Hymnal: Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs #XXXIV (1792) Meter: 8.8.8.8 First Line: Long, as the dark'ning cloud abode Lyrics: 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Topics: The Shadow of the Law, reflecting the Body, which is Christ Scripture: Exodus 40:38 Languages: English
Cloud and Pillar of Fire