At Even, Ere the Sun Was Set

Two Sunday evenings ago the concluding hymn was actually a baptism hymn. Paul Tripp and I have no idea how it got into the service, particularly as it had nothing to do with his sermon about the compassion of Christ as exemplified in Mark 6:53-56 (a synopsis of Jesus healing the sick). But the tune (Angelus) caught the ear of one worshipper who recognized it. She sent me the words she expected to hear, which are found in the old Trinity hymnal. The hymn is "At Even, Ere the Sun Was Set" by Henry Twells. I share it with you.


At even, ere the sun was set,
The sick, O Lord, around Thee lay;
O, with how many pains they met!
O, with what joy they went away!

Once more ’tis eventide, and we,
Oppressed with various ills, draw near;
What if Thyself we cannot see?
We know that Thou art ever near.

O Savior Christ, our woes dispel;
For some are sick, and some are sad;
And some have never loved Thee well,
And some have lost the love they had.

And some are pressed with worldly care
And some are tried with sinful doubt;
And some such grievous passions tear,
That only Thou canst cast them out.

And some have found the world is vain,
Yet from the world they break not free;
And some have friends who give them pain,
Yet have not sought a friend in Thee.

And none, O Lord, have perfect rest,
For none are wholly free from sin;
And they who fain would serve Thee best
Are conscious most of wrong within.

O Savior Christ, Thou too art man;
Thou has been troubled, tempted, tried;
Thy kind but searching glance can scan
The very wounds that shame would hide.

Thy touch has still its ancient power.
No word from Thee can fruitless fall;
Hear, in this solemn evening hour,
And in Thy mercy heal us all.