I.

TOW God be with us, for the night is closing;

Now

The light and darkness are of his disposing, And 'neath his shadow here to rest we yield us,

For he will shield us.

2.

Let pious thoughts be ours when sleep o'ertakes us,
Our earliest thoughts be thine when morning wakes us,
All day serve thee, - in all that we are doing

Thy praise pursuing.

3.

We have no refuge, none on earth to aid us,
Save thee, O Father, who thine own hast made us;
But thy dear presence will not leave them lonely
Who seek thee only.

I.

ABIDE with me! fast falls the eventide,

The darkness deepens: Lord, with me abide !

When other helpers fail, and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O, abide with me!

2.

Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;
Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see:

O thou who changest not, abide with me!

3.

I need thy presence every passing hour:

What but thy grace can foil the tempter's power?
Who like thyself my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, O, abide with me!

4.

I fear no foe, with thee at hand to bless ;

Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness:

Where is death's sting? where, grave, thy victory?

I triumph still if thou abide with me.

5.

Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes,

Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies.
Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee:
In life and death, O Lord, abide with me!

HENRY FRANCIS LYTE, 1793-1847.