431.
Morning Aspirations.
1
The night's dark shadows disappear,
Once more the dawn is drawing near;
Let our first thoughts to God arise,
And pay the willing sacrifice.
2
The opening morn which now we see,
May we devote, O Lord! to thee;
And, till the evening, like the sun,
Our cheerful round of duties run.
3
Oh! may the Christian shine this day,
Alike in all we do and say:
From pride preserved, and every snare,
Let meekness be the robe we wear.
4
Till night once more her reign begin,
Protect us, Lord! from every sin;
Upon our path thy blessing shed,
And give us still our daily bread.
5
Teach us how fast our moments fly;
Let our ambition reach the sky!
Why should the world engross our heart,
So soon with all things here to part!
6
Like sands descending through the glass,
Our hours, in quick succession, pass;
The last will come, and this may be
The threshold of eternity!
7
Yet faith the far-off glance can send;
Death, to the righteous is a friend!
If short the mortal race we run,
The crown will be the sooner won!
8
While these inferior scenes decay,
May prospects of eternal day
Rise fresh, and fairer to our sight,
As morn succeeds the shades of night!
9
Oh! may we reach at length the shore
Where spirits bless'd, their God adore;
And join, to Him who once was slain,
The Seraphim's immortal strain!
