Nations That Long in Darkness Walked

Nations that long in darkness walked
Have now beheld a glorious light;
On them who dwelt in shades of death
The light hath shinèd heav’nly bright.

For lo! the virgin’s Child is born;
To us the Son of God is giv’n.
Upon His shoulders shall be laid
The government of earth and Heav’n.

His Name is callèd Wonderful,
The Counselor, the mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace,
Peace dearly purchased with His blood.

His government shall know no bounds,
But far and wide o’er all extend;
And happy peace, the glorious fruits
Of His just reign, shall know no end.

O’er David’s kingdom, on His throne
To rule, and ’stablish it secure
With judgment clear, and justice right;
His reign forever shall endure.

Author: John Morison

Year: 1781

This is a metrical paraphrase of Isaiah 9:2-7 from the 1781 Scottish Translations and Paraphrases. John Morison (1749–1798) is the credited author of this paraphrase (sometimes listed as Morrison). No strong alternate attributions exist.