希腊教会圣诗

I Far from Thy heavenly care, Lord, I have gone astray; And all the wealth Thou gav’st to me, Have cast away. II Now from a broken heart, In penitence sincere, I lift my prayer to Thee, O Lord, In mercy hear. III And in Thy blest abode Give me a servant’s place, That I, a son, may learn to own A Father’s grace.

I O King enthroned on high, Thou Comforter Divine, Blest Spirit of all Truth, be nigh And make us Thine. II Yea, Thou art everywhere, All places far or near; O listen to our humble prayer, Be with us here! III Thou art the source of life, Thou art our treasure-store; Give us Thy peace, and end our strife For evermore. IV Descend, O Heavenly Dove Abide with us alway; And in the fulness of Thy love Cleanse us, we pray.

I To Thy blest Cross, O Christ, we come, And falling down adore Thee, And humbly make confession full Of all our sins before Thee. II For Thou Thyself art very God, And freely cam’st to save us; And in our flesh the fetters broke With which our sins enslave us. III Therefore we own with grateful hearts The joy the Saviour brought us, Who came to earth, and in our sins With love and pity sought us.

I O come let us adore The Lord of all the earth, And in our songs of praise recount The mystery of His birth. II The middle wall is razed, An entrance now is free; For cherubim with sword of flame No longer guard the tree. III O Paradise restored! Now I shall enter in, And taste the bliss from which I fell Through Adam’s mortal sin,— IV For Christ, the Father’s Son, Who God’s true image bore, Of Virgin born, in low estate Our human nature wore. V True God! True Man! to Thee Our earnest prayers ascend; O, of Thy loving-kindness hear, Who art the Sinners’ Friend.

I Christ is born, go forth to meet Him, Christ by all the heaven adored; Singing songs of welcome, greet Him, For the earth receives her Lord. All ye nations shout and sing; For He comes, your glorious King. II Once His heavenly image bearing, Man has sunk to depths of sin; Now defiled, debased, despairing, Clad in rags and foul within; But our God, who beauty gave, Lifts the soul He comes to save. III From the height of heaven beholding, Pity filled the heart of grace, And our Lord, His love unfolding, Made the earth His dwelling-place; And a virgin mother gave God Incarnate, man to save. IV Wisdom, Might, and Word Eternal, Glory of the Father, Thou! Hid from man and powers supernal, Lo, He wears our nature now! To the Lord your worship bring, Praise Him, your victorious King.

I What shall we bring to Thee? What shall our offering be On this Thy natal morn? For Thou, O Christ, hast come to earth— A virgin mother gave Thee birth— For our redemption born. II The whole creation broad Gives praise and thanks to God, Who gave His only Son; And list! the bright angelic throng Their homage yield in sweetest song For peace on earth begun. III The heavens their glory shed, The star shines o’er His head, The promised Christ and King; And wise men from the lands afar, Led by the brightness of the star, Their treasured offerings bring. IV What shall we give Thee now? Lowly the shepherds bow, Have we no gift to bring? Our worship, lo, we yield to Thee, All that we are, and hope to be— This is our offering.

I In the bliss of old predicted, Heaven and earth to-day rejoice; Men and angels, one in spirit, Shout aloud in gleeful voice; For, to those in darkness drear, God in human flesh is near. II Cave and manger show the mystery; Shepherds tell the wondrous tale; Bearing gifts to lay before Him From the East the Magi hail; Taught by angel words to sing, We unworthy praises bring. III Glory be to God eternal! Peace on earth its reign begin! For the one Desire of nations Comes to save us from our sin; Freedom He will now bestow From the bondage of the foe.

I Bethlehem rejoices, Hark the voices clear, Singing in the starlight Nearer and more near. Unto God be glory, Peace to men be given, This His will who dwelleth In the heights of heaven. II Heaven can not contain Him, Nor the bounds of earth, Yet, O Glorious Mystery! Virgin gives Him birth. Unto God be glory, Peace to men be given, This His will who dwelleth In the heights of heaven. III Now the light ariseth In the darkened skies, Now the proud are humbled And the lowly rise. Unto God be glory, Peace to men be given, This His will who dwelleth In the heights of heaven.

