Hymn Book ‎#88

88. Now rest beneath night's shadows

1 Now rest beneath night's shadows
Man, beast, wood, town, and meadows,
The world in slumber lies.
But thou, my heart, awake thee,
To fervent prayer betake thee,
Let praise to thy Creator rise.

2 O Sun, where art thou vanished!
The night thy reign hath banished,
The foe of day, dark night.
Farewell; a brighter glory
My Jesus sheddeth o'er me,
He fills my heart with joy and light.

3 The day has now departed,
The golden stars have started
From out the heaven's blue dome:
Thus, thus shall I be standing,
When God shall call, commanding
To leave this vale of tears and gloom.

4 To rest the body hasteth;
Its garments off it casteth--
Types of mortality;
These I put off, and ponder
How Christ shall give me yonder
A robe of glorious majesty

5 Head, hands, feet are contented,
For night their work has ended,
And bids sweet rest begin.
Swell thou, my heart, with gladness;
Thou shalt be free from sadness
Of earth, and from the toil of sin.

6 Ye weary limbs, now rest you,
For toil hath sore oppressed you,
And quiet sleep you crave.
This day and hour is near you
When other hands shall bear you
To rest in your last bed, the grave.

7 My heavy eyes are closing,
In dreamy sleep reposing,
Who shall protect me then?
I to thy grace betake me,
In danger ne'er forsake me,
O Eye that watchest over men!

8 Lord Jesus, Thou dost love me;
O spread thy wings above me,
And shield me from alarm;
When Satan would devour me,
Let angels then sing o'er me.
"This child of God shall meet no harm!"

9 My loved ones, rest securely,
For God this night will surely
From perils guard your heads;
Sweet slumbers may He send you,
And bid His hosts attend you,
And golden-armed watch o'er your beds.

Text Information

• First Line: Now rest beneath night's shadows
• Author: Catherine Winkworth, 1827-1878
• Author: P. Gerhardt
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1884
• Topic: Evening

Tune Information

(No tune information)