Hymns of the Russian Church ‎#24

24. The solemn feast was spent

The solemn feast was spent,
And night had spread her pall,
When Christ with His disciples went
Beyond the city wall;
And in the dark He led the way,
Towards the lone Gethsemane.

He took His chosen three,
And bowed with grief He saith,
"Abide ye here, and watch with me,
I sorrow unto death";
Then, moving forward still a pace,
He fell in prayer upon His face.

Ah, ill their watch they keep,
For soon their eyelids close,
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And when their Lord returned, in sleep
Those weary men repose;
"Awake," He said, "make prayerful call,
Lest ye before the tempter fall."

Thrice did the Master pray,
That God His Son would save;
But heaven in silence turned away,
And earth no comfort gave;
And still the worn disciples slept
While Christ alone the vigil kept.

O soul of mine, awake!
Cast off thy careless sleep;
To God Thy prayer for succour make
And earnest vigil keep;
And learn, whate'er His will may be,
To do that will is best for thee.

Text Information

• First Line: The solemn feast was spent
• Title: The solemn feast was spent
• Translator: John Brownlie
• Meter: 6,6,8,6,8,8
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1920

Tune Information

(No tune information)