Sweet is the friendly voice

Which speaks of life and peace;

Which bids the penitent rejoice,

And sin and sorrow cease.

2 No balm on earth like this

Can cheer the contrite heart;

No flattering dreams of earthly bliss

Such pure delight impart.

3 Still merciful and kind,

Thy mercy, Lord, reveal;

The broken heart thy love can bind,

The wounded spirit heal.

4 Thy presence shall restore

Peace to my anxious breast;

Lord, let my steps be drawn no more

From paths which thou hast blessed.