The moon in silver glory shone,

And not a cloud in sight;

When suddenly a shade begun

To intercept her light.

How fast across her orb it spread,

How fast her light withdrew!

A circle, ting'd with languid red,

Was all appear'd in view.

While many with unmeaning eye

Gaze on thy works in vain;

Assist me, LORD, that I may try

Instruction to obtain.

Fain would my thankful heart and lips

Unite in praise to thee;

And meditate on thy eclipse,

In sad Gethsemane.

Thy people's guilt, a heavy load!

(When standing in their room)

Depriv'd thee of the light of GOD,

And fill'd thy soul with gloom.

How punctually eclipses move,

Obedient to thy will!

Thus shall thy faithfulness and love,

Thy promises fulfill.

Dark, like the moon without the sun,

I mourn thine absence, LORD!

For light or comfort have I none,

But what thy beams afford.

But lo! the hour draws near apace,

When changes shall be o'er;

Then shall I see thee face to face,

And be eclips'd no more.