Thoughts Divine in Human Speech

THE OLD HYMNS
by
Rev. Lawrence Keister

Hymns are cups of consolation
Placed by God within our reach;
Wings of worship and salvation,--
Thoughts divine in human speech.

Through the years they oft befriend us--
Is there not a constant need?
Hidden manna kindly lead us,
While for unity we plead.

Live the hymns and learn to sing them,
In the school of God's free grace;
Spirit-led to others bring them
As and angel face to face.

Sing the hymns that live for ages,--
Sing their music and their truth,
As each one your heart engages,
Youth is yours, eternal youth.

Here's an old one for you:

O Light That Knew No Dawn 

O light that knew no dawn,
That shines to endless day,
All things in earth and heav'n
Are lustred by thy ray;
No eye can to thy throne ascend,
Nor mind thy brightness comprehend.

Thy grace, O Father, give,
That I may serve in fear;
Above all boons, I pray,
Grant me thy voice to hear;
From sin thy child in mercy free,
And let me dwell in light with thee:

That, cleansed from stain of sin,
I may meet homage give,
And, pure in heart, behold
Thy beauty while I live;
Clean hands in holy worship raise,
And thee, O Christ my Saviour, praise.

In supplication meek
To thee I bend the knee;
O Christ, when thou shalt come,
In love remember me,
And in thy kingdom, by thy grace,
Grant me a humble servant's place.

Thy grace, O Father, give,
I humbly thee implore;
And let thy mercy bless
Thy servant more and more.
All grace and glory be to thee,
From age to age eternally.