Scripture Verse

Ye shine as lights in the world. Philippians 2:15

Introduction

Words: John Arm­strong, The Pas­tor in His Clo­set 1847, alt.

Music: So­lo­thurn tra­di­tion­al Swiss me­lo­dy (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tune:

portrait
John Armstrong (1813–1856)

Lyrics

O Thou who makest souls to shine
With light from brighter worlds above,
Now send Thy glistening dew divine
On all who seek a Sav­ior’s love!

Do Thou Thy benediction give
On all who teach, on all who learn,
That all Thy Church may holier live,
And every lamp more brightly burn.

Give those that teach pure hearts and wise,
Faith, hope, and love, all warmed by prayer;
Themselves first training for the skies,
They best will raise their people there.

Give those, who learn, the willing ear,
The spirit meek, the guileless mind;
Such gifts will make the lowliest here
Far better than a kingdom find.

O bless the shepherd! bless the sheep!
That guide and guided both be one;
One in the faithful watch they keep,
Until this hurrying life be gone.

If thus, good Lord, Thy grace be giv’n,
Our glo­ry meets us ere we die;
Before we upward pass to Heav’n,
We taste our immortality.