When the sun in splendor shines
From the Eastern mountain,
When the shepherd's flock reclines
By the crystal fountain;
When the sun has cross'd the sky,
Sinking in the ocean,
When the silver moon rides high,
Creating soft emotion,—
Fill my spirit, God of Love,
With thy boundless favor;
Turn my heart to thoughts above,
And be my guide for ever!

When the clouds, extended wide,
Hide the face of heaven;
When the furious whirlwinds ride
On the tempest driven;
When the lightning flashes bright,
Bursting rocks asunder,
When the hills, at dead of night,
Are shaken by the thunder;
Guard me, Lord, from danger near,—
Nature quakes before thee,—
Fill my heart with holy fear,
And let my soul adore thee.

When I pass my brightest days,
Into age declining;
When this wondrous frame decays,
Ev'ry sense resigning;
When the close of life appears,
Worlds unknown before me;
When I leave this vale of tears,
And waves of death roll o'er me,
Fill my spirit, God of Love,
With thy boundless favor;
May I rise to realms above,
And dwell with thee for ever.