The Christian Hymnary. Bks. 1-4 ‎#603

603. We Will Not Close Our Wakeful Eyes

1 We will not close our wakeful eyes,
We will not let our eyelids sleep,
But humbly lift them to the skies,
And all a solemn vigil keep;
So many years on sin bestowed,
Can we not watch one night for God?

2 How many pass the guilty night
In revelings and frantic mirth!
The creature is their sole delight,
Their happiness the things of earth;
For us suffice the season past,
We choose the better part at last.

3 We can, O Jesus, for Thy sake,
Devote our ev'ry hour to Thee;
Speak but the word, our souls shall wake,
And sing with cheerful melody;
Thy praise shall our glad tongues employ,
And ev'ry heart shall leap for joy!

Text Information

• First Line: We will not close our wakeful eyes
• Title: We Will Not Close Our Wakeful Eyes
• Author: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788
• Meter: L.M. 8.8.8.8.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1972
• Scripture:
  Matthew 26:41
• Topic: Book One: Hymns, Songs, Chorales; Seasons, Days, Services: Watchnight
• Notes: Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation. Mt. 26:41.

Tune Information

• Name: STELLA
• Meter: L.M. 8.8.8.8.
• Key: E♭ Major
• Source: Old English Air
• Notes: M.M. 76