1 Far from the world, O Lord, I flee,
From strife and tumult far;
From scenes where Satan wages till
His most successful war.

2 The calm retreat, the silent shade,
With prayer and praise agree,
And seem by thy sweet bounty made
For those who follow thee.

3 There, if thy Spirit touch the soul,
And grace her mean abode,
O with what peace, and joy, and love,
Does she commune with God!

4 Author and Guardian of my life,
Sweet Source of light divine,
And all harmonious names in one,
My Saviour! thou art mine!

5 The thanks I owe thee, and the love,
A boundless, endless store,
Shall echo through the realms above
When time shall be no more.