1 SINCE now the day has reached its close,
And sunlight shines no more,
In sleep the toil-worn find repose,
And all who wept before.
2 But Thou, my God, no rest dost know,
No slumber dims Thy sight.
Thou hatest darkness as Thy foe,
Since Thou Thyself art light.
3 O Lord, I pray remember me
Throughout the shades of night,
And grant to me most graciously
The shield of Thy great might.
4 Turn from me Satan's tyranny
Through many an angel-arm,
Then shall I be from danger free,
And safe from every harm.
5 I know the evil I have done
Doth cry aloud to Thee:
But yet the mercy of Thy Son
Hath full atoned for me.
6 Him I present Thee as my Bail,
While suppliant at Thy feet;
With such assurance I'll not fail
Before Thy judgment seat.
7 And therefore now I close my eyes,
And sleep with tranquil breast;
Why waste the time in fears or sighs?--
God watches o'er my rest.
8 Away, vain, idle thoughts, depart!
Roam not my soul abroad!
For now I build within my heart
A temple to my God.
9 Should this night prove the last for me
In this dark vale of tears,
Then lead me, Lord, in heaven to Thee
And my elect compeers.
10 And thus I live and die to Thee,
Thou Sabaoth strong, indeed!
In life and death Thou helpest me
From every fear and need.