Morning Hymn

Psaltry and harp, awake! Awake!
     Him will we praise, with cheerful voice,
Whose constant power and goodness make
     The outgoings of the Morn rejoice!

Sing to the Lord!—the shades of night
     At his command have passed away,
And early Morning’s doubtful light
     Hath brightened to the full-orbed day!

Watched by that Eye which never sleeps,
     Safe, and I confidence, we slept—
Who suns and stars in motion keeps,
     His servants faithfully hath kept.

No earthquake shock—no hungry flame—
     No tempest, with destroying breath,
At midnight to our dwelling came,
     To make our sleep the sleep of death.

With life preserved, with strength renewed,
     Help us Thy purpose to fulfil,
And manifest our gratitude
     By meek submission to Thy will!

Oh, keep us, Father! through the day—
     Sustain, uphold, instruct, and guide—
Nor suffer us from Wisdom’s way
     To turn to paths of sin aside.

So, when our pilgrimage is trod,
     And from our eyes earth’s shadows gone,
Hidden our life with Christ in God,
     We shall awake to Heaven’s bright morn!