A Midnight Hymn.
18.
O may I know and ne'er forget,
While here I'm by the World beset,
Earths Comforts will, like Haman's Feast,
Attended be by Death at last.
19.
Unless God's Laws a Relish give,
While in Peace and Plenty Live,
More true and lasting to my Mind,
Than Worldlings in their Mammon find.
20.
Since then so much is past oth' Night,
And Day approaches with its Light;
May I the Deeds of Darkness shun;
The Armature of Light put on.
21.
The Breast-plate firm of Faith and Love;
And Hope, the Helmet from above.
Teach me thy Spirits Sword to wield;
And Shod with Peace to keep the Field.
22.
Lord strengthen me, that so I may
Walk honestly as in the Day:
Not in Strife, Envy, or Excess,
In Clambering or Wantonness.
23.
But with the Day-spring from on High,
In Gracious Visits Lord, draw nigh.
Thou who thy Flocks from Nightly Stray
Preserv'd by Fiery Pillar's Ray,
24.
Replenish me with Wisdoms Light,
Clear shining thro' Afflictions Night.
Thy Presence is Eternal Day:
To th' Heav'nly Canaan guide my Way.
