When darkness falls, and night is here

Representative Text

When darkness falls, and night is here,
My hymns of praise in silence rise,--
This knows the moon, whose silver sphere
Shines in the star bespangled skies.

When morning breaks, and glorious day
Shines in the dawn and noontide fair,--
This knows the sun--a grateful lay
Springs from my heart in fervent prayer,

When fails the light at sunset grey,
And twilight listens for my song,--
This know the stars,--in bright array,
My praises mingle with their throng.

Hymns of the Greek Church, 1900

Translator: John Brownlie

Brownlie, John, was born at Glasgow, Aug. 6, 1857, and was educated at Glasgow University, and at the Free Church College in the same city. In 1884 he was licensed by the Presbytery of Glasgow; in 1885 he became Assistant Minister of the Free Church, Portpatrick, and on the death of the Senior Minister in 1890 he entered upon the full charge of the Church there. He has interested himself in educational matters, became a Member of the local School Board in 1888, a governor of Stranraer High School in 1897, and Chairman of the governors in 1901. His hymnological works are:— 1. The Hymns and Hymnwriters of the [Scottish] Church Hymnary, 1899. This is a biographical, historical, and critical companion to that hymnal, and is well done and… Go to person page >

Author: Synesius of Cyrene, Bishop of Ptolemais

Synesius, a native of Cyrene, born circa 375. His descent was illustrious. His pedigree extended through seventeen centuries, and in the words of Gibbon, "could not be equalled in the history of mankind." He became distinguished for his eloquence and philosophy, and as a statesman and patriot he took a noble stand. When the Goths were threatening his country he went to the court of Arcadius, and for three years tried to rouse it to the dangers that were coming on the empire. But Gibbon says, ”The court of Arcadius indulged the zeal, applauded the eloquence, and neglected the advice of Synesius." In 410 he was made Bishop of Ptolemaïs, but much against his will. He died in 430. Synesius's opinions have been variously estimated. That he wa… Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: When darkness falls, and night is here
Translator: John Brownlie
Author: Synesius of Cyrene, Bishop of Ptolemais
Meter: 8.8.8.8
Language: English

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Hymns of the Greek Church #103

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Hymns of the Russian Church #11

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