O That I, First of Love Possessed

O that I, first of love possessed,
With my Redeemer’s presence blessed,

O that I, first of love possessed,
With my Redeemer’s presence blessed,
Might his salvation see!
Before thou dost my soul require,
Allow me, Lord, my heart’s desire,
And show thyself to me.

Appear my sanctuary from sin,
Open thine arms and take me in,
By thine own presence hide;
Hide in the place where Moses stood,
And show me now the face of God,
My Father pacified.

What but thy manifested grace
Can guilt, and fear, and sorrow chase,
The cause of grief destroy?
Thy mercy makes salvation sure,
Makes all my heart and nature pure,
And fills with hallowed joy.

Come quickly, Lord, the veil remove,
Pass as a God of pardoning love
Before my ravished eyes;
And when I in thy person see
Jehovah’s glorious majesty,
I find my paradise.