Hymns

Wearied by day with toils and cares,

by John Newton·1779·Meter 8.8.8.8 (LM)

1

Wearied by day with toils and cares,
How welcome is the peaceful night!
Sweet sleep our wasted strength repairs,
And fits us for returning light.

2

Yet when our eyes in sleep are closed,
Our rest may break ere well begun;
To dangers every hour exposed
We neither can foresee nor shun.

3

'Tis of the Lord that we can sleep
A single night without alarms;
His eye alone our lives can keep
Secure, amidst a thousand harms.

4

For months and years of safety past,
Ungrateful, we, alas! have been;
Though patient long, he spoke at last,
And bid the fire rebuke our sin.

5

The shout of fire! a dreadful cry,
Impressed each heart with deep dismay;
While the fierce blaze and red'ning sky,
Made midnight wear the face of day.

6

The throng and terror who can speak!
The various sounds that filled the air!
The infant's wail, the mother's shriek,
The voice of blasphemy and prayer!

7

But prayer prevailed, and saved the town;
The few, who loved the Savior's name,
Were heard, and mercy hasted down
To change the wind, and stop the flame.

8

O, may that night be ne'er forgot!
LORD, still increase thy praying few!
Were OLNEY left without a Lot,
Ruin, like Sodom's, would ensue.

Fast-day Hymns