Sunset

How pleasant 'tis at eventide
To walk with friends we love ;
And think and speak of Him who died,
And who now reigns above.

Is there a subject half so sweet,
On which our thoughts could dwell ?
No, 't is a theme for angels meet,
Though we of it may tell.

The beauties that around we see,
On this calm lovely eve,
Show forth His love to you and me,
If we this love believe.

The sunset paints the western sky
With colours fair and bright ;
But we will raise our wondering eye
To scenes of heavenly light.

The clouds that round their monarch stay
A light and radiance gain ;
While those which tarry far away
Such brightness ne'er attain.

So those who, in this wilderness,
Still near their Master stay,
The beauty gain of holiness,
Of heaven's own light a ray.

Now, soon the darkening shades of night
Will o'er these scenes be thrown,
The sun's last ray of golden light
Will far away be flown.

Then hasten to our heavenly home,
That land more fair, more bright ;
Where shades of darkness never come,
Where there is no more night.