Upon the Gospel's sacred page
The gathered beams of ages shine;
And as it hastens, every age
But makes its brightness more divine.
On mightier wing, in loftier flight,
From year to year does knowledge soar;
And as it soars, the Gospel light
Adds to its influence more and more.
Truth, strengthened by the strength of thought
Pours inexhaustible supplies,
Whence sagest teachers may be taught,
And Wisdom's self become more wise.
More glorious still as centuries roll,
New regions blessed, new powers unfurled,
Expanding with the expanding soul,
Its waters shall o'erflow the world.
Flow to restore-but not destroy;
As when the cloudless lamp of day
Pours out its floods of light and joy,
And sweeps each lingering mist away.