Hymn CCXLIV. Long Metre. Christ the Image of the Invisible God

Thou, Lord, by mortal eyes unseen, And by thy offspring here unknown, To manifest thyself to men, Hast set thy image in thy Son.

As the bright Sun's meridian blaze O'erwhelms and pains our feeble sight; But cheers us with his softer rays, When shining with reflected light;

So, in thy Son, thy power divine, Thy wisdom, justice, truth and love, With mild and pleasing lustre shine, Reflected from thy throne above.

Though hard'ned Jews denied his claim, And turn'd away their scornful face; Yet those who trusted in his name, Beheld in him, thy truth and grace.

O thou, at whose almighty word, Fair light at first from darkness shone; Give us to know our glorious Lord, And see the father in the Son.

Whilst we, thine image there display'd, With love and admiration view; Form us in likeness to our head, That WE may bear thy image too.