’Tis past—the dreadful stormy night

The words

1. 1

   Stanza 1. ’Tis past—the dreadful stormy nightIs gone, with all its fears!And now I see returning light,The Lord, my Sun, appears.

2. 2

   Stanza 2. The tempter, who but lately said,I soon shall be his prey;Has heard my Savior’s voice and fledWith shame and grief away.

3. 3

   Stanza 3. Ah, LORD, since thou didst hide thy face,What has my soul endured?But now ’tis past, I feel thy grace,And all my wounds are cured!

4. 4

   Stanza 4. O wondrous change! but just beforeDespair beset me round;I heard the lion’s horrid roar,And trembled at the sound.

5. 5

   Stanza 5. Before corruption, guilt and fear,My comfort blasted fell;And unbelief discovered nearThe dreadful depths of hell.

6. 6

   Stanza 6. But JESUS pitied my distress,He heard my feeble cry;Revealed his blood and righteousness,And brought salvation nigh.

7. 7

   Stanza 7. Beneath the banner of his love,I now secure remain;The tempter frets, but dares not moveTo break my peace again.

8. 8

   Stanza 8. LORD, since thou thus hast broke my bands,And set the captive free;I would devote my tongue, my hands,My heart, my all to thee.

Olney Hymns (1779), Book 3, Hymn 21. John Newton. Public domain. CCEL transcription with modernized spelling. www.praylock.com/olney-hymns/3-21