Two hymns on poems by Anne Bronte, set by Bradley Lehman

These two hymns explore themes of depression and despair. My other hymns are not all like this....


O God! if this indeed be all

1. O God! if this indeed be all that Life can show to me; if on my aching brow may fall no fresh'ning dew from Thee; if with no brighter light than this the lamp of hope may glow and I may only dream of bliss, and wake to weary woe; 2. if friendship's solace must decay, when other joys are gone, and love must keep so far away, while I go wand'ring on, wand'ring, toiling without gain, the slave of others' will, with constant care and frequent pain, despised, forgotten still; 3. grieving to look on vice and sin, yet powerless to quell the silent current from within, the outward torrent's swell; while all the good I would impart, the feelings I would share, are driven backward to my heart, and turned to wormwood there; 4. if clouds must ever keep from sight the glories of the Sun, and I must suffer Winter's blight, ere Summer is begun: if Life must be so full of care then call me soon to Thee; or give me strength enough to bear my load of misery. ELGAR C.M.D. text by Anne Bronte, 1845, alt. music by Bradley P Lehman, 1994
MIDI file is available from the hymn list

I have gone backward in my heart

1. I have gone backward in my heart, my sorrow has not sped; drowsy and dark my spirit lies, heavy and dull as lead. How can I rouse my sinking soul from such a lethargy? How can I break those iron chains and set my spirit free? 2. There have been times when I have mourned in anguish o'er the past, and raised my suppliant hands on high, while tears fell thick and fast; and prayed to have my sins forgiv'n, with such a fervent zeal, an earnest grief, a strong desire, as now I cannot feel. 3. And vowed to trample on my sins, and called on Heav'n to aid my spirit in her firm resolves and hear the vows I made. And I have felt so full of love, so strong in spirit then, as if my heart would never cool, or wander back again. 4. And yet, alas! how many times my feet have gone astray! How oft have I forgot my God! How greatly fall'n away! My sins increase, my love grows cold, and Hope within me dies: ev'n Faith itself is wav'ring now; oh, how shall I arise? 5. I have gone backward in my heart, my sorrow has not sped; drowsy and dark my spirit lies, heavy and dull as lead. I cannot weep, but I can pray, then let me not despair; Lord Jesus, save me, lest I die; and hear a wretch's prayer! ACTON BELL'S DESPONDENCY C.M.D. text by Anne Bronte, 1841, adapted by BPL music by Bradley P Lehman, 1994
MIDI file is available from the hymn list
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