The Cyber Hymnal ‎#9495

9495. Long Had The Nations Sat

1 Long had the nations sat
O’erwhelmed in shades of night;
Thick shades which scarce admission gave
To one faint gleam of light.

2 Behold the morning star,
Now ushers in the day!
John, was that burning shining light,
Sent to prepare the way.

3 Behold a greater light,
The sun itself arise!
Jesus, bright sun of righteousness,
Salutes our wondering eyes.

4 Light of the world! His beams
Dispel the doleful night;
He from our eyelids clears the film,
And pours in heavenly light.

5 Jesus! Thou light of men!
Thy doctrine life imparts;
O may we feel its quickening power,
To warm and glad our hearts.

6 Cheered by Thy beams, our souls
Shall run the heavenly way;
The paths which Thou hast marked and trod
Shall lead to endless day.

Text Information

• First Line: Long had the nations sat
• Title: Long Had The Nations Sat
• Author: John Needham
• Meter: SM
• Language: English
• Source: Hymns Devotional and Moral on Various Subjects (Bristol, England: S. Farley, 1768)
• Copyright: Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: ADVENT
• Composer: John Goss (1872)
• Meter: SM
• Key: G Major
• Copyright: Public Domain