about four o'clock in the morning
But here I am , a poor old sinner , deserving nothing , and receiving everything which I need . Sir , I want nothing but more grace to serve him better . I lie here on this bed , and pray and sing by night and day . Sir , you must let me sing you my hymn ; I always begin it about four o'clock in the morning , and it keeps my spirits alive all the day through . '' Without waiting for my reply , he raised himself up , and in an aged and broken , but very affecting tone of voice , he sang two or three verses , expressive of God 's goodness to him , and his own desire to live to God 's glory . The simplicity , serenity , and heartfelt consolation , with which this venerable disciple went through it , gave a colouring to the whole , and left an impression on my mind which it would be impossible to convey to the reader . As soon as he had finished his hymn , he said , `` Do not be offended , sir , at my boldness : you love the Lord , too , I hope ; and then I am sure you wo n't be angry to hear me praise him .