Let there be light! — Creation heard
The mandate of its God — the first;
And Light flashed onward at His word —
An universe from darkness burst!

Let there be light! — and for the Mind
That inward light of Man was given —
That glorious gift of humankind
Which emulates the rays of heaven!

Let there be light! — and Jesus trod
The sin-stained earth, to seek and save;
Led by the radiant hand of God
To light the death-bed and the grave!

For this — Apostles prayed and wept, —
For this — the Saviour left the skies,
To watch the night of error set!
To bid the Christian Morn arise!

That light on every shore be thrown:
Where'er the savage once abode,
There may the Bethlehem Star be known —
There may we find the Church OF G OD !

We bless Thee for the Light of earth, —
We bless Thee for the Mind's pure flame;
For Light our Saviour brought to birth, —
Eternal God, we bless Thy Name!