Sacramental Hymns: Holy Communion 447-456

447

Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness – J Franck / C Winkworth trans

Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness,
leave the gloomy haunts of sadness,
come into the daylight's splendor,
there with joy thy praises render
unto him whose grace unbounded
hath this wondrous banquet founded;
high o'er all the heavens he reigneth,
yet to dwell with thee he deigneth.

Now I sink before thee lowly,
filled with joy most deep and holy,
as with trembling awe and wonder
on thy mighty acts I ponder;
how, by mystery surrounded,
depths no man hath ever sounded,
none may dare to pierce unbidden
secrets that with thee are hidden.

Sun, who all my life dost brighten;
Light, who dost my soul enlighten;
Joy, the sweetest man e'er knoweth;
Fount, whence all my being floweth:
at thy feet I cry, my Maker,
let me a fit partaker
of this blessed food from heaven,
for our good, thy glory, given.

Jesus, Bread of life, I pray thee,
let me gladly here obey thee;
never to my hurt invited,
be thy love with love requited;
from this banquet let me measure,
Lord, how vast and deep its treasure;
through the gifts thou here dost give me,
as thy guest in heaven receive me.

448

Come with us, O blessed Jesus – J Hopkins

Come with us, O blessèd Jesus,
with us evermore to be;
and in leaving now thine altar,
O let us not leave thee!
Let thy sweet angel chorus
not cease their heavenly strain,
but in us, thy loving children,
bring peace, good will to men.

Thou art God from everlasting,
God of God and Light of Light;
thou art God, thy glory veiling,
that men may bear the sight.
Beyond these walls O follow us,
our daily life to share,
that in us thy great and glorious light
may shine forth everywhere.

Thou art man, of Mary Virgin,
born for us in Bethlehem;
thou art man, with griefs and sorrows,
and thorns for a diadem.
For ever thou art one with us
our life, our love divine;
our flesh and blood art thou, Lord;
and thou hast given us thine.

Born a babe, yet our Creator;
born a babe, yet God on high:
born a babe, O Son of David,
thy kingdom now is nigh.
Before thy cross victorious
O make thy foes to fall,
till the whole world sing Hosanna,
and own thee Lord of all.

449

Bread of heaven, on thee we feed – J Conder

Bread of heaven, on thee we feed,
for thy Flesh is meat indeed;
ever may our souls be fed
with this true and living Bread;
day by day with strength supplied
through the life of him who died.

Vine of heaven, thy Blood supplies
this blest Cup of sacrifice;
'tis thy wounds our healing give,
to thy cross we look and live:
Thou our life! oh let me be
grafted, rooted, built in thee.

Original version:
Bread of heaven, on thee I feed,
for thy flesh is meat indeed:
ever may my soul be fed
with this true and living bread;
day by day with strength supplied
through the life of him who died.

Vine of heaven, thy blood supplies
this blest cup of sacrifice:
'tis thy wounds my healing give;
to thy cross I look and live:
thou my life, oh let me be
rooted, grafted, built on thee!

450

Shepherd of souls, refresh and bless – Morovian & J Montgomery

Shepherd of souls, refresh and bless
thy chosen pilgrim flock
with manna in the wilderness,
with water from the rock.

We would not live by bread alone,
but by thy word of grace,
in strength of which we travel on
to our abiding place.

Be known to us in breaking bread,
and do not then depart;
Savior, abide with us, and spread
thy table in our heart.

Lord, sup with us in love divine,
thy Body and thy Blood,
that living bread, that heavenly wine,
be our immortal food.

451

Glory, love, and praise, and honor – C Wesley

Glory, love, and praise, and honor
for our food
now bestowed
render we the Donor.
Bounteous God, we now confess thee:
God who thus
blessest us,
meet it is to bless thee.

Thankful for our every blessing,
let us sing
Christ the Spring,
never, never ceasing.
Source of all our gifts and graces,
Christ we own;
Christ alone
calls for all our praises.

He dispels our sin and sadness,
life imparts,
cheers our hearts,
fills with food and gladness.
Who himself for all has given,
us he feeds,
us he leads
to a feast in heaven.

452

I come with joy to meet my Lord – B Wren

I come with joy to meet my Lord,

forgiven, loved, and free,
in awe and wonder to recall
his life laid down for me.

I come with Christians far and near
to find, as all are fed,
the new community of love
in Christ's communion bread.

As Christ breaks bread and bids us share,
each proud division ends.
That love that made us makes us one,
and strangers now are friends.

And thus with joy we meet our Lord.
His presence, always near,
is in such friendship better known:
we see and praise him here.

Together met, together bound,
we'll go our different ways,
and as his people in the world,
we'll live and speak his praise.

453

Lord, enthroned in heavenly splendor – G Bourne

Lord, enthroned in heavenly splendor,
first-begotten from the dead.
Thou alone, our strong defender,
liftest up thy people's head.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Jesus, true and living bread!
Jesus, true and living bread!

Here our humblest homage pay we,
here in loving reverence bow;
here for faith's discernment pray we,
lest we fail to know thee now.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou art here, we ask not how.
Thou art here, we ask not how.

Though the lowliest form doth veil thee
as of old in Bethlehem,
here as there thine angels hail thee,
branch and flower of Jesse's stem.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
We in worship join with them.
We in worship join with them.

Paschal Lamb, thine offering, finished
once for all when thou was slain,
in its fullness undiminished
shall for evermore remain.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Cleansing souls from every stain.
Cleansing souls from every stain.

Life-imparting heavenly Manna,
stricken Rock with streaming side,
heaven and earth with loud hosanna
worship thee, the Lamb who died.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Risen, ascended, glorified!
Risen, ascended, glorified!

454

You, Lord, we praise in songs of celebration – R Schulz-Widmar

455

When Jesus died to save us – B Tucker & J Donne

He was the Word that spake it,
he took the bread and brake it,
and what that Word did make it,
I do believe and take it.

456

Let us break bread together on our knees – Af-Am Spiritual

Let us break bread together on our knees,
let us break bread together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun,
O Lord, have mercy on me.

Let us drink wine together on our knees,
let us drink wine together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun,
O Lord, have mercy on me.

