The Hymn Book of the Free Methodist Church ‎#770

770. A Solemn Vigil

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 nights on sin bestowed,
Can we not watch one hour 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 Blest object of our faith and love,
We listen for thy welcome voice;
Our persons and our works approve,
And bid us in thy strength rejoice;
Now let us hear the mighty cry,
And shout to find the Bridegroom nigh.

5 Shout in the midst of us, O King
Of saints, and let our joys abound;
Let us rejoice, give thanks, and sing,
And triumph in redemption found:
We ask in faith for every soul;
O let our glorious joy be full!

6 O may we all triumphant rise;
With joy upon our heads return;
And far above these 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: A Solemn Vigil
• Author: Charles Wesley
• Meter: L. M. 6 l.
• Publication Date: 1883
• Topic: Miscellaneous; Watch Night

Tune Information

(No tune information)