A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.
John 13:34–35
Words: Richard H. Gilbert, in Songs of the Soul, edited by Joseph F. Berry & James Black (Cincinnati, Ohio: Cranston & Curtis, 1894), number 23.
Music: James M. Black (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Gilbert (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels), or a better one of Black,
In this world, where shadows
Dark and drear abound,
Where the tears of sorrow
Plentiful are found,
Let us prove our union
With the Christ above,
By the joy of showing
Bright sunshine of love.
Refrain
Sunshine, sunshine,
Coming from above,
Keep it beaming ever,
Bright sunshine of love,
Sunshine, sunshine,
Coming from above,
Keep it beaming ever,
Bright sunshine of love.
Souls in darkness groping,
Seeking for the way,
Leading up to glory,
Realm of endless day;
Comfort, cheer and help them,
Doubt and fear remove,
Making plain the pathway
With sunshine of love.
Refrain
Soon will end the work time,
And the pain and strife,
Then we’ll rest together
Blest with peace and life;
With our loving Savior
Now enthroned above,
Basking then forever
In sunshine of love.
Refrain