1 

Eternal Light! Eternal Light!

   How pure the soul must be

When, placed within Thy searching sight,

It shrinks not, but with calm delight

   Can live and look on Thee.

 2 

The spirits that surround Thy throne

   May bear the burning bliss;

But that is surely theirs alone,

Since they have never, never known

   A fallen world like this.

 3 

Oh, how shall I, whose native sphere

   Is dark, whose mind is dim,

Before th' Ineffable appear,

And on my natural spirit bear

   The uncreated beam?

 4 

There is a way for man to rise

   To Thee, sublime Abode;

And Offering and a Sacrifice,

A Holy Spirit's energies,

   An Advocate with God:

 5 

These, these prepare us for the sight

   Of holiness above;

The sons of ignorance and night

May dwell in the eternal Light,

   Through the eternal Love.