A Night Thought

Thee, in the watches of the night,
My spirit would adore,
O God! in darkness, as in light,
Defend me evermore.

Yet not in Providence alone,
In grace, Thyself impart;
Erect Thy temple, fix Thy throne,
Rule Thou within my heart.

The morn and evening sacrifice,
The noon and midnight prayer,
I know that Thou wilt not despise,
When meekly offer'd there.

Though heaven and earth Thy presence fill.
Thou surely art, O Lord,
With Him who loves and does Thy will,
Who hears and keeps Thy word.

Henceforth be this the aim and end
Of all my life below,--
Till to the tomb my dust descend,
To Thee my spirit go.