22
Hymns.
AN EVENING HYMN.
Now has the glorious orb of day
Beyond the ocean sunk away,
And left the world in gloom ;
But soon he, from the eastern main,
Will in his glory rise again.
And make all nature bloom.
But who can tell if from the bed
Where now I lay my weary head,
I ever shall arise?
Cold death may o’er my slumber steal,
And with his icy fingers seal,
In his long sleep, my eyes!
How many children, young as I,
Within his cold embraces lie,
To wake no more in time,
Till the last trumpet rend the spheres.
And thunder in the sinner’s ears,
Its awful notes sublime!
Then, O my God, my spirit keep,
That when I wake, or when I sleep,
I may be ready still,
Should the grim messenger appear,
To look upon him without fear,
And go to Zion hill.
May God my parents both protect;
And may I give them due respect,
For all their tender care ;
And when in glory Christ shall come,
To take his faithful foll’wers home.
May they this glory share !
Now, O my God, for Jesus’ sake,
Me in thy safe protection take,
While slumber shuts my eyes;
And, if another morn I see,
May I due glory give to thee,
Whenever I arise!
