Chapter 156
1 The mellow eve is gliding Serenely down the west; So, every care subsiding, My soul would sink to rest.
2 The woodland hum is ringing The daylight's gentle close; May angels round me singing, Thus hymn my last repose.
3 The evening star has lighted Her crystal lamp on high; So, when in death benighted, May hope illume the sky.
4 In golden splendor dawning, The morrow's light shall break; O, on the last bright morning May I in glory wake.
945. L. M. Watts.
Evening Hymn.
1 Thus far the Lord has led me on, Thus far his power prolongs my days!
And every evening shall make known Some fresh memorial of his grace.
2 Much of my time has run to waste, And I, perhaps, am near my home; But he forgives my follies past, He gives me strength for days to come.
3 I lay my body down to sleep; Peace is the pillow for my head: While well appointed angels keep Their watchful stations round my bed.
4 Faith in his name forbids my fear: O, may thy presence ne'er depart!
And in the morning make me hear Thy love and kindness in my heart.
5 And when the night of death shall come, Still may I trust almighty love,-- The love which triumphs o'er the tomb, And leads to perfect bliss above.
946. L. M. Kenn.
Trusting G.o.d. Evening Hymn.
1 Glory to thee, my G.o.d, this night, For all the blessings of the light: Keep me, O, keep me, King of kings, Beneath the shadow
2 Forgive me, Lord, through thy dear Son The ills which I this day have done; That with the world, myself, and thee, I, ere I sleep, at peace may be.
3 O, may my soul on thee repose, And with sweet sleep mine eyelids close!
Sleep that shall me more vigorous make To serve my G.o.d when I awake.
4 Be thou my Guardian while I sleep; Thy watchful station near me keep; My heart with love celestial fill, And guard me from th' approach of ill.
5 Lord, let my heart forever share The bliss of thy paternal care: 'Tis heaven on earth, 'tis heaven above, To see thy face and sing thy love.
947. C. M. Anonymous.
Evening Hymn.
1 Indulgent G.o.d, whose bounteous care O'er all thy works is shown, O let my grateful praise and prayer Ascend before thy throne!
2 What mercies has this day bestowed!
How largely hast thou blest!
My cup with plenty overflowed, With cheerfulness my breast.
3 Now may sweet slumbers close my eyes, From pain and sickness free; And let my waking thoughts arise To meditate on thee.
4 So bless each future day and night, Till life's fond scene is o'er; At length, to realms of endless light Enraptured let me soar.
948. L. M. Keble.
"Abide with us, for it is towards evening, and the day is far spent."
1 'Tis gone, that bright and orbed blaze, Fast fading from our wistful gaze; Yon mantling cloud has hid from sight The last faint pulse of quivering light.
2 Sun of my soul! thou Saviour dear, It is not night if thou be near: Oh may no earth-born cloud arise To hide thee from thy servant's eyes.
3 When the soft dews of kindly sleep My wearied eyelids gently steep, Be my last thought now sweet to rest Forever on my Saviour's breast.
4 Abide with me from morn till eve, For without thee I cannot live; Abide with me when night is nigh, For without thee I dare not die.
949. 7s. M. Doddridge.
Evening Hymn.
1 Interval of grateful shade, Welcome to my weary head!
Welcome slumbers to mine eyes, Tired with glaring vanities!
2 My great Master still allows Needful periods of repose: By my heavenly Father blest, Thus I give my powers to rest.
3 Heavenly Father, gracious name!
Night and day his love the same!
Far be each suspicious thought, Every anxious care forgot!