Martin Farquhar Tupper

July 17, 1810 - November 1889 / London

A Morning Hymn

Once again my spirit waits
At a morrow's golden gates,
As in resurrection there
With the frankincense of prayer:

Once again from slumbers deep,
From the mimic death of sleep,
Thy good hand hath raised me up
To taste anew life's morning cup.

Praise, in psalms that Asaph sung,
Quicken from my heart and tongue!
Prayer, in words that David spake,
Kindle round me as I wake!

Graciously in me renew
Thy good Spirit right and true,
Purging every taint of sin,
Clean without, and pure within.

Clothe me in the beauteous dress
Of my Saviour's righteousness,
And Thy perfumed graces shed
Freely on my heart and head.

Guide my zeal for God and man
Still to do what good I can;
Lead Thou me in Thy straight way
Every minute of this day.

Thou, in whom I live and move,
Fill me with Thy light and love!
Thou, my guide and guard till death,
Breathe on me Thy living breath!

So, as may become Thy child
Saved, forgiven, reconciled,
I will work with all my power
For my Master every hour;

And when nightfall gathers nigh
And I lay me down to die,
Thou shalt be my life and light,
Killing death, and conquering night!
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