A HYMN for MIDNIGHT.

A HYMN for MIDNIGHT.

I.

WHILE Midnight Shades the Earth o'erspread, And veil the Bosom of the Deep, Nature reclines her weary Head, And Care respires and Sorrows sleep: My Soul still aims at Nobler Rest, Aspiring to her Saviour's Breast.

II.

Aid me, ye hov'ring Spirits near, Angels and Ministers of Grace; Who ever, while you guard us here, Behold your Heav'nly Father's Face! Gently my raptur'd Soul convey To Regions of Eternal Day.

III.

Fain would I leave this Earth below. Of Pain and Sin the dark Abode; Where shadowy Joy, or solid Woe Allures, or tears me from my GOD: Doubtful and Insecure of Bliss, Since Death alone confirms me His.

IV.

Till then, to Sorrow born I sigh, And gasp, and languish after Home; Upward I send my streaming Eye, Expecting till the Bridegroom come: Come quickly, Lord! Thy own receive, Now let me see thy Face, and live.

V.

Absent from Thee, my exil'd Soul Deep in a Fleshly Dungeon groans; Around me Clouds of Darkness roll, And lab'ring Silence speaks my Moans: Come quickly, Lord! Thy Face display, And look my Midnight into Day.

VI.

Error and Sin, and Death are o'er If Thou reverse the Creature's Doom; Sad, Rachel weeps her Loss no more, If Thou the GOD, the Saviour come: Of Thee possest, in Thee we prove The Light, the Life, the Heav'n of Love.