Again, O God, the night shuts down,
Again I kneel to praise!
Thy wisdom, love, and truth and power
Have long made glad my days.
And, now, with added gratitude,
An evening hymn I raise.
I take the attitude of prayer,
But not for gifts to plead;
Thy bounty, far beyond desert,
Has more than met my need;
So, well content, I worship Thee
In thought and word and deed.
Thou bidst me ask, if I'd receive,
And seek, if I would find;
But surely Thou wilt not condemn
A heart to trust inclined.
Give what is best; Thou knowest all.
How blest the quiet mind!
I praise thee that in all the hours
And moments, as they glide,
Thy providence enfoldeth close;
Thy blessings rich abide;
And Thou dost keep in perfect peace
Those who in thee confide.
I praise thee for what seemeth good,
And for what seemeth ill.
Appearances are vain deceits;
Above them stands thy will;
By faith, not sight, thy children walk,
In hottest fire hold still.
Accept the off'ring that I lay
In gladness at thy feet;
My heart o'erflows with keenest joy,
With ecstacy complete.
Because, in all vicissitudes,
Thy constancy I greet.
Thou wilt not cease to love me well,
Nor fail to hold me fast;
Though pain may come, it cannot harm;
My care on thee is cast,
For future good he'll surely send
Who sent so sweet a past.
Praise waits in Zion, Lord, for thee,
Praise runs the world around;
And so this little heart of mine
Shall ne'er in gloom be found,
Rejoicing that all days and nights
May with thy praise resound.
--James Mudge.