The following verses, so full of deep feeling, were written, it is said, by a Missionary, immediately after the death of his beloved wife. In a foreign land, surrounded by strangers, and feeling the desolateness of his condition, he thus poured out his heart to the God of all consolation.
ABIDE with me. Fast falls the eventide;
The darkness thickens; Lord, with me abide.
When other helpers fail, and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, oh! abide with me.
Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;
Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see:
O Thou who changest not, abide with me!
Not a brief glance I beg, a passing word;
But as Thou dwelt with Thy disciples, Lord-
Familiar, condescending, patient, free,
Come not to sojourn, but abide with me.
I need Thy presence every passing hour-
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power?
Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be?
Through clouds and sunshine, oh! abide with me.
I fear no woe, with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness:
Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me!
Reveal Thyself before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies;
Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee:
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
And when my soul, released from earth, shall soar
To realms of bliss, where I shall weep no more,
Oh, wondrous thought! oh, glorious ecstasy!
Forever, Lord, shall I abide with Thee!