1 When compass'd with Clouds of Distress,
Just ready all Hope to resign,
I pant for the Light of thy Fame,
And fear it will never be mine:
Dishearten'd with waiting so long,
I sink at thy Feet with my Load,
All-plaintive I pour out my Song,
And stretch forth my Hands unto GOD.

2 Shine, LORD, and my Terror shall cease;
The Blood of Atonement apply;
And lead me to Jesus, for Peace,
The Rock that is higher than I
Speak, Savior, for Sweet is thy voice;
Thy Presence is fair to behold;
Attend to my Sorrows and Cries,
My Groanings that cannot be told.

3 If sometimes I strive as I mourn,
My Hold of thy Promise to keep,
The Billows more fiercely return,"
And plunge me again in the Deep;
While harrass'd and cast from thy Sight,
The Tempter suggests with a roar,
"The LORD has forsaken thee quite;
"Thy GOD will be gracious no more.

4 Yet LORD, if thy Love hath design'd
No Covenant Blessing for me,
Ah, tell me, how is it I find
Some Pleasure in waiting for thee?
Almighty to rescue thou art;
Thy Grace is my only Resource;
If e'er thou art LORD of my Heart,
Thy spirit must take it by Force.