The moon in silver glory shone, <br />And not a cloud in sight; <br />When suddenly a shade begun <br />To intercept her light. <br /> <br />How fast across her orb it spread, <br />How fast her light withdrew! <br />A circle, tinged with languid red, <br />Was all appeared in view. <br /> <br />While many with unmeaning eye <br />Gaze on thy works in vain; <br />Assist me, Lord, that I may try <br />Instruction to obtain. <br /> <br />Fain would my thankful heart and lips <br />Unite in praise to thee; <br />And meditate on thy eclipse, <br />In sad Gethsemane. <br /> <br />Thy peoples guilt, a heavy load! <br />When standing in their room <br />Deprived thee of the light of God, <br />And filled thy soul with gloom. <br /> <br />How punctually eclipses move, <br />Obedient to thy will! <br />Thus shall thy faithfulness and love, <br />Thy promises fulfill. <br /> <br />Dark, like the moon without the sun, <br />I mourn thine absence, Lord! <br />For light or comfort I have none, <br />But what thy beams afford. <br /> <br />But lo! the hour draws near apace, <br />When changes shall be o'er; <br />Then I shall see thee face to face, <br />And be eclipsed no more.<br /><br />John Newton<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-moon-in-silver-glory-shone/
