O for a closer walk with God,
A calm and heavenly frame;
A light, to shine upon the road
That leads me to the Lamb!
Where is the blessedness I knew
When first I saw the Lord?
Where is that soul-refreshing view
Of Jesus and His word?
What peaceful hours I than enjoy’d!
How sweet their memory still!
But now I find an aching void,
The world can never fill.
Return, O holy Dove, return,
Sweet messenger of rest!
I hate the sins that made Thee mourn,
That drove Thee from my breast.
The dearest idol I have known,
What’er that idol be,
Help me to tear it from Thy throne,
and worship only Thee.
So shall my walk be alone with God,
Calm and serene my frame;
So purer light shall mark the road
That leads me to the Lamb.
W. Cowper, 1772