My GOD, now I from sleep awake, The sole possession of me take; From midnight terrors me secure, And guard my heart from thoughts impure. | Blest Angels! while we silent lie, Your Hallelujahs sing on high; You, ever wakeful near the Throne, Prostrate adore the Three in One. | I with your choir celestial join, In offering up a hymn divine: With you in heaven I hope to dwell, And bid the night and world farewell. | My soul, when I shake off this dust, LORD! in Thy arms I will intrust: O, make me Thy peculiar care, Some mansion for my soul prepare. | Give me a place at Thy saints' feet, Or some fall'n Angel's vacant seat: I'll strive to sing as loud as they, Who sit above in brighter day. | O may I always ready stand, With my lamp burning in my hand; May I in sight of heaven rejoice, Whene'er I hear the Bridegroom's voice! | Glory to Thee, in light array'd, Who Light Thy dwelling-place hast made; A boundless ocean of bright beams From Thy all-glorious Godhead streams. 146 | The sun in its meridian height Is very darkness in Thy sight: My soul, O lighten and inflame, With thought and love of Thy great name. | Blest JESU! Thou, on heaven intent, Whole nights hast in devotion spent; But I, frail creature, soon am tired, And all my zeal is soon expired. | My soul!--how canst thou weary grow Of antedating bliss, below, In sacred hymns and heavenly love, Which will eternal be above? | Shine on me, LORD! new life impart, Fresh ardours kindle in my heart; One ray of Thy all-quickening light Dispels the sloth and clouds of night. | LORD! lest the tempter me surprise, Watch over Thine own sacrifice; All loose, all idle, thoughts cast out, And make my very dreams devout. | Praise GOD, from whom all blessings flow, Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, y' Angelic host, Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. | |