Office Hymns: Evensong: Ascensiontide & Whitsun

Ascensiontide

10

thou eternal King most high - Aeterne rex altissime - Neale

O thou eternal King most high,
whose blood has brought salvation nigh,
the bonds of death are burst by thee,
and love has won the victory.

Ascending to the Father's throne
thou tak'st the kingdom as thine own;
while awestruck angels contemplate
the wondrous change of man's estate.

Be thou our joy, O mighty Lord,
as thou wilt be our great reward;
let all our glory be in thee
both now and through eternity.

Whitsuntide

11

Joy! because the circling year - Beata nobis guadia - Ellerton

Joy! because the circling year
Brings our day of blessings here;
Day when first the light divine
On the Church began to shine.

Like to quivering tongues of flame
Unto each the Spirit came,
Tongues, that earth might hear their call,
Fire, that love might burn in all.

So the wondrous works of God
Wondrously were spread abroad;
Every tribe’s familiar tone
Made the glorious marvel known.

Hardened scoffers vainly jeered;
Listening strangers heard and feared,
Knew the prophets’ word fulfilled,
Owned the work which God had willed.

Still Thy Spirit’s fullness, Lord,
On Thy waiting Church be poured;
Grant our burdened hearts release;
Grant us Thine abiding peace.