CCLXXIV. GOD shining into the Heart.

PRAISE to the LORD of boundless Might,
With uncreated Glories bright!
His Presence gilds the Worlds above;
Th' unchanging Source of Light and Love.

Our rising Earth his Eye beheld,
When in substantial Darkness veil'd;
The shapeless Chaos, Nature's Womb,
Lay buried in eternal Gloom .

Let there be Light, JEHOVAH said,
And Light o'er all its Face was spread:
Nature, array'd in Charms unknown,
Gay with its new-born Lustre shone.

He sees the Mind, when lost it lies
In Shades of Ignorance and Vice;
And darts from Heav'n a vivid Ray,
And changes Midnight into Day.

Shine, mighty GOD, with Vigour shine,
On this benighted Heart of mine;
And let thy Glories stand reveal'd,
As in the Saviour's Face beheld.

My Soul reviv'd by Heav'n-born Day,
Thy radiant Image shall display,
While all my Faculties unite
To praise the LORD, who gives me Light.