WHEN God revealed His gracious name, And changed my lost estate, I seemed transported in a dream, The grace appeared so great!
When those around me saw the change Pervading all my ways, They owned a work of power strange, And mused upon Thy grace.
The Lord can clear the darkest skies, And give us day for night, Cause tears of sacred sorrow rise To rivers of delight.
Though Gospel seed lies long in dust, Our prayerful hopes remain; That living Word can ne’er be lost, Nor ever preached in vain.
Let all who sow in longing, wait, Till Thy sure blessings come; For soon shall we, with sheaves so great, Return rejoicing home.
Isaac Watts, 1674-1748‡