When shades of night around him close,
The lighthouse guard has charge to keep,
And trim the beacon-fire, which glows
Like a red star above the deep.
Still calm and bright
Must shine that light
That guides the seaman on his way,
Till morning gleam
And lighthouse beam
Fade in the rosy blush of day.
Like charge is to the Christian given
In grief or joy, in storm or strife,
To glorify the God of heaven
Both by his lips and by his life.
Still pure and bright
Must shine his light,
And shed around a holy ray,
A flame of love
Lit from above,
And shining on to perfect day.
Pride, discontent, mistrustful fear,
Too oft, alas! the beacon hide;
The sinner must be humbled here
That Jesus may be glorified.
So pure and bright
Shall shine his light,
To other hearts a beam convey,
A flame of love
Lit from above,
Still shining on to perfect day.
Lord, feed our lamps with heavenly grace,
And let them to Thy glory shine,
Nor let our weakness e’er disgrace
The holy faith which seals us Thine!
Then pure and bright
Shall shine our light,
Our heavenly Father’s grace display,
A flame of love
Lit from above,
Still shining on to perfect day!