Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in Heaven.
Matthew 5:16
Words: M. A. Maitland, in Joyful Songs, edited by James R. Murray (Cleveland, Ohio: S. Brainard’s Sons, 1875), page 18.
Music: William B. Evans, 1894 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know Maitland’s full name, or where to get a good photo of him or Evans,
Keep a light in the window burning,
Faint tho’ its glimmering be;
It may lighten some homeless wanderer,
Tossing on life’s dark sea.
It may whisper words of comfort,
And hope to the sinking heart;
Of the beacon that fadeless gleameth,
When the sunbeams of earth depart.
Keep a light in the window burning,
Brilliantly for a sign;
That upon you the Lord of glory
Maketh His face to shine.
Hoping that some long lost brother,
Waylaid in the path of sin;
May see its welcome glimmer,
And joyfully enter in.
Keep a light in the window burning,
Ye who in Christ rejoice;
And with hopeful souls are waiting,
For the sound of the Bridegroom’s voice.
Till the light of His glorious presence,
Extinguish the feeble ray;
Like the morning star it shall vanish,
In the light of the perfect day.