1  O Word of God incarnate,

       O Wisdom from on high,

    O Truth unchanged, unchanging,

       O Light of our dark sky,

    We praise Thee for the radiance

       That from the hallowed page,

    A lantern to the footsteps,

       Shines on from age to age.

 2  The Church from her dear Master

       Received the gift divine,

    And still that light she lifteth

       O'er all the earth to shine:

    It is the golden treasure

       Where gems of truth are stored;

    It is the heaven-drawn picture

       Of Christ, the living Word.

 3  It floateth like a banner

       Before God's host unfurled;

    It shineth like a beacon

       Above the darkling world;

    It is the chart and compass

       That, o'er life's surging sea,

    'Mid mists and rocks and quicksands

       Still guide, O Christ, to Thee.

 4  O make Thy Church, dear Savior,

       A lampstand of pure gold,

    To bear before the nations

       Thy light, that all behold;

    O teach Thy wandering pilgrims

       By this their path to trace,

    Till, clouds and darkness ended,

       They see Thee face to face.