A Midnight Hymn: Another

Oft have we pass'd the guilty night
In revellings and frantic mirth;
The creature was our sole delight,
Our happiness the things of earth;
But O! suffice the season past,
We choose the better part at last.

We will not close our wakeful eyes,
We will not let our eyelids sleep,
But humbly lift them to the skies,
And all a solemn vigil keep:
So many nights on sin bestow'd,
Can we not watch one hour for God?

We can, dear Jesu, for Thy sake,
Devote our every hour to Thee:
Speak but the word, our souls shall wake,
And sing with cheerful melody;
Thy praise shall our glad tongues employ,
And every heart shall dance for joy.

Dear Object of our faith and love,
We listen for Thy welcome voice;
Our persons and our works approve,
And bid us in Thy strength rejoice:
Now let us hear the midnight cry,
And shout to find the Bridegroom nigh.

Shout in the midst of us, O King
Of saints, and let our joys abound;
Let us rejoice, give thanks, and sing,
And triumph in redemption found:
We ask for every waiting soul;
O let our glorious joy be full!

O may we all triumphant rise!
With joy upon our heads return,
And, far above these nether skies
By Thee on eagles' wings upborne,
Through all yon radiant circles move,
And gain the highest heaven of love!