What though downy slumbers flee, Strangers to my couch and me! Sleepless, well I know to rest, Lodg'd within my Father's breast. While the empress of the night While the vivid planets stray While the stars unnumber'd roll 'Midst the silence of the night Mingling with those angels bright, Whose harmonious voices raise Ceaseless love and ceaseless praise. Through the throng His gentle ear Shall my tuneless accents hear: From on high doth He impart Secret comfort to my heart. He, in these serenest hours, Sweeter far than midnight dews Lifting all my thoughts above, On the wings of faith and love : Thus to sleep, or wake, with Thee! What if death my sleep invade, Should I be of death afraid? While encircled by Thine arm, Death may strike, but cannot harm. What if beams of opening day See! a flood of sacred light, Transitory world, farewell! Jesus calls with Him to dwell. With Thy heavenly presence blest, Death is life, and labour rest: Welcome sleep or death to me, Still secure, for still with Thee! 66 LORD, LIFT THOU UP THE LIGHT OF THY COUNTENANCE UPON US!" In vain the erring world inquires Illusive dreams of happiness Their eager thoughts employ; They wake, convinced their boasted bliss Was visionary joy. Begone, ye gilded vanities! I seek some solid good : To real bliss my wishes rise- Immortal joy Thy smiles impart, Heaven dawns in every ray; One glimpse of Thee will cheer my heart, Not all the good which earth bestows Its highest joys have mingled woes, Should boundless wealth increase my store, Can wealth my cares beguile? I should be wretched still, and poor, Without Thy blissful smile. Grant, gracious God, this one request: Oh! be Thy love alone My ample portion;-here I rest, For heaven is in the boon. 66 ALL IS VANITY, AND VEXATION OF SPIRIT." AH! why should this immortal mind, Why, thus amused with empty toys, The mind was formed to mount sublime, To everlasting things; But earthly vapours cloud her sight, The world employs its various snares, When shall my fettered powers be free, And leave these seats of vanity, And upward learn to fly? |