I To-day the groans of Hades rise,— ‘Ah, better far for me The Son of Man had never died Upon the cursèd tree! For by His power the fettered souls I held in darkest night, Are carried through the sundered gates Into the realm of light.’ Let glory now the Cross adorn, Hail, hail the Resurrection morn! II To-day the groans of Hades rise,— ‘My might is overthrown; I took One dead, from ’mong the dead, And claimed Him for mine own; But He hath crushed my ancient power; And those I held in thrall Have thrown aside the chains they wore, And He hath rescued all.’ Let glory now the Cross adorn, Hail, hail the Resurrection morn! III To-day the groans of Hades rise,— ‘My power is gone from me; The Shepherd died upon the Cross, And Adam’s sons are free; The bars are taken from the tomb, Death can no more appal; For He who gave Himself to death, By death hath rescued all.’ Let glory now the Cross adorn, Hail, hail the Resurrection morn!

I No longer now at Eden’s gate The fiery weapon gleams, But from the Cross that leads to life A light alluring streams. II And now the power of Death is gone, His sting is torn away; Grim Hades can no longer claim His silent victory. III For Thou, O Saviour, didst descend Where darkness brooding lies, And bad’st the souls in bondage held Return to Paradise.

I Thou one Begotten Son, Eternal Word adored, Immortal while the ages run, And our Almighty Lord; II To bring Salvation nigh, To vanquish death and sin, Thou didst in cruel anguish die, And life for mortals win. III Save us, O Christ our God, Save by Thy Cross, we pray; Thou who didst bear the Father’s rod, And death by dying slay. IV Thou art the Eternal Son, One in the glorious Three; Co-equal praise while ages run Shall ever rise to thee.

I When on the cruel Cross The Lord was lifted high, Affrighted earth in terror quailed To see its Maker die. II Then had the yawning caves Devoured the murderous band, Had not the Crucified in love Stretched forth His saving hand. III Thou gav’st Thyself to die, Dark Hades to explore, To bring to souls in prison bound New life for evermore. IV O Lover of mankind, To Thee all glory be, For Thou didst give not death, but life, When hanging on the tree.

When Lazarus rose at Christ’s command, And God was glorified of men, The children cried Hosanna then, But Judas would not understand. When seated with Thy chosen band Thou didst to Thy disciples say That one, O Christ, would Thee betray, But Judas would not understand. The sop revealed the traitor’s hand, In answer to the question made; They saw by whom Thou wert betrayed, But Judas would not understand. The Jews, O Christ, Thy life demand, ’Twas purchased for a price like this— For silver pieces and a kiss, But Judas would not understand. Thou, with Thine own unstainèd hand, Didst wash the feet, and humbly teach That such a task becometh each, But Judas would not understand. ‘Watch thou and pray,’ was Thy command, Lest, thoughtless, the disciples fall Beneath the tempter’s bitter thrall; But Judas would not understand.

I The wily Judas watches near The Master’s path to-day, That he may into wicked hands The Eternal Lord betray, Who in the desert lone and dread Supplied the multitudes with bread. II To-day the wicked one denies His Teacher and his Friend— Once a disciple, he betrays His Master in the end. For silver, see the Lord is sold, Who manna gave in days of old. To-day the Jews on Calvary A cruel Cross have raised, And nailed upon that Cross, their Lord Have wickedly abased, Who made a pathway through the sea And led them from captivity. IV To-day the spear is lifted high And thrust into His side, Who for His people raised His hand And wounded Egypt’s pride; They give Him vinegar and gall, Who showered down manna on them all.

