Evening on Wongan Hills
Was there ever such an evening
Since God said “Let there be light”?
Ever such sublime communion—
Heaven with earth, and day with night—
Mingling in one perfect rapture
Heaven's love and earth’s delight.
Shone there ever such a rainbow.
Reaching down the hills to greet,
Since the first bright arch of promise
When earth’s cleansing was complete.
Spanned the smiling skies, but rested
On the earth his glorious feet?
Glowed there ever such a sunset
Since earth’s first glad day was done?
When did heaven such dazzling raiment
Wrap round earth, its cherished one—
Like the wondrous coat of colours
Jacob made for Rachel’s son?
Storms before and darkness after
O'er our souls have lost their power—
Safe and splendid heaven’s high temple,
Safe and splendid earth’s strong tower.
Part of both, and blest in either
Rest our souls this evening hour.
Rain-wet rocks, like jasper shining—
Earthly things wear heavenly grace.
Day looks back in evening’s mirror—
Sees his own all-glorious face.
Blazing West to bright East calleth,
"Surely God is in this place!”