TIS PAST, THE DARK AND DREARY NIGHT

Tis past, the dark and dreary night.
And, Lord, we hail Thee now,
Our Morning Star, without a cloud
Of sadness on Thy brow.

Thy path on earth. the Cross, the grave,
Thy sorrows all are o'er;
And O sweet thought! Thine eye shall weep.
Thy heart shall break no more.

Deep were those sorrows, deeper still
The love that brought Thee low,
That bade the streams of life from Thee,
A lifeless Victim, flow.

Drawn from Thy pierced and bleeding side,
That pure and cleansing flood
Speaks peace to every heart that knows
The virtues of Thy blood.

Yet 'tis not that we know the joy
Of cancelled sin alone,
But, happier far, Thy saints are called
To share Thy glorious throne.

So closely are we linked in love,
So wholly one with Thee,
That all Thy bliss and glory then
Our portion blest shall be.