Let us praise God together on our knees,
let us praise God together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun,
O Lord, have mercy on me.

Sacramental Hymns: Holy Eucharist 437-446

437

Now, my tongue, the mystery telling – T Aquinas / E Caswall trans

Now, my tongue, the mystery telling
of the glorious Body sing,
and the Blood, all price excelling,
which the gentiles' Lord and King,
in a Virgin's womb once dwelling,
shed for this world's ransoming.

Given for us, and condescending,
to be born for us below,
he, with men in converse blending,
dwelt the seed of truth to sow,
till he closed with wondrous ending
his most patient life of woe.

That last night, at supper lying,
'mid the twelve, his chosen band,
Jesus, with the law complying,
keeps the feast its rites demand;
then, more precious food supplying,
gives himself with his own hand.

Word-made-flesh true bread he maketh
by his word his Flesh to be;
wine his Blood; which whoso taketh
must from carnal thoughts be free;
faith alone, though sight forsaketh,
shows true hearts the mystery.

Therefore we, before him bending,
this great Sacrament revere;
types and shadows have their ending,
for the newer rite is here;
faith, our outward sense befriending,
makes our inward vision clear.

Glory let us give, and blessing
to the Father, and the Son,
honor, might and praise addressing,
while eternal ages run;
ever too his love confessing,
who from both with both is one.

438

Therefore we, before him bending – T Aquinas / E Caswall trans

Therefore we, before him bending,
this great Sacrament revere;
types and shadows have their ending,
for the newer rite is here;
faith, our outward sense befriending,
makes our inward vision clear.

Glory let us give, and blessing
to the Father and the Son,
honor, might and praise addressing,
while eternal ages run;
ever too his love confessing,
who from Both with Both is One.

439

Strengthen for service, Lord, the hands – P Dearmer

Strengthen for service, Lord, the hands
that holy things have taken;
let ears that now have heard thy songs
to clamour never waken.

Lord, may the tongues which 'Holy' sang
keep free from all deceiving;
the eyes which saw thy love be bright,
thy blessèd hope perceiving.

The feet that tread thy holy courts
from light do thou not banish;
the bodies by thy Body fed
with thy new life replenish.

440

Draw nigh and take the Body of the Lord – Latin 7^th cent / J Neale trans

Draw nigh and take the Body of the Lord,
and drink the holy Blood for you outpoured.

Saved by that Body and that precious Blood,
with souls refreshed, we render thanks to God.

Salvation's Giver, Christ, the only Son,
by his dear Cross and Blood the victory won.

Offered was he for greatest and for least,
himself the Victim, and himself the Priest.

Victims were offered by the law of old,
which in a type this heavenly mystery foretold.

He, Ransomer, from death, and Light from shade,
now gives his holy grace his saints to aid;

approach ye then with faithful hearts sincere,
and take the safeguard of salvation here.

He that in this world rules his saints and shields,
to all believers life eternal yields.

With heavenly bread makes them that hunger whole,
gives living waters to the thirsting soul.

Alpha and Omega, to whom shall bow
all nations at the Doom, is with us now.

441

My God, and is thy table spread – P Dodridge

My God, and is thy table spread,
and doth thy cup with love o'erflow?
Thither be all thy children led,
and let them thy sweetness know.

Hail, sacred feast, which Jesus makes,
rich banquet of his Flesh and Blood!
Thrice happy he who here partakes
that sacred stream, that heavenly food.

Why are its bounties all in vain
before unwilling hearts displayed?
Was not for them the Victim slain?
Are they forbid the children's bread?

O let thy table honored be,
and furnished well with joyful guests;
and may each soul salvation see
that here its sacred pledges tastes.

442

Humbly I adore thee, Verity unseen – T Aquinas / The Monastic Durinal 1932

443

Wherefore, O Father, we thy humble servants – W Jervois

Wherefore, O Father, we thy humble servants
here bring before thee Christ thy well-belovèd,
all perfect Offering, Sacrifice immortal,
spotless Oblation.

See now thy children, making intercession
through him our Savior, Son of God incarnate,
for all thy people, living and departed,
pleading before thee.

444

This is the hour of banquet and of song – H Bonar

This is the hour of banquet and of song;
this is the heavenly table spread for me;
here let me feast, and feasting, still prolong
the hallowed hour of fellowship with thee.

Too soon we rise; we go our several ways;
the feast, though not the love, is past and gone,
the bread and wine consumed: yet all our days
thou still art here with us, our shield and sun.

Feast after feast thus comes and passes by;
yet, passing, points to the glad feast above,
giving sweet foretaste of the festal joy,
the Lamb's great bridal feast of bliss and love.

445

Come, risen Lord, and deign to be our guest – G Briggs

446

Here, O my Lord, I see thee face to face – H Bonar

Here, O my Lord, I see thee face to face;
here would I touch and handle things unseen;
here grasp with firmer hand eternal grace,
and all my weariness upon thee lean.

This is the hour of banquet and of song;
this is the heavenly table spread for me;
here let me feast, and feasting, still prolong
the hallowed hour of fellowship with thee.

Here would I feed upon the Bread of God,
here drink with thee the royal Wine of heaven;
here would I lay aside each earthly load,
here taste afresh the calm of sin forgiven.

I have no help but thine; nor do I need
another arm save thine to lean upon;
it is enough, my Lord, enough indeed;
my strength is in thy might, thy might alone.

Mine is the sin, but thine the righteousness:
mine is the guilt, but thine the cleansing
here is my robe, my refuge, and my peace;
thy Blood, thy righteousness, O Lord my God!

Feast after feast thus comes and passes by;
yet, passing, points to the glad feast above,
giving sweet foretaste of the festal joy,
the Lamb's great bridal feast of bliss and love.

Sacramental Hymns: Holy Eucharist 427-436

Holy Eucharist

427

And now, O Father, mindful of the love – W Bright

And now, O Father, mindful of the love
that bought us, once for all, on Calvary's Tree,
and having with us him that pleads above,
we here present, we spread forth to thee
that only Offering perfect in thine eyes,
the one, true, pure, immortal Sacrifice.

