Hail Precious Book Divine!

Hail precious book divine!
Illumined by thy rays,
We rise from death and sin,
And tune a Saviour's praise:
The shades of error, dark as night,
Vanish before thy radiant light.

We bless the God of grace,
Who hath his word revealed,
To this bewildered race,
So long in darkness held:
His love designs; his people pray;
His providence prepares the way.

Now shall the heathen learn
The glories of our King;
Nor to blind gurus turn,
Nor idol praises sing;
Diffusing heavenly light around,
This book their doctrines shall confound.

Deign, gracious Saviour, deign,
To smile upon thy word;
Let millions now obtain
Salvation from the Lord:
Nor let its growing conquests stay,
Till earth exult to own its sway!

—by Joshua Marshman (1768-1817)

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