HOW blest thy creature is, O God ,
When with a single eye,
He views the lustre of thy word,
The day-spring from on high!

Thro' all the storms that veil the skies,
And frown on earthly things;
The Sun of righteousness he eyes,
With healing on his wings.

Struck by that light, the human heart,
A barren soil no more;
Sends the sweet smell of grace abroad,
Where serpents lurk'd before.

The soul, a dreary province once
Of Satan's dark domain;
Feels a new empire form'd within,
And owns a heav'nly reign.

The glorious orb, whose golden beams
The fruitful year control;
Since first, obedient to thy word,
He started from the goal;

Has cheer'd the nations, with the joys
His orient rays impart;
But J ESUS , 'tis thy light alone,
Can shine upon the heart.