Scripture Verse

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in Heaven. Matthew 5:16

Introduction

Words: Mrs. M. L. Herr, in Rich­es of Grace, by Ed­mund S. Lo­renz et al. (Day­ton, Ohio: Lo­renz & Com­pa­ny, 1897), num­ber 20.

Music: Mat­thew L. Mc­Phail (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know Herr’s full name, or where to get a good pho­to of her (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

portrait
Matthew L. McPhail
1854–1931

Lyrics

Have you entered the race
For the prize, my brother,
For the crown of immortal life?
Do you earnestly run
For the goal, my brother?
Are you fearless amid earth’s strife?

Refrain

Let your light shine out clean
And bright, my brother,
As you travel thro’ darkness and doubt;
There are shadows that you
May dispel, my brother;
Jesus says, Let your light shine out.

Does the pathway seem tedious
And lone, my brother,
Are you weary, perplexed or faint?
Be courageous, for Christ
Is at hand, my brother,
To deliver each burdened saint.

Refrain

There are pilgrims who need
Kindly words, my brother,
Like our Lord, let us cheer and bless;
Any season, or place
We can serve, my brother,
Surely makes our own bur­den less.

Refrain

Time for winning the prize
Is but short, my brother,
Then so run that you may obtain;
Keep your eyes fixed on Je­sus
Alone, my brother;
He will make all your pathway plain.

Refrain

Then be vigilant, loyal,
And firm, my brother,
For the enemy lies in wait;
Ever wear the whole armor
Of God, my brother,
And your vic­to­ry will be great.

Refrain