SINCE FIRST THY WORD.

Since first Thy Word awaked my heart,

Like new life dawning o'er me,

Where'er I turn mine eyes, Thou art,

All light and love before me.

Naught else I feel, or hear or see —

All bonds of earth I sever —

Thee, O God, and only Thee

I live for, now and ever.

Like him whose fetters dropt away

When light shone o'er his prison,

My spirit, touched by Mercy's ray,

Hath from her chains arisen.

And shall a soul Thou bidst be free,

Return to bondage?— never!

Thee, O God, and only Thee

I live for, now and ever.