I O Thou who cloth’st Thyself complete With light as with a garment fair, Thou bor’st the cruel, vulgar stare, Unrobed before the judgment-seat. II Thou gav’st the hand its subtle power, But with the hand, O Lord of grace, Upon Thy pallid, careworn face, They smote Thee in that evil hour. III They nailed the Lord of Glory high, And while He hung in awful pain, The temple veil was rent in twain, The sun refused to see Him die.

For all the good performed by Thee, O Christ, the Hebrews deemed it meet To bear Thee from the judgment-seat And nail Thee to the cruel tree; They gave Thee vinegar and gall— But render justice to them all. ’Twas not enough they should betray And nail Thee to the Cross to die; They wagged their heads and passed Thee by, And mocked Thee on that woful day; In vain they strove against Thee, Lord— Give Thou to them their due reward. The quaking earth inspires no dread,— The temple veil asunder fell, The rocks were rent—still they rebel, E’en when the graves gave up their dead; But vain they strove against Thee, Lord— Give Thou to them their due reward.

I When Thou wert crucified by men, O Christ, for Thy companion then Thou didst accept the base and vile, Whose hand was stained with blood the while; O, number us with him, we pray! Thou who art good and kind alway. Few were his words, but Thou didst hear; His faith was great, and Thou wert near; And first of men, with glad surprise, He entered opened Paradise. Be Thou for evermore adored! The needy’s prayer was not abhorred.

I Our evening prayers attend, O Thou that holy art; In mercy full forgiveness send To every contrite heart; For Thou hast risen to set us free, And all mankind rejoice in Thee. II Encompass Zion round, Ye people, tell His fame; Let Resurrection joy abound, And glory to His name; He is our Lord, who from the grave Arose our sinning souls to save. III With resurrection lays Ye people, come, adore, And worship Him with grateful praise Who lives for evermore; He is our God, who from the grave Arose our sinning souls to save. IV Lord, by Thy Passion Thou Sav’st men from passions base, And by Thy Resurrection, now Dost from corruption raise. Glory to Thee we humbly bring, O Christ, who art our Heavenly King.

I Light serene of holy glory From the Immortal Father poured, Holy Thou, O Blessed Jesus, Holy, Blessed, Christ the Lord. II Now we see the sun descending, Now declines the evening light, And in hymns we praise the Father, Son and Spirit, God of Might. III Worthy of unending praises, Christ the Son of God art Thou; For Thy gift of life eternal, See the world adores Thee now.

I We have heard the wondrous story Of the Resurrection morn; We have seen its matchless glory, Christ the risen Lord adorn. Let us worship and adore Him, Let us now fall down before Him. II Men with erring sinners found Thee, Found the only sinless One; And upon a Cross they bound Thee, For the good that Thou hadst done; Come, upon the Cross adore Him, Let us now fall down before Him. III We have heard the wondrous story Of the Resurrection day,— Christ our God, to Him be glory, For He casts death’s bands away. Let us worship and adore Him, Come and let us fall before Him. IV Come, ye faithful, come with gladness, To your God thanksgiving pay; For the Cross was shorn of sadness On the Resurrection day. Let us worship and adore Him, Come and let us bow before Him.

I When, O King Immortal, Thou didst seek the gloom, Tasting death in meekness, Resting in the tomb— On that dark and woful day, Hades owned Thy kingly sway. II Victor! now we hail Thee, Hail Thee Christ our God; Thou hast burst the barrier Of Thy dark abode; On that glad and glorious day, Hades owned Thy kingly sway. III They who bore the spices In the early hour, Heard the salutation Of the Lord of power, And His followers, sore and sad, Found the peace that made them glad. IV Hail the King Immortal! Death by death is slain, And the weak and fallen Rise to life again; On this glad and glorious day Hades owns the Victor’s sway.

