May 18
Companions of the Way (Morning)In the morning, rising up a great while before day, Jesus went out, and departed into a solitary place and there prayed.
EARLY, while yet the dark was gay And gilt with stars more trim than day, Heaven's Lily, and the earth's chaste Rose, The green immortal Branch, arose, And in a solitary place Bowed to His Father His bless'd face. If this calm season pleased my Prince, Whose fulness no need could evince, Why should not I, poor silly sheep, His hours, as well as practice, keep? Not that His hand is tyed to these, From whom time holds his transient lease; But Mornings new creations are, When men, all night saved by His care, Are still revived; and well He may Expect them grateful with the day. So for that first drawght of His hand, Which finished Heaven, and sea, and land, The Sons of God their thanks did bring, And all the Morning-stars did sing.
HENRY VAUGHAN
AND NIGHT