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O for a closer walk with God,

Poet: William Cowper, 1772
Meter: Common Meter (8,6,8,6)
Location in The Sacred Harp
Stanza Denson Cooper
1
O for a closer walk with God,
A calm, and heav'nly frame,
A light to shine upon the road,
That leads me to the Lamb!
Bethel 27, Stanza 1
Bethel 27, Stanza 1
2
Where is the blessedness I knew,
When first I saw the Lord?
Where is the soul refreshing view
Of Jesus, and his word?
Bethel 27, Stanza 2
Bethel 27, Stanza 2
3
What peaceful hours I then enjoy'd,
How sweet their mem'ry still!
But they have left an aching void,
The world can never fill.
Bethel 27, Stanza 3
Bethel 27, Stanza 3
4
Return, O holy Dove, return
Sweet messenger of rest!
I hate the sins that made thee mourn,
And drove thee from my breast.
Bethel 27, Stanza 4
Bethel 27, Stanza 4
5
The dearest Idol I have known,
Whate'er that Idol be;
Help me to bear it from thy throne,
And worship only thee.
Bethel 27, Stanza 5
Bethel 27, Stanza 5
6
So shall my walk be close with God,
Calm, and serene my frame;
So purer light shall mark the road,
That leads me to the Lamb.
Bethel 27, Stanza 6
Bethel 27, Stanza 6
Conyers, Richard. A Collection of Psalms and Hymns, from Various Authors: For the Use of Serious and Devout Christians of All Denominations. London: Printed by Clement Watts, 1772.