Hymn 85
John Newton
8,6,8,6
On the eclipse of the moon. July 30, 1776.
284 The moon in silver glory shone, And not a cloud in sight; When suddenly a shade begun To intercept her light. | How fast across her orb it spread, How fast her light withdrew! A circle, tinged with languid red, Was all appeared in view. | While many with unmeaning eye Gaze on thy works in vain; Assist me, LORD, that I may try Instruction to obtain. | Fain would my thankful heart and lips Unite in praise to thee; And meditate on thy eclipse, In sad Gethsemane. | Thy peoples guilt, a heavy load! (When standing in their room) Deprived thee of the light of God, And filled thy soul with gloom. | How punctually eclipses move, Obedient to thy will! Thus shall thy faithfulness and love, Thy promises fulfill. | Dark, like the moon without the sun, I mourn thine absence, Lord! For light or comfort I have none, But what thy beams afford. | But lo! the hour draws near apace, When changes shall be o’er; Then I shall see thee face to face, And be eclipsed no more. | |