206. Now rest beneath night's shadows

1 Now rest beneath night's shadow
The woodland, field, and meadow,
The world in slumber lies;
But thou, my heart, awake thee,
To prayer and song betake thee,
Let praise to thy Creator rise.

2 To rest my body hasteth,
Aside its garments casteth--
Types of mortality;
These I put off, and ponder
How Christ shall give me yonder
A robe of glorious majesty.

3 Ye weary limbs, now rest you,
For toil hath sore oppressed you,
And quiet sleep ye crave;
A sleep shall once o'ertake you
From which no man can wake you,
In your last, narrow bed--the grave.

4 Lord Jesus, who dost love me,
O spread Thy wings above me,
And shield me from alarm!
Though Satan would devour me,
Let angel-guards sing o'er me:
This child of God shall meet no harm.

5 My loved ones, rest securely,
For God this night will surely
From perils guard your heads;
Sweet slumbers may He send you,
And bid His hosts attend you,
And through the night watch o'er your beds.

Text Information
First Line: Now rest beneath night's shadows
Meter: 7, 7, 6, 7, 7, 8.
Language: English
Publication Date: 1898
Topic: Worship: Evening; Protection, prayed for
Notes: P. Gerhardt, 1648. Tr. Winkworth, alt.
Tune Information
Name: NOW REST BENEATH NIGHT'S SHADOW
Composer: H. Isaac (1536)
Meter: 7, 7, 6, 7, 7, 8.
Key: F Major



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