THE DAY THOU GAVEST, LORD, IS ENDED

A HYMN FOR THE 15TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

By John Ellerton, 1870

The day thou gavest, Lord, is ended 
The darkness falls at thy behest; 
To thee our morning hymns ascended 
Thy praise shall sanctify our rest.

We thank thee that thy Church unsleeping, 
While earth rolls onward into light, 
Through all the world her watch is keeping, 
And rests not now by day or night.

As o'er each continent and island 
The dawn leads on another day, 
The voice of prayer is never silent, 
Nor dies the strain of praise away.

The sun that bids us rest is waking 
Our brethren 'neath the western sky, 
And hour by hour fresh lips are making 
Thy wondrous doings heard on high.

So be it, Lord; thy throne shall never 
Like earth's proud empires, pass away; 
Thy Kingdom stands, and grows for ever, 
Till all thy creatures own thy sway.