1 Eternal light! Eternal light!
How pure that soul must be,
when, placed within thy searching sight,
it shrinks not, but with calm delight
can live and look on thee.

2 The spirits that surround thy throne
may bear the burning bliss;
but that is surely theirs alone,
since they have never, never known
a fallen world like this.

3 O how shall I, whose native sphere
is dark, whose mind is dim,
before th'ineffable appear,
and on my naked spirit bear
the uncreated beam?

4 There is a way for us to rise
to that sublime abode,
an off'ring and a sacrifice,
a Holy Spirit's energies,
an Advocate with God.

5 These, these prepare us for the sight
of holiness above;
the heirs of ignorance and night
may dwell in the eternal light,
through the eternal Love!