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.