The opening of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
Psalm 119:130
Words: Thomas T. Lynch, The Rivulet (London: Robert Theobald, 1855), number 17.
Music: Kirby Bedon Edward Bunnett, 1887 (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tune:
If you know where to get a good photo of Bunnett (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
I will quote the hymn with which I commenced my work of song. It was made on the Monday morning before Christmas Day, whilst I was meditating on yesterday’s worship.
Memoirs of Thomas Lynch, edited by William White (London: 1874)
Christ in His Word draws near;
Hush, moaning voice of fear,
He bids thee cease:
With songs sincere and sweet
Let us arise, and meet
Him who comes forth to greet
Our souls with peace.
Rising above thy care,
Meet Him as in the air,
O weary heart:
Put on joy’s sacred dress;
Lo, as He comes to bless,
Quite from thy weariness
Set free thou art.
For works of love and praise
He brings thee summer days,
Warm days and bright:
Winter is past and gone,
Now He, salvation’s sun,
Shineth on every one
With mercy’s light.
From the bright sky above,
Clad in His robes of love,
’Tis He, our Lord:
Dim earth itself grows clear
As His light draweth near:
O let us hush and hear
His holy Word.