As With Gladness

As with gladness men of old

Did the guiding star behold

As with joy they hailed its light

Leading onward, beaming bright,

So, most gracious god, may we

Evermore be led by thee.

As with joyful steps they sped

Saviour, to thy lowly bed,

There to bend the knee before

Thee whom heaven and earth adore,

So may we with willing feet

Ever seek the mercy seat.

As they offered gifts most rare

At thy cradle rude and bare,

So may we with holy joy,

Pure, and free from sin's alloy,

All our costliest treasures bring

Christ, to thee, our heavenly king.

Holy jesus, every day

Keep us in the narrow way;

And, when earthly things are past,

Bring our ransomed souls at last

Where they need no soul to guide,

Where no clouds thy glory hide.

In the heavenly country bright

Need they no created light;

Thou its light, its joy, its crown,

Thou its sun, which goes not down.

There for ever may we sing

Hallelujahs to our king.