The Epworth Hymnal ‎#21

21. Abide with me! Fast falls the even-tide

1 Abide with me; fast falls the eventide.
The darkness deepens— Lord, with me abide!
When other helpers fail, and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me!

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 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?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me!

4 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.

5 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!

Text Information

• First Line: Abide with me! Fast falls the even-tide
• Author: Henry F. Lyte
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1885

Tune Information

• Name: EVENTIDE
• Composer: William Henry Monk

Text Information:

The copy from which the Full Text of this hymn was copied contained a handwritten sheet of paper with these verses to add to the five in the hymnal; 5, 6, and 7 were pencilled into the hymnal next to verses 3, 4, and 5, respectively.



3 Not a brief glance I beg, a passing word,

But as thou dwell'st with thy disciples, Lord,

Familiar, condescending, patient, free.

Come not to sojourn, but abide with me.



4 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, and thus abide with me!

(scanned sheet)