At Even, Ere the Sun Was Set

Verse 1

At even, ere the sun was set, the sick, O Lord, around thee lay; O in what divers pains they met! O with what joy they went away!

Verse 2

Once more 'tis eventide, and we oppressed with various ills draw near; what if thy form we cannot see? we know and feel that thou art here.

Verse 3

O Saviour Christ, our woes dispel; for some are sick, and some are sad, and some have never loved thee well, and some have lost the love they had;

Verse 4

And some have found the world is vain, yet from the world they break not free; and some have friends who give them pain, yet have not sought a friend in thee;

Verse 5

And none, O Lord, have perfect rest, for none are wholly free from sin; and they who fain would serve thee best are conscious most of wrong within.

Verse 6

O Saviour Christ, thou too art man; thou hast been troubled, tempted, tried; thy kind but searching glance can scan the very wounds that shame would hide.

Verse 7

Thy touch has still its ancient power; no word from thee can fruitless fall: Hear, in this solemn evening hour, and in thy mercy heal us all.