Long as the darkening cloud abode

Verse 1

Long, as the dark'ning cloud abode, So long did ancient Isr'el rest; Nor mov'd they, till the guiding God, In brighter garments stood confest.

Verse 2

Father of spirits! light of light! Lift up the cloud, and rend the vail: Shine forth in fire, amid that night, Whose blackness makes the heart to fail.

Verse 3

'Tis done! to Christ the power is giv'n His death—it rent the vail away. Our great forerunner enters heav'n, And opes th'eternal gates of day.

Verse 4

Nor shall those mists that brood o'er time, Forever blind the mental eye; They backward roll, and light sublime, Beams glory from the God on high.

Verse 5

Adoring nations hail his dawn, All kingdoms bless the noontide beam, And light unfolding life's full morn, Is vast creation's deathless theme.