— (1) A Collection of Poems on Several Occasions, London, 1781; (2) Redemption, a Poem in five Books, London, 1789; (3) Experimental Essays on Divine Subjects, London, 1791; (4) Walworth Hymns, by J. Swain, Pastor of the Baptist Church Meeting… Go to person page >

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