Quite other fields of experience are traversed in this hermit's hymn:
In lonely desert place, Without one human friend, If God would daily show His face, I could my lifetime spend. He is in every thing, All-present every hour; There is no creature that can bring Its strength to help His power. | The fearful desert night, Perils in every place, And fear of death--all take their flight, Where God reveals His face: His beauty passing fair, His peace, and perfect love, Make holy festivals, where'er He shineth from above. | 48 Where Thou art, in all things Immortal life abounds; Like streams from out the rock it springs, And reaches heaven's bounds: From Thee alone have come All dawns of shining white, To guide, through wastes and lowlands home, The children of the light. | Ye sun and moon, farewell; Farewell, ye stars of night; Where God's sweet presence comes to dwell, There needs no other light: A vast eternal day Comes from His smiling face; A better, greater light than they-- The radiance of His grace. | |