At Eventide

FATHER in Heaven, we seek Thy face
When darkness is our dwelling-place.
Our foolish hearts, that daily roam,
Would nightly nestle with Thee at Home.
Be with us Here, and grant that we
Hereafter, Lord, may be with Thee!

Father! our inmost parts lie bare
To Thine own purifying air;
We spread our stains out in Thy sight;
O, Sun of Pureness, turn them white:
And make our spirits clear as dew
For Thine own Self to lighten through.

Send down the Comforter, we plead,
For all who are in bitter need;
May homeless Hagars find, we pray,
Some well of succour by the way—
The Angel of Thy Presence bless
All wanderers in the wilderness.

God keep our darlings safe this night,
Though scattered, one still in Thy sight!
Lead on, by many ways, and past
All perils, till we join at last:
With us the broken links! with
Thee The circle perfect endlessly.

Now take us, Father, to Thy breast,
And still our troubled thoughts to rest;
Thy watch and ward about us keep,
That tired souls may smile asleep,
And, having been with heaven awhile,
May wake to-morrow in Thy smile!