The Cyber Hymnal ‎#2581

2581. How Many Pass the Guilty Night

1. 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.

2. 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!

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

4. O may we all triumphant rise,
With joy upon our heads return,
And far above those nether skies,
By Thee on eagles’ wings upborne,
Through all yon radiant circles move,
And gain the highest heaven of love!

Text Information

• First Line: How many pass the guilty night
• Title: How Many Pass the Guilty Night
• Author: Charles Wesley (1742)
• Meter: 88.88.88
• Language: English
• Source: Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1742, page 135, as the first of a series of "Hymns for the Watchnight"
• Copyright: Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: SELENA
• Composer: Isaac Baker Woodbury (1850)
• Meter: 88.88.88
• Incipit: 55565 54577 12117
• Key: A♭ Major
• Copyright: Public Domain