eHymns.org

Author

John Keble

Composer

Peter Ritter

Arranger

A. H. M.

Notes

Katholisches Gesangbuch, Vienna, c. 1774
Allgemeines Gesangbuch, Vienna, 1775, ad.
Hursley. L. M.

Arr. by William Henry Monk, 1861
Alternative tune, 'ABENDS'.

Text from St. Luke 24:29

Lyrics

Sun of my soul, Thou Saviour dear,
It is not night if Thou be near;
O may no earthborn cloud arise
To hide Thee from Thy servant's eyes.

When the soft dews of kindly sleep
My wearied eyelids gently steep,
Be my last tho't, how sweet to rest
For ever on my Saviour's breast.

Abide with me from morn till eve,
For without Thee I cannot live;
Abide with me when night is nigh,
For without Thee I dare not die.

If some poor wand'ring child of Thine
Have spurned today the voice Divine,
Now, Lord, the gracious work begin;
Let him no more lie down in sin.

Watch by the sick; enrich the poor
With blessings from Thy boundless store;
Be ev'ry mourner's sleep tonight,
Like infants' slumbers, pure and light.

Be near to bless me when I wake,
Ere thro' the world my way I take;
Abide with me till, in Thy love,
I lose myself in Heav'n above.