I Behold the Bridegroom cometh At the hour of midnight drear, And blest be he who watcheth When his Master shall appear, But woe betide the careless one Asleep when He is near! II O soul of mine, bestir thee Lest thou sink in slumber quite, And the Bridegroom find thee sleeping When He cometh in His might. Awake, awake to praises, For He cometh in the night. III That fearful day approacheth, Then live, O soul, aright, And watch the hour, and trim thy lamp And keep it burning bright, Lest the voice be heard, ‘He cometh!’ In the middle of the night. IV Beware when slumber binds thee, Lest the Bridegroom pass thee by, And thou knock without in darkness, And for grief and anguish cry; Take thy lamp, with oil, and trim it, For the hour is drawing nigh.

I O Jesus, Lover of our race, How rich the promise of Thy grace To Thy disciples made,— A holy Paraclete to send, To succour, comfort, and befriend With His inspiring aid. II On earth the light is shining clear, The Holy Comforter is here, To all the faithful given; And now, what prophets long foretold, In all His fulness we behold The Spirit sent from heaven.

I O Jesus, to Thy servants give The consolation they require; And when the cloud of trouble falls, With heavenly hope their souls inspire. Be ever near us, Christ, to bless And help us in Thy faithfulness. II As Thou wert with Thy saints of old, Be with us, ever present, Lord; Unite us to Thyself, we pray, As Thou hast promised by Thy word; Then we shall glorify and laud The Holy Spirit sent by God.

I It is a comely thing To glorify and praise Our God, the Everlasting Word, And Lord of endless days. II The trembling cherubim Before Him fold their wings, And all the heavenly hosts adore The mighty King of kings. III We would our offering give,— O Christ, to Thee we pray, For Thou didst break the bands of death When dawned the glorious day. IV To Thee, Thou Three in One, Ascend our songs divine; One power, one kingdom without end, And one dominion Thine. V O Christ, the source of light, With light my soul inspire; Come, make my heart the bright abode Of Thy celestial fire.

I Come ye people, come adore Him, God in Holy Trinity; God the Father, Son, and Spirit, Ever Blessed Unity. II Thine the glory, God Almighty, To the Son and Spirit given, Ere upon the world’s creation Dawned the new-born light of heaven. III Holy, holy, we adore Thee, One in power, in nature one; God the Father, God the Spirit, God the Co-Eternal Son. IV By the Son the wide creation Rose where chaos held its sway; By the Spirit, God Almighty Swept eternal night away. V Son, the Father’s love revealing, Son, through whom the Spirit came, Blessed Godhead! endless glory Be to Thine exalted name.

I When Thou shalt come, O Lord, Wrapt in Thy glory bright, Then shall the earth in terror quake, The sun withhold his light. II When Thou shalt come, O Lord, Then to Thy judgment-bar, Even as a mighty stream, shall flow The sons of men from far. III When Thou shalt come, O Lord, Then shall the books be spread, And from their secrets Thou shalt judge The living and the dead. IV When Thou shalt come, O Lord, Then save me by Thy power, Let not the flames of wrath o’ertake Thy servant in that hour. V When Thou shalt come, O Lord, In mercy let me stand— No guilt upon my conscience laid— Approved, at Thy right hand.

Hail the Resurrection day! Let the people shout for gladness; ’Tis a passover of joy,— Let us banish every sadness; For, from death to endless life, Christ our God His people bringeth; As from earth to heaven we rise, Each his song of triumph singeth. From our eyes the veil remove, That we may, in light transcending, See the risen Lord of Life, Life to all in grace extending. Let our ears His voice perceive; To His accents kind attending, We would hear ‘All hail!’ and sing, Every voice in triumph blending. Let the heavens above rejoice, Let the earth take up the measure; All the world, and all therein, Join the festival of pleasure; All things visible unite With invisible in singing; For the Christ is risen indeed, Everlasting gladness bringing.

Come, let us drink the water new, Not from the rock divinely springing, But from that pure immortal stream That from His tomb our Lord is bringing. All things in earth and heaven above Are filled with light that shines supernal; So all creation keeps this feast, For He hath risen, the King eternal. With Thee, O Christ, I lay entombed, Ere light upon this day was falling; With Thee I leave death’s dark abode, For Thou hast risen, and Thou art calling. With Thee upon the Cross I hung When Thou wast faint, and weak, and sighing; Lord, with Thyself Thy servant bless, In Thy bright realm through years undying.

