1. When Israel through the desert passed,
A fiery pillar went before,
To guide them through the dreary waste,
And lessen the fatigues they bore.
2. Such is thy glorious word, O God;
‘Tis for our light and guidance given;
It sheds a lustre all abroad,
And points the path to bliss and heaven.
3. It fills the souls with sweet delight,
And quickens its inactive powers;
it sets our wandering footsteps right.
Displays thy love, and kindles ours.
4. Its promises rejoice our hearts;
Its doctrines are divinely true:
Knowledge and pleasure it imparts;
It comforts and instructs us too.
5. Ye favoured lands, who have this word,
Ye saints, who feel its saving power,
Unite your tongues to praise the Lord,
And his distinguished grace adore.
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7. When Israel through the desert passed,
A fiery pillar went before,
Their guide by night through all the waste,
From Egypt quite to Canaan's shore.
8. It fills the souls with sweet delight,
And quickens its inactive powers;
Sets all our wandering footsteps right.
Displays thy love, and kindles ours.
9. Its promises rejoice our hearts;
Its doctrines are divinely true:
Knowledge and pleasure it imparts;
Yields comfort and instruction too.
10. Ye British Isles, who have this word,
Ye saints, who feel its saving power,
Your efforts join with one accord,
To send it forth to every shore.