Light that from the dark abyss

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Light that from the dark abyss

Author: Edward B. Birks
Tune: VENI LUX
Published in 7 hymnals

Representative Text

1 Light, that from the dark abyss
Madest all things, none amiss,
To share Thy beauty, share Thy bliss,
Come to us: come.

2 Light, that dost o'er all things reign,
Light that dost all life maintain;
O Light, that dost create again,
Come to us: come.

3 Light of men, that left the skies,
Light that looked through human eyes,
And died in darkness as man dies,
Come to us: come.

4 Light that stooped to rise and raise,
Soared to God above our gaze,
And still art with us all the days,
Come to us: come.

5 We have done great wrong to Thee,
Yet we do belong to Thee;
Oh, make our life one song to Thee,
Come to us: come.

Amen.

Source: Book of Worship with Hymns and Tunes #187

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Author: Edward B. Birks

Birks, Edward Bickersteth, M.A., son of Professor T. R. Birks, born at Kelshall, Herts, in 1849, and educated at Cholmeley School, Highgale, and Trinity College, Cambridge (B.A. 1870, M.A. 1873, and also a Fellowship 1870). On taking Holy Orders, he became, in 1878, Curate of St. Mary's, Nottingham, and, after six months at Greenwich, in 1880, Vicar of Trumpington in 1881, and Vicar of St. Michael’s, Cambridge, in 1884. Mr. Birks is the author of the metrical Litany, "Light that from the dark abyss," in the Hymnal Companion, 1876. It first appeared in Evening Hours in 1871 (having been composed in 1869 or 1870). Others of his pieces are to be found in Leaves from the Christian Remembrancer. -- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907… Go to person page >

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