Habakkuk ii. 1.Prophet of the Lord, beside us, Now upon the watch-tower stand; Let us see the light-clad angel Earthward come at God’s command, Telling of His power to save, Who hath risen from the grave. He was born of Virgin Mother, Lamb of God on whom we feed; Free from every spot, and blameless, Yea, a Passover indeed: Very God His wondrous claim, And Perfection is His name. As a yearling lamb He suffered, He, our Blessed, saving Crown; That He might from vileness cleanse us, Freely was His life laid down; Now, with beauty in our eyes, See the glorious Sun arise. As the ark was borne in triumph, David leaped with gladness then; Now before the Type’s fulfilment We should joy as holier men; For, omnipotent to save, Christ hath left the dismal grave.

Ere the morn in beauty wake, Let us seek the Saviour’s tomb,— Not with ointment and perfume, But with songs the silence break; We shall see the Christ appear, Sun of Righteousness to cheer. They who dwell in death’s abode, Bound with fetters dark and cold, Shall the Saviour’s love behold; They shall hail the light of day, And their gladsome foot employ In this festival of joy. Go ye forth amid the gloom, And with torches burning bright Cheer the darkness of the night, Meet the Bridegroom at the tomb; Greet with songs of festal glee Him who sets His people free.

To depths of earth Thou didst descend, O Christ, to break the chain That held the sons of men enslaved, And lead them forth again; As Jonah left the living grave, So cam’st Thou forth, O Christ, to save. Unbroken were the seals when Thou Didst leave the dismal tomb, Even as the virgin bars remained When Thou didst leave the womb; And Thou hast ope’d the gates of heaven, And entrance free to all is given. O Thou, my Saviour and my God, Who camest from above, And gav’st Thyself for sinful men An offering of love! Now, rising from the grave, we see Our human race arise with Thee.

He who in the fiery furnace Kept from harm the faithful three, Suffering in our mortal nature, Decks with life mortality,— Him, our fathers’ God, we praise, Blest and glorious always. Holy women bearing ointments, Sought the mortal, bathed in tears; But their sorrow changed to gladness, For the Living God appears; And they tell the news abroad Of the risen Son of God. Now we celebrate the triumph, Death and Hades overthrown, Earnest of a life unending; All the glory is Thine own; God, our fathers’ God, we praise, Blest and glorious always. Hallowed feast of holy gladness! Night that waits salvation’s birth, Till the Resurrection morning Breaks with splendour on the earth, And eternal light is poured By the Christ from death restored.

This is the chosen day of God, The brightest and the fairest, The Lady thou of all the feasts, The Queen of all, and rarest; Now let our songs of blessing soar To Thee, O Christ, for evermore. O glorious Resurrection day! With fruit of vine the newest; Come, let us taste the heavenly draught, And joy with joy the truest; To Thee, O Christ, our praises soar, Who art our God for evermore. O Zion, lift thine eyes, behold The lights that shine around thee From east and west, and north and south, Thy children now surround thee; And in thy streets their praises soar, To Thee, O Christ, for evermore. Almighty Father! Word Divine! O spirit co-eternal! In persons three, in nature one, O God of power supernal! Baptized in Thee, our praises soar, And Thee we bless for evermore.

Shine forth, O new Jerusalem! O Zion, shout with glee! For now the glory of the Lord Is risen upon thee; O mother pure of God’s own Son, Rejoice—His victory is won! O dear and sweetest voice divine, O Christ, Thou wilt befriend, And lead Thy people safely on E’en to their journey’s end; Thy faithful people hear Thy voice, And in that steadfast hope rejoice. O Christ, our sacred Paschal feast, The Word, the might of God,— His wisdom most ineffable By Thee is shed abroad; O may we feast on Thee for aye In Thy blest realm of endless day.

