Abide with me, O Christ; Thou must not go, For life's brief day is now far down the west; In dark'ning clouds my sun is sinking low; Lord, stay and soothe Thy fretted child to rest. Abide with me, ere I can fall on sleep My throbbing head must on Thy breast recline, That I may hear anew Thy voice, and feel The thrill of Thy pierced hands in touch with mine. Abide with me; so then shall I have peace The world can never give nor take from me; Nor life nor death can that calm peace disturb, Since life and death alike are gain through Thee. If life, 'tis well; for though in paths of pain, In desert place afar, I'm led aside, Yet here 'tis joy my Master's cup to share; And so I pray, O Christ, with me abide. 'Tis gain if death; for in that far-off land-- No longer far--no veil of flesh will dim For me the wondrous beauty of my King, As He abides with me and I with Him. Abide with me; I have toiled gladly on, A little while, in stir of care and strife; The task is laid aside at Thy command, Make Thou it perfect with Thy perfect life. |