Look, Father, look on his anointed face,
and only look on us as found in him;
look not on our misusings of thy grace,
our prayer so languid, and our faith so dim:
for lo, between our sins and their reward
we set the Passion of thy Son our Lord.

And then for those, our dearest and our best,
by this prevailing Presence we appeal:
O fold them closer to thy mercy's breast,
O do thine utmost for their souls' true weal;
from tainting mischief keep them white and clear,
and crown thy gifts with strength to persevere.

And so we come: O draw us to thy feet,
most patient Savior, who canst love us still;
and by this food, so aweful and so sweet,
deliver us from every touch of ill:
in thine own service make us glad and free,
and grant us never more to part with thee.

428

Let thy Blood in mercy poured – J Brownlie trans

Let thy Blood in mercy poured,
let thy gracious Body broken,
be to me, O gracious Lord,
of thy boundless love the token.
Refrain:
Thou didst give thyself for me,
now I give myself to thee.

Thou didst die that I might live;
blessed Lord, thou cam'st to save me;
all that love of God could give
Jesus by his sorrows gave me. Refrain

By the thorns that crowned thy brow,
by the spear-wound and the nailing,
by the pain and death, I now
claim, O Christ, thy love unfailing. Refrain

Wilt thou own the gift I bring?
All my penitence I give thee;
thou art my exalted King,
of thy matchless love forgive me. Refrain

429

O thou, who at thy Eucharist didst pray – W Turton

O thou, who at thy Eucharist didst pray
that all thy Church might be for ever one,
grant us at every Eucharist to say
with longing heart and soul, "thy will be done."
O may we all one Bread, one Body be,
through this blest Sacrament of unity.

For all thy Church, O Lord, we intercede;
make thou our sad divisions soon to cease;
draw us the nearer each to each, we plead,
by drawing all to thee, O Prince of Peace;
thus may we all one Bread, one Body be,
through this blest Sacrament of unity.

We pray thee too for wanderers from thy fold;
O bring them back, good Shepherd of the sheep,
back to the faith which saints believed of old,
back to the Church which still that faith doth keep;
soon may we all one Bread, one Body be,
through this blest Sacrament of unity.

So, Lord, at length when sacraments shall cease,
may we be one with all thy Church above,
one with thy saints in one unbroken peace,
one with thy saints in one unbounded love;
more blessèd still, in peace and love to be
one with the Trinity in Unity.

430

O food of men wayfaring – Latin 17^th cent. / A Riley

O Food of men wayfaring,
the bread of angels sharing,
O Manna from on high!
We hunger; Lord, supply us,
nor thy delights deny us,
whose hearts to thee draw nigh.

O stream of love past telling,
O purest fountain, welling
from out the Savior's side!
We faint with thirst; revive us,
of thine abundance give us,
and all we need provide.

O Jesus, by thee bidden,
we here adore thee, hidden
'neath forms of bread and wine.
Grant when the veil is riven,
we may behold, in heaven,
thy countenance divine.

431

Zion, praise thy Savior, singing – T Aquinas / Hymnal 1940 trans

432

Very Bread, good Shepherd, tend us – T Aquinas / Hymnal 1940 trans

433

Father, we thank thee, who hast planted – The Didache / F Tucker trans

434

Bread of the world in mercy broken – R Heber

 Bread of the world, in mercy broken,
Wine of the soul, in mercy shed,
by whom the words of life were spoken,
and in whose death our sins are dead:
look on the heart by sorrow broken,
look on the tears by sinners shed;
and be thy feast to us the token
that by thy grace our souls are fed.

435

Let all mortal flesh keep silence – Liturgy of Saint James / G Moultrie

Let all mortal flesh keep silence,
and with fear and trembling stand;
ponder nothing earthly minded,
for with blessing in his hand
Christ our God to earth descendeth,
our full homage to demand.

King of kings, yet born of Mary,
as of old on earth he stood,
Lord of lords in human vesture,
in the Body and the Blood
he will give to all the faithful
his own self for heavenly food.

Rank on rank the host of heaven
spreads its vanguard on the way,
as the Light of Light descendeth
from the realms of endless day,
that the powers of hell may vanish
as the darkness clears away.

At his feet the six-winged seraph;
cherubim with sleepless eye,
veil their faces to the Presence,
as with ceaseless voice they cry,
"Alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia, Lord Most High!"

436

O God, unseen, yet ever near – E Oseley

O God, unseen yet ever near,
thy presence may we feel;
and thus inspired with holy fear,
before thine altar kneel.

Here may thy faithful people know
the blessings of thy love,
the streams that through the desert flow,
the manna from above.

We come, obedient to thy word,
to feast on heavenly food;
our meat the body of the Lord,
our drink his precious blood.

Thus may we all thy Word obey,
for we, O God, are thine;
and go rejoicing on our way,
renewed with strength divine.

Sacramental Hymns: Baptism 419-426

The Sacraments

Holy Baptism

419

O Jesus Christ, our Lord most dear – H von Laufenburg / C Winkworth trans

O Jesus Christ, our Lord most dear,
as thou wast once an infant here
so give this child of thine, we pray,
thy grace and blessing day by day.
Refrain:
O holy Jesus, Lord divine,
we pray thee guard this child of thine.

As in thy heavenly kingdom, Lord,
thy messengers obey thy word,
send forth the succor of thy might
to shield this child both day and night. Refrain

And all her life, let angels keep
her safe from harm, awake, asleep;
may she not bear the cross in vain,
but with thy saints a crown attain. Refrain

420

Blessed Jesus, we are here – B Schmolck / C Winkworth trans

Dearest Jesus, we are here,
gladly your command obeying.
With this child we now draw near
in response to your own saying
that to you it shall be given
as a child and heir of heaven.

Your command is clear and plain,
and we would obey it duly:
"You must all be born again,
heart and life renewing truly,
born of water and the Spirit,
and my kingdom thus inherit."

This is why we come to you,
in our arms this infant bearing.
Truly, here your grace we view.
Let this child, your mercy sharing,
in your arms be shielded ever,
yours on earth and yours forever.