I Lord, to our humble prayers attend, Let Thou Thy peace from heaven descend, And to our souls salvation send. Have mercy, Lord, upon us. II Rule in our hearts, Thou Prince of Peace, The welfare of Thy Church increase, And bid all strife and discord cease. Have mercy, Lord, upon us. III To all who meet for worship here, Do Thou in faithfulness draw near; Inspire with faith and godly fear. Have mercy, Lord, upon us. IV O let Thy priests be clothed with might, To rule within Thy Church aright, That they may serve as in Thy sight. Have mercy, Lord, upon us. V The sovereign ruler of our land, Protect by Thine Almighty hand, And all around the throne who stand. Have mercy, Lord, upon us. VI In time of war be near to aid, Strong be the arm for battle made, Prostrate be every foeman laid. Have mercy, Lord, upon us. VII Let clouds and sunshine bless the earth, Give fruits and flowers a timely birth, Our harvests crown with peaceful mirth. Have mercy, Lord, upon us. VIII Let voyagers by land and sea In danger’s hour in safety be; The suffering and the captives free. Have mercy, Lord, upon us. IX Around us let Thy shield be cast, Till wrath and danger are o’erpast, And tribulation’s bitter blast. Have mercy, Lord, upon us.

Deacon. Let us complete our evening supplication to the Lord. Choir. Lord, have mercy upon us. I God of all Grace, Thy mercy send; Let Thy protecting arm defend; Save us, and keep us to the end. Have mercy, Lord. II And through the coming hours of night, Fill us, we pray, with holy light; Keep us all sinless in Thy sight. Grant this, O Lord. III May some bright messenger abide For ever by Thy servants’ side, A faithful guardian and guide. Grant this, O Lord. IV From every sin in mercy free, Let heart and conscience stainless be, That we may live henceforth for Thee. Grant this, O Lord. V We would not be by care opprest, But in Thy love and wisdom rest;— Give what Thou seest to be best. Grant this, O Lord. VI While we of every sin repent, Let our remaining years be spent In holiness and sweet content. Grant this, O Lord. VII And when the end of life is near, May we, unshamed and void of fear, Wait for the Judgment to appear. Grant this, O Lord.

I Behold the Bridegroom! Hark the cry, The dead, awaking, rends the sky! Go, virgins, He is near, Your lamps all burning clear; He enters where the rising light Asunder bursts the gates of night. In holy garb, with lamp aglow, To meet the Bridegroom forth I go. II The smiles of earth that turn to tears, Its empty joys and foolish fears I leave, for Thou dost call— Thou art my Life, my All; I would Thy beauty ever see, Then let me, Blessed, cling to Thee. In holy garb, with lamp aglow, To meet the Bridegroom forth I go. III For Thee I leave the world behind— Thou art my Bliss, O Bridegroom kind; My beauty’s not mine own— ’Tis Thine, O Christ, alone; Thy bridal-chamber I would see, In perfect happiness to be. In holy garb, with lamp aglow, To meet the Bridegroom forth I go. IV O God, exalted on Thy throne, Who dwell’st in purity unknown, Lo, now we humbly wait, Throw wide the Heavenly gate, And with the Bridegroom, of Thy grace, Give us at Thy right hand a place. In holy garb, with lamp aglow, To meet the Bridegroom forth I go.

I O Light that knew no dawn, That shines to endless day, All things in earth and heaven Are lustred by Thy ray; No eye can to Thy throne ascend, Nor mind Thy brightness comprehend. II Thy grace, O Father, give, That I may serve in fear; Above all boons, I pray, Grant me Thy voice to hear; From sin Thy child in mercy free, And let me dwell in light with Thee. III That, cleansed from filthy stain, I may meet homage give, And, pure in heart, behold And serve Thee while I live; Clean hands in holy worship raise, And Thee, O Christ my Saviour, praise. IV In supplication meek To Thee I bend the knee; O Christ, when Thou shalt come, In love remember me, And in Thy kingdom, by Thy grace, Grant me a humble servant’s place. V Thy grace, O Father, give, I humbly Thee implore; And let Thy mercy bless Thy servant more and more. All grace and glory be to Thee From age to age eternally.

