302. L. M. Richards. The Cloud and Pillar of Fire.

1 Long as the darkening cloud abode,
So long did ancient Israel rest;
Nor moved they, till the guiding Lord
In brighter garments stood confest.

2 Father of spirits, Light of light,
Lift up the cloud, and rend the veil;
Shine forth in fire, amid that night,
Whose blackness makes the heart to fail.

3 'T is done! to Christ the power is given;
His death has rent the veil away,
Our great Forerunner entered heaven,
And oped the gate of endless 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 our God on high.

5 Adoring nations hail the dawn,
All kingdoms bless the noontide beam,
And light, unfolding life's full morn,
Is vast creation's deathless theme.