'Let there be light!'-When from on high, <br />O God, that first commandment came, <br />Forth leaped the Sun; and earth and sky <br />Lay in his light, and felt his flame. <br /> <br /> <br />'Let there be light!'-The light of grace <br />And truth, a darkling world to bless, <br />Came with thy word, when on our race <br />Broke forth the Sun of Righteousness. <br /> <br /> <br />Light of our souls! how strong it grows! <br />That Sun! how wide his beams he flings, <br />As up the glorious sky he goes, <br />With light and healing in his wings! <br /> <br /> <br />Give us that light! O God, 't is given! <br />Hope sees it open heaven's wide halls <br />To those, who for the truth have striven; <br />And Faith walks firmly where it falls. <br /> <br /> <br />Churches no more, in cold eclipse, <br />Mourn the withholding of its rays; <br />It gilds their gates, and on the lips <br />Of every faithful preacher plays. <br /> <br /> <br />Doth not its circle clasp the brows <br />Of him, who, in the strength of youth, <br />Gives himself up, in this day's vows, <br />A minister of grace and truth? <br /> <br /> <br />Long may it, Lord;-nor let his soul <br />Go through death's gloomy vale alone; <br />But bear it on to its high goal, <br />Wrapped in the light that veils thy throne.<br /><br />John Pierpont<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/hymns-for-ordination-and-installation-vi/
