2 Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day; Earth's joys grow dim! its glories pass away; Change and decay in all around I see; O Thou who changest not, abide with me! 3 Come not in terrors, as the King of kings; But kind and good, with healing in Thy wings; Tears for all woes, a heart for every plea; Come, Friend of sinners! thus abide with me! 4. I need Thy presence every passing hour; What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power? Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be? Thro' cloud and sunshine, oh! abide with me! 5 I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless ; Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness; Where is death's sting? where, grave! thy victory? I triumph still, if Thou abide with me. 6 Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes, Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies: Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee : In life, in death, O Lord! abide with me! 17 1 THE Lyte. (See Preface.) 8.8.8.4. HE radiant morn hath passed away, And spent too soon her golden store ; The shadows of departing day Creep on once more. 2 Our life is but a fading dawn; 3 Oh, by Thy soul-inspiring grace 4 Where light and life and joy and peace And thronging angels never cease 5 Where saints are clothed in spotless white, 18 Art Lord of all ! 6.5.6.5. 1 NOW the day is over, NOW Night is drawing nigh, 2 Jesus, grant the weary 3 Grant to little children 4 Comfort every sufferer 5 When the morning wakens, Pure and fresh and sinless In Thy holy eyes. Anon. S. Baring Gould. 19 1 SA 8.7.8.7. D. AVIOUR! breathe an evening blessing, Thou canst save, and Thou canst heal. 2 Though destruction walk around us, 20 1 2 4.4.7.8.7. THE day departs; Our souls and hearts Long for that better morrow, Edmeston. When Christ shall set His people free The sunshine bright Is lost in night; O Lord, Thyself unveiling, 3 4 Shine on our souls with beams of love, Be Thou still nigh, With sleepless eye, While all around are sleeping; The land above, Of peace and love, No earthly beams need brighten; 6 21 1 That joy to share, Glad hallelujahs singing: With all the ransomed evermore Our joyful praises bringing. Lord Jesu, Thou Our Refuge now, Forsake Thy servants never; Uphold and guide, that we may stand Freylinghausen (1700); tr. H. L. L. WHEN 7.6.7.6. D. evening shadows gather, In midnight's darker shades ; 22 1 2 But, ere our eyelids closing, In dark temptation's hour. That thou wilt soothe their anguish, We pray for friends and loved ones :-- 4 And now to Thee we render Our thanks for mercies past, With Saints and Angels praising THE 10.10.10.10.10.10. G. F. Swift. HE day is gently sinking to a close, O brightness of Thy Father's glory, Thou! When Thou art present, darkness cannot be, Midnight is glorious noon, O Lord! with Thee. 2 Our changeful lives are ebbing to an end, Onward to darkness and to death we tend ; |