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CLXXIX

MIDNIGHT HYMN

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.

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