Gracious Head, your member own;
Shepherd, take your lamb and feed it;
Prince of Peace, make here your throne;
Way of life, to heaven lead it;
precious Vine, let nothing sever
from your side this branch forever.

421

Baptized in water – M Saward

Baptized in water,
sealed by the Spirit
cleansed by the blood of Christ our king;
heirs of salvation,
trusting his promise -
faithfully now God's praise we sing.

Baptized in water,
sealed by the Spirit,
dead in the tomb with Christ our king;
one with his rising,
freed and forgiven
thankfully now God's praise we sing.

Baptized in water,
sealed by the Spirit,
marked with the sign of Christ our king;
born of one Father,
we are his children -
joyfully now God's praise we sing.

422

Sing praise to our Creator – M Evans

423

We know that Christ is raised and dies no more – J Geyer

We know that Christ is raised and dies no more.
Embraced by death he broke its fearful hold;
and our despair he turned to blazing joy.
Alleluia! 

We share by water in his saving death.
Reborn, we share with him an Easter life
as living members of a living Christ.
Alleluia! 

The Father's splendor clothes the Son with life.
The Spirit's power shakes the church of God.
Baptized we live with God the living Christ.
Alleluia! 

A new creation comes to life and grows
as Christ's new body takes on flesh and blood.
The universe restored and whole will sing:
Alleluia! 

424

Descend, O Spirit, purging flame – S Brenner

425

All who believe and are baptized – T Kingo / G Rygh trans

He that believes and is baptized
shall see the Lord's salvation;
baptized into the death of Christ,
he is a new creation.
through Christ's redemption he shall stand
among the glorious heavenly band
of every tribe and nation.

With one accord, O God, we pray:
grant us thy Holy Spirit;
look thou on our infirmity
through Jesus' blood and merit.
Grant us to grow in grace each day
that by this sacrament we may
eternal life inherit.

426

Spirit of God, unleashed on earth – J Arthur

Summary of Posts Seasonal Hymns: Holy Days, Thanksgiving, Independence Day

Summary of Posts Seasonal Hymns: Holy Days, Thanksgiving, Independence Day

Seasonal Hymns: Holy Days 331-340

Seasonal Hymns: Holy Days 341-350

Seasonal Hymns: Holy Days 351-360

Seasonal Hymns: Holy Days 361-370

Seasonal Hymns: Holy Days 371-380

Seasonal Hymns: Holy Days 381-393

Seasonal Hymns: The Common of Saints 394-404

Seasonal Hymns: Thanksgiving 405-409

Seasonal Hymns: Independence Day 410-418

Seasonal Hymns: Independence Day 410-418

Independence Day

410

My country, 'tis of thee – S Smith

My country, 'tis of thee,
sweet land of liberty,
of thee I sing;
land where my fathers died,
land of the pilgrim's pride,
from every mountainside
let freedom ring.

My native country, thee,
land of the noble free,
thy name I love;
I love thy rocks and rills,
thy woods and templed hills;
my heart with rapture thrills
like that above.

Let music swell the breeze,
and ring from all the trees
sweet freedom's song;
let mortal tongues awake,
let all that breathe partake,
let rocks their silence break,
the sound prolong.

Our fathers' God, to thee,
author of liberty,
to thee we sing;
long may our land be bright
with freedom's holy light;
protect us by thy might,
great God, our King.

411

O say can you see, by the dawn's early light – F Key

O say can you see,
by the dawn's early light,
what so proudly we hailed
at the twilight's last gleaming,
whose broad stripes and bright stars,
through the perilous fight,
o'er the ramparts we watched,
were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare,
the bombs bursting in air,
gave proof through the night
that our flag was still there.
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
o'er the land of the free
and the home of the brave?

O thus be it ever,
when freemen shall stand
between their loved homes
and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace,
may the heaven-rescued land
praise the Power that hath made
and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must,
when our cause it is just,
and this be our motto,
"In God we trust."
And the star-spangled banner
in triumph shall wave
o'er the land of the free
and the home of the brave!

412

God of our fathers, whose almighty hand – D Roberts

God of our fathers, whose almighty hand
leads forth in beauty all the starry band
of shining worlds in splendor through the skies,
our grateful songs before thy throne arise.

Thy love divine hath led us in the past,
in this free land by thee our lot is cast;
be thou our ruler, guardian, guide, and stay,
thy word our law, thy paths our chosen way.

From war's alarms, from deadly pestilence,
be thy strong arm our ever sure defense;
thy true religion in our hearts increase,
thy bounteous goodness nourish us in peace.

Refresh thy people on their toilsome way,
lead us from night to never-ending day;
fill all our lives with love and grace divine,
and glory, laud, and praise be ever thine.

413

Lord God, we worship thee – J Franck / c Winkworth trans

Lord God, we worship thee!
In loud and happy chorus
we praise thy love and power,
whose goodness reigneth o'er us.
To heaven our song shall soar,
for ever shall it be
resounding o'er and o'er:
Lord God, we worship thee!

Lord God, we worship thee!
For thou our land defendest;
thou pourest down thy grace,
and strife and war thou endest;
since golden peace, O Lord,
thou grantest us to see,
our land, with one accord,
Lord God, gives thanks to thee!

Lord God, we worship thee!
And pray thee, who hast blest us,
that we may live in peace,
and none henceforth molest us:
O crown us with thy love;
fulfill our cry to thee:
Our Father, grant our prayer;
Lord God, we worship thee!

414

Not alone for mighty empire – W Merrill

Not alone for mighty empire, stretching far over land and sea,
not alone for bounteous harvests, lift we up our hearts to thee.
Standing in the living present, memory and hope between,
Lord, we would with deep thanksgiving, praise thee more for things unseen.

Not for battleships and fortress, not for conquests of the sword,
but for conquests of the spirit give we thanks to thee, O Lord;
for the priceless gift of freedom, for the home, the church, the school,
for the open door to manhood, in a land the people rule.

For the armies of the faithful, souls that passed and left no name;
for the glory that illumines patriot lives of deathless fame.
for our prophets and apostles, loyal to the living Word,
for all heroes of the spirit, give we thanks to thee, O Lord.

