Still, Still with Thee

264 Still, Still with Thee

1 Still, still with Thee, when purple morning breaketh,
   When the bird waketh, and the shadows flee;
   Fairer than morning, lovelier than daylight,
   Dawns the sweet consciousness I am with Thee.

2 Alone with Thee amid the mystic shadows,
   The solemn hush of nature newly born;
   Alone with Thee in breathless adoration,
   In the calm dew and freshness of the morn.

3 Still, still with Thee! as to each newborn morning
   A fresh and solemn splendor still is given,
   So does this blessed consciousness, awaking,
   Breathe each day nearness unto Thee and heaven.

4 When sinks the soul, subdued by toil, to slumber,
   Its closing eyes look up to Thee in prayer;
   Sweet the repose beneath Thy wings o'ershading,
   But sweeter still, to wake and find Thee there.

5 So shall it be at last, in that bright morning,
   When the soul waketh, and life's shadows flee;
   O in that hour, fairer than daylight dawning,
   Shall rise the glorious thought, I am with Thee.
                         Harriet B. Stowe
                         The Methodist Hymnal 1964 edition

<idle musing>
Yes, that Harriett (Beecher) Stowe, the one who wrote Uncle Tom's Cabin. According to the biography linked above, she wrote about 30 books, plus numerous pamphlets and more than a few hymns.

That being said, I don't recall ever singing this one. And it isn't a terribly common hymn, only occurring in around 350 hymnals. It is her most popular hymn.
</idle musing>