Hymns from the Land of Luther

Quietly rest the woods and dales,

Silence round the hearth prevails,

The world is all asleep:

Thou, my soul, in thought arise,

Seek thy Father in the skies,

And holy vigils with Him keep.

Sun, where hidest thou thy light?

Art thou driven hence by Night,

Thy dark and ancient foe?

Go! another Sun is mine--

Jesus comes with light divine,

To cheer my pilgrimage below.

Now that day has passed away,

Golden stars in bright array

Bespangle the blue sky:

Bright and clear, so would I stand,

When I hear my Lord's command

To leave this earth, and upward fly.

Now this body seeks for rest,

From its vestments all undrest,

Types of mortality:

Christ shall give me soon to wear,

Garments beautiful and fair--

White robes of glorious majesty.

Head, and feet and hands, once more

Joy to think of labor o'er,

And night with gladness see.

O my heart! thou too shalt know

Rest from all thy toil below,

And from earth's turmoil soon be free.

Weary limbs, now rest ye here;

Safe from danger and from fear,

Seek slumber on this bed:

Deeper rest ere long to share,

Other hands shall soon prepare

My narrow couch among the dead.

While my eyes I gently close,

Stealing o'er me soft repose,

Who shall my guardian be?

Soul and body now I leave,

(And Thou wilt the trust receive,)

O Israel's Watchman! unto Thee.

O my friends! from you this day

May all ill have fled away,

No danger near have come.

Now, my God, these dear ones keep;

Give to my beloved sleep,

And angels send to guard their home!