1. While nature was sinking in stillness to rest.
The last beam of daylight shone dim in the west,
O’er fields by pale moonlight or stars’ trembling ray,
In deep meditation, I wandered away.

2. While passing a garden I paused to hear,
A voice faint and plaintive, from One that was there;
The voice of the sufferer affected my heart,
While pleading in anguish the poor sinner’s part.

3. So deep were His sorrows, so fervent His prayers,
That down o’er His bosom rolled sweat, blood, and tears!
I wept to behold Him!—I asked Him His name,
He answered, “ ’Tis JESUS! from heaven I came!”

4. How sweet was that moment He bade me rejoice!
His smile, O how pleasant How pleasant! His voice!
I flew from the garden to spread it abroad!
I shouted Salvation! and Glory to God!

5. I’m now on my journey to mansions above;
My soul’s full of glory, of light, grace, and love!
I think of the garden, the prayers, and the tears,
Of that loving Stranger, who banished my fears!

6. The day of bright glory is rolling around,
When Gabriel descending, the trumpet shall sound;
My soul then in raptures of glory shall rise
To gaze on the Stranger with unclouded eyes.

Henry Ward Beecher, Plymouth Collection of Hymns and Tunes for the Use of Christian Congregations, (New York: A. S. Barnes & Company, 1859), 71.