I Christ, for Thee a wreath adorning Weaves my raptured soul with glee, For from death this glorious morning Thou hast risen triumphantly. II From the tomb behold Him rising, Christ our Lord whose praise is sung. Death is slain; O power surprising! Hades’ gates are open flung. III Thou for man to earth in meekness Cam’st that he new born might be; Thou upon the cross in weakness Diedst that he might die with Thee. IV Thou didst rise—we hail Thee, Jesus! And we leave the tomb with Thee. Victor, by the power that frees us, Where Thou art, there we would be. V Hark! the highest heavens are ringing, Choirs angelic lead the strain, And my opened lips in singing Tell the praises forth again.

I Now at this evening hour, O Thou, my Christ, to Thee, Thou Word of God, Eternal Light, All grateful praises be. II From Thee the Spirit comes, Third beam of peerless light, And in Thyself one glorious orb The triple rays unite. III Thy word and wisdom Thou To lighten man hast given, That he the splendour might reflect That shines superb in heaven; IV And having light within, Might see Thine image bright, And daily rise, till he himself Is altogether light.

I The morning breaks, I place my hand in Thine, My God, ’tis Thine to lead, to follow mine; No word deceitful shall I speak the while, Nor shall I stain my hand with action vile. II Thine be the day with worthy labour filled, Strong would I stand to do the duty willed; Nor swayed by restless passion let me be, That I may give the offering pure to Thee; III Else were I ’shamed when hoary age I see, Shamed were this board that bears Thy gifts to me: Mine is the impulse; O my Christ, I pray, Be Thou Thyself to me the Blessed Way!

I O Word of Truth! in devious paths My wayward feet have trod, I have not kept the day serene I gave at morn to God. II And now ’tis night, and night within, O God, the light hath fled! I have not kept the vow I made When morn its glories shed. III For clouds of gloom from nether world Obscured my upward way; O Christ the Light, Thy light bestow And turn my night to day!

I When darkness falls and night is here, My hymns of praise in silence rise— This knows the moon, whose silver sphere Shines in the star-bespangled skies. II When morning breaks, and glorious day Shines in the dawn and noontide fair— This knows the sun—a grateful lay Springs from my heart in fervent prayer. III When fails the light at sunset gray, And twilight listens for my song— This know the stars—in bright array My praises mingle with their throng.

I O may my soul, uncrushed by care, Direct her gaze to where Thou art, And in Thy splendour find, O Christ, The strength of life Thou canst impart. II And freed from sin’s depressing load, May I pursue the path divine, And rise above the cares of earth Until my life is merged in Thine. III Unsullied life Thy servant grant Who tunes his harp to sound Thy praise, And still my life shall hymn Thy love, And glory to the Father raise. IV And when I rest in glory bright, The burden of my labour past, In hymns I’ll praise Thee more and more While the eternal ages last.

I Up, up, my soul, on wings of praise, No other service know; In holy strains the love express That fires the heart below. II Burn, burn, my soul, and ever be With holy ardour fired, And, strongly armed with firm resolve, Be evermore inspired. III Pour forth a bloodless offering Of hymns and holy lauds, And weave a garland rich and fair To crown the King of gods.

I In the Father’s glory shining, Jesus, Light of light art Thou; Sordid night before Thee fleeth,— On our souls Thou’rt falling now. II Framer of the world, we hail Thee! Thou didst mould the stars of night; Earth to life Thou dost awaken, Saviour Thou, of glorious might! III ’Tis Thy hand that guides the chariot When the sun illumes the skies, And the dark of night relaxes When Thou bidst the moon arise. IV At Thy word the harvest ripens, Flocks and herds their pasture find; Earth gives bread to feed the hungry, For the hand of God is kind. V May my soul, her want perceiving, Turn her gaze to where Thou art, And in all Thy fulness find Thee Food to satisfy the heart.