Hymne XVIII. Another Evening Hymn.
[_]
In this Hymne, God is praised, and his protecting
and preventing Grace implored, to secure us from
the dangers and Temptations of the Night, and it is
intended for an Evening-Hymn.
[1]
Now the cheerfull Day is past,
And the Beauties of the Light,
Are with shadowes, overcast,
By the Mantle of the Night.
Thanks to thee, ô Lord! I pay
For each Blessing of this Day;
Asking Grace for ev'ry Sin,
Whereby err'd I have therein.
2
Though the Sun hath left us now,
And withholds his Light from me;
Lord, From hence depart not thou,
Nor in Darknesse, let me be.
But the Raies of grace divine,
Cause thou round me still to shine;
And, with Mercy overspred
Both my Person, and my Bed.
3
Chase all wicked Fiends, from hence,
That they doe me no despight,
By deluding of the Sense,
Through the Darknesse of the Night.
But, ô Lord, from all my Foes,
Let thine Angels me enclose;
And protect me in my sleep,
When my selfe I cannot keep.
4
Whil'st my Body taketh rest,
Let my Soule attend on thee.
Let no dreame to me suggest
Fancies that unchaste may be.
Whether I shall wake or sleep,
Me in Mind and Body keep,
Not from Acts of Sin alone,
But, from dreaming they are done.
5
And since Death and Sleep are said,
Some resemblances to have;
In my Bed ere I am laid
So prepare me for my Grave;
That with comfort wake I may,
To enjoy the following day,
Or, (if Death close up mine eies)
Rest in Hope, till all shall rise.
