LORD, when I wander from Thy side,
'T is darkness, sorrow, gloom;
For Thou art Life, and Light: beside
All else is but the tomb.
When near to Thee, the heavens are bright
With sunniest beams of love;
I taste the earnest of delight
Prepared for saints above.
Oh, give me, Lord, that cleaving heart
That near Thee must abide:
And let me feel the instant smart
Of wand'ring from Thy side.
Thy love the world has long o'ercome;
I thirst for it no more:
I wait, till Thou shalt take me home,
To see Thee and adore.