bright was the guiding star

bright was the guiding star that led,
with mild, benignant ray,
the gentiles to the lowly shed,
where the redeemer lay.

but lo! a brighter, clearer, light
now points to his abode;
it shines, through sin and sorrow’s night,
to guide us to our god.

oh! haste to follow where it leads
the gracious call obey;
be rugged wilds, or flowery meads,
the christian’s destined way.

oh! gladly tread the narrow path,
while light and grace are given;
who meekly follow christ on earth
shall reign with him in heaven.