The Southern Harmony, and Musical Companion (New ed. thoroughly rev. and much enl.) ‎#15

15. O Thou in whose presence my soul takes delight

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!

2. Where dost thou at noontide resort with thy sheep,
To feed them in pastures of love?
For why in the valley of death should I weep,
Alone in this wilderness rove?

3. O 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.

4. Ye daughters of Zion, declare, have you seen
The star that on Israel shone?
Say, if in your tents my Beloved has been,
And where with his flocks he hath gone.

5. This is my beloved, his form is divine,
His vestments shed odors around;
The locks on his head are as grapes on the vine,
When autumn with plenty is crowned.

6. The roses of Sharon, the lilies that grow
In vales on the banks of the streams;
His cheeks in the beauty of excellence blow,
His eye all invitingly beams.

7. His voice, as the sound of a dulcimer sweet,
Is heard through the shadow of death,
The cedars of Lebanon bow at his feet,
The air is perfumed with his breath.

8. His lips as a fountain of righteousness flow,
That waters the garden of grace,
From which their salvation the gentiles shall know
And bask in the smiles of his face.

9. Love sits on his eyelid and scatters delight,
Through all the bright mansions on high;
Their faces the cherubim veil in his sight,
And tremble with fulness of joy.

10.
He looks! and ten thousands of angels rejoice,
And myriads wait for his word;
He speaks! and eternity, filled with his voice,
Re-echoes the praise of the her Lord.

Text Information

• First Line: O Thou in whose presence my soul takes delight
• Title: O Thou in whose presence my soul takes delight
• Meter: 11, 8
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1854
• Source: Baptist Harmony, p. 460

Tune Information

• Name: DAVIS
• Meter: 11, 8