Thee, in the watches of the night,

My spirit would adore,

O God! in darkness, as in light,

Defend me evermore.

Yet not in Providence alone,

In grace, Thyself impart;

Erect Thy temple, fix Thy throne,

Rule Thou within my heart.

The morn and evening sacrifice,

The noon and midnight prayer,

I know that Thou wilt not despise,

When meekly offer'd there.

Though heaven and earth Thy presence fill.

Thou surely art, O Lord,

With Him who loves and does Thy will,

Who hears and keeps Thy word.

Henceforth be this the aim and end

Of all my life below,--

Till to the tomb my dust descend,

To Thee my spirit go.