God of justice, save the people from the clash of race and creed,
from the strife of class and faction, make our nation free indeed;
keep her faith in simple manhood strong as when her life began,
till it find its full fruition in the brotherhood of man!

415

God bless our native land – S Mahlmann and W Hickson

God bless our native land;
firm may she ever stand
through storm and night:
when the wild tempests rave,
ruler of wind and wave,
do thou our country save
by thy great might.

For her our prayers shall rise
to God, above the skies;
on him we wait;
thou who art ever nigh,
guarding with watchful eye,
to thee aloud we cry,
God save the state!

And not to us alone,
but be thy mercies known
from shore to shore.
Lord, make the nations see
that men should brothers be
and form one family
the wide world o'er.

416

God of our fathers, known of old – R Kipling

God of our fathers, known of old,
Lord of our far flung battle line,
beneath whose awful hand we hold
dominion over palm and pine
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
lest we forget lest we forget!

The tumult and the shouting dies;
the captains and the kings depart:
still stands thine ancient sacrifice,
an humble and a contrite heart.
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
lest we forget lest we forget!

Far called, our navies melt away;
on dune and headland sinks the fire:
Lo, all our pomp of yesterday
is one with Nineveh and Tyre!
Judge of the nations, spare us yet,
lest we forget lest we forget!

If, drunk with sight of power, we loose
wild tongues that have not thee in awe,
such boastings as the Gentiles use,
or lesser breeds without the law
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
lest we forget lest we forget!

For heathen heart that puts her trust
in reeking tube and iron shard,
all valiant dust that builds on dust,
and guarding, calls not thee to guard,
for frantic boast and foolish word
thy mercy on thy people, Lord!

417

O God, beneath thy guiding hand – L Bacon

O God, beneath thy guiding hand
our exiled fathers crossed the sea;
and when they trod the wintry strand,
with prayer and psalm they worshiped thee.

Thou heardest, well pleased, the song, the prayer:
thy blessing came; and still its power
shall onward, through all ages, bear
the memory of that holy hour.

Laws, freedom, and faith in God
came with those exiles o'er the waves;
and, where their pilgrim feet have trod,
the God they trusted guards their graves.

And here thy Name, O God of love,
their children's children still adore,
till these eternal hills remove,
and spring adorns the earth no more.

418

O beautiful for spacious skies – K Bates

O beautiful for spacious skies,
for amber waves of grain,
for purple mountain majesties
above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee,
and crown thy good with brotherhood
from sea to shining sea.

O beautiful for heroes proved
in liberating strife,
who more than self their country loved,
and mercy more than life!
America! America!
God mend thine every flaw,
confirm thy soul in self-control,
thy liberty in law.

O beautiful for patriot dream
that sees beyond the years
thine alabaster cities gleam,
undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee,
and crown thy good with brotherhood
from sea to shining sea.

Seasonal Hymns: Thanksgiving 405-409

Thanksgiving

405

Praise to God, immortal praise' – A Barbauld

Praise to God, immortal praise,
for the love that crowns our days;
bounteous source of every joy,
let thy praise our tongues employ:
all to thee, our God, we owe,
source whence all our blessings flow.

All the plenty summer pours;
autumn's rich o'erflowing stores;
flocks that whiten all the plain;
yellow sheaves of ripened grain:
Lord, for these our souls shall raise
grateful vows and solemn praise.

Peace, prosperity, and health,
private bliss and public wealth,
knowledge with its gladdening streams,
pure religion's beams:
Lord, for these our souls shall raise
grateful vows and solemn praise.

As thy prospering hand hath blessed,
may we give thee of our best;
and by deeds of kindly love
for thy mercies grateful prove;
singing thus through all our days
praise to God, immortal praise.

406

Come, ye thankful people, come – H Alford

Come, ye thankful people, come,
raise the song of harvest home;
all is safely gathered in,
ere the winter storms begin.
God our Maker doth provide
for our wants to be supplied;
come to God's own temple, come,
raise the song of harvest home.

All the world is God's own field,
fruit as praise to God we yield;
wheat and tares together sown
are to joy or sorrow grown.
First the blade and then the ear,
then the full corn shall appear;
Lord of harvest, grant that we
wholesome grain and pure may be.

For the Lord our God shall come,
and shall take the harvest home;
from the field shall in that day
all offenses purge away,
give his angels charge at last
in the fire the tares to cast;
but the fruitful ears to store
in the garner evermore.

Even so, Lord, quickly come,
to thy final harvest home;
gather thou thy people in,
free from sorrow, free from sin,
there, forever purified,
in thy presence to abide;
come, with all thine angels come,
raise the glorious harvest home.

407

We plow the fields, and scatter – M Claudius / J Campbell trans

We plow the fields, and scatter
the good seed on the land,
but it is fed and watered
by God's almighty hand;
he sends the snow in winter,
the warmth to swell the grain,
the breezes and the sunshine,
and soft refreshing rain.
Refrain:
All good gifts around us
are sent from heaven above,
then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord
for all his love.

He only is the Maker
of all things near and far;
he paints the wayside flower,
he lights the evening star;
the winds and waves obey him,
by him the birds are fed;
much more to us, his children,
he gives our daily bread. Refrain

We thank thee, then, O Father,
for all things bright and good,
the seed time and the harvest,
our life, our health, and food;
no gifts have we to offer,
for all thy love imparts,
and, what thou most desirest,
our humble, thankful hearts. Refrain

408

We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing – N Gedenckclanck / T Baker trans

We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing;
he chastens and hastens his will to make known;
the wicked oppressing now cease from distressing:
sing praise to his Name, he forgets not his own.

Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,
ordaining, maintaining his kingdom divine;
so from the beginning the fight we were winning:
thou, Lord, wast at our side: all glory be thine!

We all do extol thee, thou leader triumphant,
and pray that thou still our defender wilt be.
Let thy congregation escape tribulation:
thy Name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!

