quote · Legacy record
O for a closer walk with God, A calm and heavenly frame, A light to shine upon the road That leads me to the Lamb. Where is the blessedness I knew When first I saw the Lord? Where is the soul-refreshing view Of Jesus and his word? Return, O holy Dove! return, Sweet messenger of rest! I hate the sins that made thee mourn, And drove thee from my breast. The dearest idol I have known, Whate’er that idol be, Help me to tear it from thy throne, And worship only thee. So shall my walk be close with God, Calm and serene my frame; So purer light shall mark the road That leads me to the Lamb.
O for a closer walk with God, A calm and heavenly frame, A light to shine upon the road That leads me to the Lamb. Where is the blessedness I knew When first I saw the Lord? Where is the soul-refreshing view Of Jesus and his word? Return, O holy Dove! return, Sweet messenger of rest! I hate the sins that made thee mourn, And drove thee from my breast. The dearest idol I have known, Whate’er that idol be, Help me to tear it from thy throne, And worship only thee. So shall my walk be close with God, Calm and serene my frame; So purer light shall mark the road That leads me to the Lamb.
Approximate author period: c. 1765 AD · early modern
Meaning not yet available
An individual explanation has not yet been added. We do not substitute a generic description for an interpretation of these particular words.
Begin with source-checked readings and explanations ↗Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- William Cowper
Attribution: attributed - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Approximate author period: c. 1765 AD · early modern
author lifetime midpoint (1731–1800)
An author lifetime, approximate period or collection date is not necessarily the date when these words were first written or spoken. - Recorded source
- A Cyclopædia of Sacred Poetical Quotations (catalogued1888) (1888 AD)
Page 649 · printed citation: Cowper · subject: WALKING
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.