Scripture Verse

Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word: For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel. Luke 2:29–32

Introduction

Words: Jo­si­ah Con­der, The Con­gre­ga­tion­al Hymn Book (Lon­don: Jackson & Wal­ford, 1836), page 336.

Music: Hun­nys, me­lo­dy from Se­ven Sobs of a Sor­row­ful Soul, 1585 (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
Josiah Conder
1789–1855

Lyrics

Upon a world of guilt and night,
The Morning-star arose.
Enough! mine eyes have seen its light;
Now welcome death’s repose.

Prophetic joy those words inspired,
When, in the virgin’s Son,
Simeon beheld the long-desired,
And blessed God’s Holy One.

“Now lettest Thou Thy servant, Lord!
In peace his soul resign:
These eyes, according to Thy word,
See Judah’s Day-star shine:

The Light of life, whose healing ray
Shall sin’s deep shades dispel;
To Gentile lands salvation’s day;
Thy glory, Israel!

Faith still beholds her risen Lord,
Though hid from mortal sight.
Shine forth, O Savior! in Thy word,
And fill the world with light.