409

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow – T Ken

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
praise him, all creatures here below;
praise him above, ye heavenly host;
praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Seasonal Hymns: The Common of Saints 394-404

The Common of Saints

Apostles

394

God, deigning man to be – F Damrosch

395

The eternal gifts of Christ the King – Ambrose / J Neale trans

The eternal gifts of Christ the King,
the apostles' glory, let us sing,
and all, with hearts of gladness, raise
due hymns of thankful love and praise.

For they the Church's princes are,
triumphant leaders in the war,
in heavenly courts a warrior band,
true lights to lighten every land.

Theirs is the steadfast faith of saints,
and hope that never yields nor faints;
and love of Christ in perfect glow
that lays the prince of this world low.

In them the Father's glory shone,
in them the will of God the Son,
in them exults the Holy Ghost,
through them rejoice the heavenly host.

To thee, Redeemer, now we cry,
that thou wouldst join to them on high
thy servants, who this grace implore,
for ever and for evermore.

Evangelists

396

Come, sing, ye choirs exultant – A St. Victor / J Mason trans

Come sing, ye choirs exultant,
those messengers of God,
through whom the living Gospels
came sounding all abroad!
Whose voice proclaimed salvation
that poured upon the night,
and drove away the shadows,
and flushed the world with light.

He chose them, our Good Shepherd,
and, tending evermore
his flock through earth's four quarters,
in wisdom made them four;
true Lawgiver, he bade them
their healing message spread,
one charter for all nations,
one glorious title deed.

In one harmonious witness
the chosen four combine,
while each his own commission
fulfills in every line;
as, in the prophet's vision
from out the amber flame
in mystic form and image
four living creatures came.

Lo, these the wingèd chariots
that bring Emmanuel nigh;
the golden staves uplifting
the ark of God on high;
and these the fourfold river
of Paradise above,
whence flow for all the nations
new mysteries of love.

Fourquare on this foundation
the Church of Christ remains,
a house to stand unshaken
by floods or winds or rains.
O glorious happy portion
in this safe home to be
by God, true Man, united
with God eternally!

397

Come, pure hearts, in sweetest measures – Latin / R Campbell trans

Come, pure hearts, in sweetest measures,
sing of those who spread the treasure
in the holy Gospels shrined;
blessèd tidings of salvation,
peace on earth their proclamation,
love from God to lost mankind.

Thou, by whom the words were given
for our light and guide to heaven,
Spirit, on our darkness shine;
graft them in our hearts, increasing
faith, hope, love and joy unceasing,
till our hearts are wholly thine.

O that we, thy truth confessing,
and thy holy Word possessing,
Jesus, may thy love adore;
unto thee our voices raising,
thee with all thy ransomed praising,
ever and forevermore.

Martyrs

398

Blessed feasts of blessed martyrs – Latin 12^th cent. / Hymns Ancient and Modern

Blessed feasts of blessed martyrs,
holy days of holy men,
with affection's recollections
greet we your return again.
Worthy deeds they wrought, and wonders,
worthy of the Name they bore;
we, with meetest praise and sweetest,
honor them for evermore.

Faith ne'er altered, hope ne'er faltered,
love of Jesus filled their heart;
thus they glorious and victorious
bravely bore the martyr's part,
by contempt of worldly pleasures,
and by deeds of valor done.
they have reached the land of angels,
and with them are knit in one.

Made co-heirs with Christ in glory,
his celestial bliss they share:
may they now before him bending
help us onward by their prayer;
that this weary life completed,
and its fleeting trials past,
we may win eternal glory
in our Father's home at last.

399

Let us now our voices raise – Joseph the Hymnographer

Let us now our voices raise,
wake the day with gladness;
God himself to joy and praise
turns our human sadness:
joy that martyrs won their crown,
opened heaven's bright portal,
when they laid the mortal down
for the life immortal.

Never flinched they from the flame,
from the torture never;
vain the foeman's sharpest aim,
vain each fierce endeavor:
for by faith they saw the land
decked in all its glory,
where triumphant now they stand
with the victor's story.

Up and follow, Christian men!
Press through toil and sorrow;
Spurn the night of fear, and then,
O the glorious morrow!
Who will venture on the strife?
Who will first begin it!
Who will grasp the land of life?
Warriors, up and win it!

400

King of the martyrs' noble band – latin 6^th cent. / J grant trans

401

Hearken to the anthem glorious – C Smart

Hearken to the anthem glorious
of the martyrs robed in white;
they, like Christ, in death victorious
dwell for ever in the light.

Living, they proclaimed salvation,
heaven endowed with grace and power;
and they died in imitation
of their Savior's final hour.

Christ, for cruel traitors pleading,
triumphed in his parting breath
o'er all miracles preceding
his inestimable death.

Take from him what ye will give him,
of his fullness grace for grace;
strive to think him, speak him, live him,
till you find him face to face.

Saints In General

402

By all your saints still striving – H Nelson

403

Give me the wings of faith to rise – I Watts

Give me the wings of faith to rise
within the veil, and see
the saints above, how great their joys,
how bright their glories be.

Once they were mourning here below,
and wet their couch with tears:
they wrestled hard, as we do now,
with sins, and doubts, and fears.

I ask them whence their victory came:
they, with united breath,
ascribe their conquest to the Lamb,
their triumph to his death.

They marked the footsteps that he trod,
his zeal inspired their breast;
and following their incarnate God,
possess the promised rest.

Our glorious Leader claims our praise
for his own pattern given;
while the long cloud of witnesses
show the same path to heaven.

The Blessed Virgin Mary

404

To bless thee O Theotokos – S Houghton

To bless thee O Theotokos

Thou ever blessed and blameless

Who art the mother of our God

Is our meet and righteous duty

More honor than the Cherubim

Art thou owed most blessed Virgin

More glory than the Seraphim

Dost thou show O blessed women

Thou who bore without stain of sin

God the Word made flesh true human

Thou art truly Theotokos

With all time we magnify thee.

Seasonal Hymns: Holy Days 381-393

Our Lady of Walsingham

381

Mary of Walsingham, Mother of Jesus – unknown

Mary of Walsingham, Mother of Jesus,
Pray for thy Dowry, the land that we love;
England has need of thy powerful protection,
Pour on thy children thy gifts from above.

