O Thou who makest souls to shine

Verse 1

O thou who makest souls to shine with light from lighter worlds above, and droppest glistening dew divine on all who seek a Saviour’s love;

Verse 2

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.

Verse 3

Give those who 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.

Verse 4

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.

Verse 5

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 done.

Verse 6

If thus, good Lord, thy grace be given, in thee to live, in thee to die, before we upward pass to heaven, we taste our immortality.