O Fair the Gleams of Glory

1 Oh, fair the gleams of glory,
And bright the scenes of mirth,
That lighten human story
And cheer, this weary earth;
But richer far our treasure
With whom the Spirit dwells,
Ours, ours in heavenly measure
The glory that excels.

2 The lamplight faintly gleaneth
Where shines the noonday ray;
From Jesus' face there beameth
Light of a sevenfold day;
And earth's pale lights, all faded,
The Light from heaven dispels;
But shines for aye unshaded
The glory that excels.

3 No broken cisterns need they
Who drink from living rills;
No other music heed they
Whom God's own music thrills.
Earth's precious things are tasteless,
Its boisterous mirth repels,
Where flows in measure wasteless
The glory that excels.

4 Since on our life descended
Those beams of light and love,
Our steps have heavenward tended,
Our eyes have looked above,
Till through the clouds concealing
The home where glory dwells,
Our Jesus comes revealing
The glory that excels.

Source: Laudes Domini: a selection of spiritual songs, ancient and modern for use in the prayer-meeting #560

• MIDI file from The Cyber Hymnal #4957