O Thou, in Whose Presence
A large number of the older hymns are closer to love songs, this one being written by Joseph Swain, 17911, and published in Wyeth's Repository of Sacred Music, 1813.
It is the fourth verse of this one that really strikes a chord for me.
O Thou in whose presence my soul takes delight, on whome in affliction I call, my comfort by day and my song in the night, my hope, my salvation, my all!
Where dost thou, dear Shepherd, resort with thy sheep, to feed them in pastures of love? Say, why in the valley of death should I weep, or alone in this wilderness rove?
O why should I wander, an alien from thee, or ry int he desert for bread? They foes will rejoice when my sorrows they see, and a smile at the tears I have shed.
Restore, my dear Savior, the light of they face, they soul-cheering comfort impart; and let the sweet tokens of pardoning grace bring joy to my desolate heart.
He looks! and ten thousands of angels rejoice, and myriads wait for his word. He speaks! and eternity, filled with his voice, reechoes the praise of the Lord..