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Hymn
The Word Before All Things
Not first the things, which we behold;
Though they, since time began,
E'en from Creation's dawn of old,
Have been beheld by man.
Though they, since time began,
E'en from Creation's dawn of old,
Have been beheld by man.
Not first the grove, the hill, the stream,
Though beauteous to the sight;
Nor first the sun's bright, golden beam,
Nor stars with silvery light.
Though beauteous to the sight;
Nor first the sun's bright, golden beam,
Nor stars with silvery light.
Nor first were beasts, nor creeping things,
Nor insects' glittering throng,
Nor birds, that soar on sun-bright wings,
And fill the groves with song:
Nor insects' glittering throng,
Nor birds, that soar on sun-bright wings,
And fill the groves with song:
But first the Word, which gave them birth,
Eternal and divine;
Which built the heavens, and spread the earth,
And bade the stars to shine.
Eternal and divine;
Which built the heavens, and spread the earth,
And bade the stars to shine.
By it, each thing that is was made,
Beast, insect, bird, and man;
Ere earth's foundations first were laid,
God saw the wondrous plan.
Beast, insect, bird, and man;
Ere earth's foundations first were laid,
God saw the wondrous plan.
In it is light forever pure,
Brighter than man can see;
That must eternally endure,
When these shall cease to be.
Brighter than man can see;
That must eternally endure,
When these shall cease to be.
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Within the darkened human mind
It shines, though dimmed its ray;
To lead the soul, which sin makes blind,
To realms of endless day;
It shines, though dimmed its ray;
To lead the soul, which sin makes blind,
To realms of endless day;
Where fairer things, and more sublime,
That Word shall then reveal;
Which, now, the world of sense and time
Doth from man's sight conceal.
That Word shall then reveal;
Which, now, the world of sense and time
Doth from man's sight conceal.
Poem No. 363; c. June 1867
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