1 We rose to-day with anthems sweet
To sing before the mercy-seat,
And ere the darkness round us fell
We bade the grateful vespers swell.
2 Whate'ever has risen from heart sincere,
Each upward glance of filial fear,
Each true resolve, each solemn vow,
Jesus our Lord, accept them now.
3 Whate'er beneath Thy searching eyes
Has wrought to spoil our sacrifice,
'Mid this sweet stillness while we bow,
Jesus our Lord, forgive us now.
4 O teach us erring souls to win,
And hide their multitude of sin,
To tread in Christ's longsuffering way,
And grow more like Him day by day.
5 So as our Sabbaths hasten past,
And rounding years bring nigh the last;
When sinks the sun behind the hill,
When all the weary wheels stand still;
6 When by our bed the loved ones weep,
And death-dews o'er the forehead creep,
And vain is help or hope from men;
Jesus our Lord, receive us then.
Source: Methodist Hymn and Tune Book: official hymn book of the Methodist Church #245