On the Eclipse of the Moon. July 30, 1776

I

The moon in silver glory shone,
  And not a cloud in sight,
When suddenly a shade begun
  To intercept her light

II

How fast across her orb it spread!
  How fast her light withdrew!
A circle, tinged with languid red,
  Was all appear’d in view.

III

While many, with unmeaning eye,
  Gaze on thy works in vain,
Assist me, Lord, that I may try
  Instruction to obtain.

IV

Fain would my thankful heart and lips
  Unite in praise of thee,
And meditate on thy eclipse
  In sad Gethsemane.

V

Thy people’s guilt, a heavy load,
  (When standing in their room,)
Deprived thee of the light of God,
  And fill’d thy soul with gloom.

VI

How punctu’lly eclipses move,
  Obedient to thy will!
Thus shall thy faithfulness and love
  Thy promises fulfill.

VII

Dark, like the moon without the sun,
  I mourn thine absence, Lord!
For light or comfort I have none
  But what thy beams afford.

VIII

But, lo! the hour draws near apace,
  When changes shall be o’er;
Then I shall see thee face to face,
  And be eclipsed no more.