Thou who didst summon thy servant Richeldis,
Bidding her build to thine honour a Shine,
Help us to follow in thy blessed footsteps,
Framing our lives on the pattern divine.

Countless the pilgrims whose footsteps have echoed
Down through the years along Walsingham's way;
Countless the prayers that thy children have offered;
Mary of Walsingham, hear us, we pray.

Many long years saw thy image neglected,
Only a few sought the help of thy prayers:
Walsingham's Shrine now again in its beauty
Welcomes each pilgrim who thither repairs.

Pray for us then, blessed Mary, our Mother,
Pray for thy children who kneel in thy Shrine,
Pray that thy Son upon England thy Dowry
Pour down His favours and blessings divine.

So shall we praise thee with ceaseless thanksgiving
So shall we sing of thy love and thy power,
So shall we feel thy protection and comfort ,                                              
All through our lives and in death's solemn hour.

St. Luke

382

What thanks and praise to thee we owe – W Maclagan

What thanks and praise to Thee we owe,
O Priest and Sacrifice divine,
For Thy dear saint thro' whom we know
So many a gracious word of Thine;

Whom Thou didst choose to tell the tale
Of all Thy manhood's toils and tears,
And for a moment lift the veil
That hides Thy boyhood's spotless years.

And still the Church through all her days
Uplifts the strains that never cease,
The blessèd Virgin's hymn of praise,
The aged Simeon's words of peace.

O happy saint! whose sacred page,
So rich in words of truth and love,
Pours on the Church from age to age
This healing unction from above;

The witness of the Saviour's life,
The great apostle's chosen friend
Through weary years of toil and strife,
And still found faithful to the end.

So grant us, Lord, like him to live,
Beloved by man, approved by Thee,
Till Thou at last the summons give,
And we, with him, Thy face shall see.

Ss. Simon and Jude

383

Seest thou, how tearful and alone – J Keble

Seest thou, how tearful and alone,

And drooping like a wounded dove,

The Cross in sight, but Jesus gone,

The widow'd Church is fain to rove?

Who is at hand that loves the Lord?

Make haste, and take her home, and bring

Thine household choir, in true accord

Their soothing hymns for her to sing.

Soft on her fluttering heart shall breathe

The fragrance of that genial isle,

There she may weave her funeral wreath,

And to her own sad music smile.

The Spirit of the dying Son

Is there, and fills the holy place

With records sweet of duties done,

Of pardon'd foes, and cherish'd grace.

And as of old by two and two

His herald saints the Saviour sent

To soften hearts like morning dew,

Where he to shine in mercy meant;

So evermore He deems His name

Best honour'd and his way prepar'd,

When watching by his altar-flame

He sees His servants duly pair'd.

He loves when age and youth are met,

Fervent old age and youth serene,

Their high and low in concord set

For sacred song, Joy's golden mean.

He loves when some clear soaring mind

Is drawn by mutual piety

To simple souls and unrefin'd,

Who in life's shadiest covert lie.

Or if perchance a sadden'd heart

That once was gay and felt the spring,

Cons slowly o'er its alter'd part,

In sorrow and remorse to sing,

Thy gracious care will send that way

Some spirit full of glee, yet taught

To bear the sight of dull decay,

And nurse it with all-pitying thought;

Cheerful as soaring lark, and mild

As evening blackbird's dull-toned lay,

When the relenting sun has smil'd

Bright through a whole December day.

These are the tones to brace and cheer

The lonely watcher of the fold,

When nights are dark, and foeman near,

When visions fade and hearts grow cold.

How timely then a comrade's song

Comes floating on the mountain air,

And bids thee yet be bold and strong --

Fancy may die, but Faith is there.

All Saints Day

384

For thy dear saints, O Lord – R Mant

For all thy saints, O Lord,
our grateful hymn receive,
who followed thee, obeyed, adored,
and strove in thee to live.

For all thy saints, O Lord,
accept our thankful cry,
who counted thee their great reward,
who strove in thee to die.

Thine earthly members fit
to join thy saints above,
in one communion ever knit,
one fellowship of love.

Jesus, thy name we bless,
and humbly pray that we
may follow them in holiness
and live and die in thee.

All might, all praise, be thine,
Father, co-equal Son,
and Spirit, bond of love divine,
while endless ages run.

385

Hark, the sound of holy voices – C Wordsworth

Hark! the sound of holy voices,
chanting at the crystal sea,
Alleluia, alleluia,
alleluia! Lord, to thee!
Multitude which none can number
like the stars in glory stands,
clothed in white apparel, holding
palms of victory in their hands.

Patriarch, and holy prophet,
who prepared the way for Christ,
king, apostle, saint, confessor,
martyr and evangelist,
saintly maiden, godly matron,
widows who have watched to prayer,
joined in holy concert, singing
to the Lord of all, are there.

They have come from tribulation,
and have washed their robes in blood,
washed them in the blood of Jesus;
tried they were, and firm they stood;
mocked, imprisoned, stoned, tormented,
sawn asunder, slain with sword;
they have conquered death and Satan
by the might of Christ the Lord.

Marching with thy cross, their banner,
they have triumphed following
thee, the Captain of salvation,
thee, their Savior and their King.
Gladly, Lord, with thee they suffered;
gladly, Lord, with thee they died;
and by death to life immortal
they were born and glorified.

Now they reign in heavenly glory,
now they walk in golden light,
now they drink, as from a river,
holy bliss and infinite;
love and peace they taste for ever,
and all truth and knowledge see
in the beatific vision
of the blessèd Trinity.

God of God, the One begotten,
Light of light, Emmanuel,
in whose body joined together
all the saints forever dwell;
pour upon us of thy fullness
that we may for evermore
God the Father, God the Son, and
God the Holy Ghost adore.

386

For all the saints who from their labors rest – W How

For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
who thee by faith before the world confessed,
thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blessed.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress and their Might;
thou, Lord, their Captain in the well fought fight;
thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

For the apostles' glorious company,
who bearing forth the cross o'er land and sea,
shook all the mighty world, we sing to Thee:
Alleluia, Alleluia!

