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 bidd'st be free,
Return to bondage? Never!
Thee O God! and only Thee
I live for, now and ever.