For the Evangelists, by whose blest word,
like fourfold streams, the garden of the Lord,
is fair and fruitful, be thy Name adored.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

For Martyrs, who with rapture kindled eye,
saw the bright crown descending from the sky,
and seeing, grasped it, thee we glorify.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

O may thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold,
fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,
and win, with them the victor's crown of gold.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

O blest communion, fellowship divine!
we feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
all are one in thee, for all are thine.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
and hearts are brave, again, and arms are strong.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

The golden evening brightens in the west;
soon, soon to faithful warriors comes their rest;
sweet is the calm of paradise the blessed.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day;
the saints triumphant rise in bright array;
the King of glory passes on his way.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast,
through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
and singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost:
Alleluia, Alleluia!

387

How bright these glorious spirits shine – I Watts

How bright these glorious spirits shine!
Whence all their white array?
How came they to the blissful seats
of everlasting day?

Lo! these are they from sufferings great
who came to realms of light,
and in the blood of Christ have washed
those robes which shine so bright.

Now with triumphal palms they stand
before the throne on high,
and serve the God they love amidst
the glories of the sky.

His presence fills each heart with joy,
tunes every mouth to sing:
by day, by night, the sacred courts
with glad hosannas ring.

Hunger and thirst are felt no more,
nor suns with scorching ray;
God is their sun, whose cheering beams
diffuse eternal day.

The Lamb who dwells amidst the throne
shall oer them still preside,
feed them with nourishment divine,
and all their footsteps guide.

Midst pastures green he'll lead his flock
where living streams appear;
and God the Lord from every eye
shall wipe off every tear.

To Father, Son and Holy Ghost,
the God whom we adore,
be glory, as it was, is now,
and shall be evermore.

388

The saints of God! their conflict past – W MacLagan

The saints of God! their conflict past,
and life's long battle won at last,
no more they need the shield or sword,
they cast them down before their Lord:
O happy saints! forever blest,
at Jesus feet' how safe your rest!

The saints of God! their wanderings done,
no more their weary course they run,
no more they faint, no more they fall,
no foes oppress, no fears appall:
O happy saints! forever blest,
in that dear home how sweet your rest!

The saints of God! life's voyage o'er,
safe landed on that blissful shore,
no stormy tempests now they dread,
no roaring billows lift their head:
O happy saints! forever blest,
in that calm haven of your rest!

The saints of God their vigil keep,
while yet their mortal bodies sleep,
till from the dust they too shall rise
and soar triumphant to the skies:
O happy saints! rejoice and sing:
he quickly comes, your Lord and King!

O God of saints! to thee we cry;
O Savior! plead for us on high;
O Holy Ghost! our Guide and Friend,
grant us thy grace till life shall end;
that with all the saints our rest may be
in that bright paradise with thee!

389

Joy and triumph everlasting – A of St Victor / R Bridges trans

Joy and triumph everlasting
hath the heav'nly Church on high;
for that pure immortal gladness
all our feast days mourn and sigh:
yet in death's dark desert wild
doth the mother aid her child;
guards celestial thence attend us,
stand in combat to defend us.

Here the world's perpetual warfare
holds from heaven the soul apart;
legioned foes in shadowy terror
vex the Sabbath of the heart.
O how happy that estate
where delight doth not abate!
for that home the spirit yearneth,
where none languisheth nor mourneth.

There the body hath no torment,
there the mind is free from care,
there is every voice rejoicing,
every heart is loving there.
Angels in that city dwell;
them their King delighteth well:
still they joy and weary never,
more and more desiring ever.

There the seers and fathers holy,
there the prophets glorified,
all their doubts and darkness ended,
in the Light of Light abide.
There the saints, whose memories old
we in faithful hymns uphold,
have forgot their bitter story
in the joy of Jesus' glory.

390

Who are these like stars appearing – H Schenk / F Cox

Who are these like stars appearing,
these, before God's throne who stand?
Each a golden crown is wearing;
who are all this glorious band?
Alleluia! Hark, they sing,
praising loud their heavenly King.

Who are these of dazzling brightness,
clothed in God's own righteousness?
These, whose robes of purest whiteness,
shall their luster still possess,
still untouched by time's rude hand?
Whence came all this glorious band?

These are they who have contended
for their Savior's honor long,
wrestling on till life was ended,
following not the sinful throng;
these who well the fight sustained,
triumph through the Lamb have gained.

These are they whose hearts were riven,
sore with woe and anguish tried,
who in prayer full oft have striven
with the God they glorified;
now, their painful conflict o'er,
God has bid them weep no more.

These, the Almighty contemplating,
did as priests before him stand,
soul and body always waiting
day and night at his command:
now in God's most holy place
blest they stand before his face.

391

I sing a song of the saints of God – L Scot

Christ the King

392

Praise, my soul, the King of heaven – H Lyte

Praise, my soul, the King of heaven;
to his feet thy tribute bring;
ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
evermore his praises sing:
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise the everlasting King.

Praise him for his grace and favor
to our fathers in distress;
praise him still the same for ever,
slow to chide and swift to bless:
Alleluia, alleluia!
Glorious in his faithfulness.

Father-like, he tends and spares us;
well our feeble frame he knows;
in his hand he gently bears us,
rescues us from all our foes.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Widely yet his mercy flows.

Angels, help us to adore him;
ye behold him face to face;
sun and moon, bow down before him,
dwellers all in time and space.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise with us the God of grace.

St. Andrew

393

Jesus calls us; o’er the tumult – C Alexander

Jesus calls us; o’er the tumult
of our life’s wild, restless sea,
day by day his clear voice soundeth,
saying, “Christian, follow me”;

as, of old, Saint Andrew heard it
by the Galilean lake,
turned from home and toil and kindred,
leaving all for his dear sake.

Jesus calls us from the worship
of the vain world’s golden store;
from each idol that would keep us,
saying, “Christian, love me more.”

In our joys and in our sorrows,
days of toil and hours of ease,
still he calls, in cares and pleasures,
“Christian, love me more than these.”

Jesus calls us!  By thy mercies,
Savior, may we hear thy call,
give our hearts to thine obedience,
serve and love thee best of all.