At the Cathedral on Sunday we sang the following hymn. As this week we have celebrated the feasts of the Ascension and of St. Bede the Venerable, who wrote the words of this hymn, I thought it might be appropriate to share this with you all. It was sung to the tune of "Immortal, invisible".
New praises be given to Christ newly crowned,
who back to his heaven a new way hath found;
God's blessedness sharing before us he goes,
what mansions preparing, what endless repose!
His glory still praising on thrice-holy ground
the apostles stood gazing, his mother around;
with hearts that beat faster, with eyes full of love,
they watched while their Master ascended above.
'No star can disclose him' the bright angels said;
'Eternity knows him, your conquering head;
those high habitations he leaves not again,
till, judging all nations, on earth he shall reign.'
Thus spoke they and straightway, where legions defend
heaven's glittering gateway, their Lord did attend,
and cry, looking thither, 'Your portals let down
for him who rides hither in peace and renown.'
They asked, who keep sentry in that blessed town,
'Who thus claimeth entry, a king of renown?'
'The Lord of all valiance,' that herald replied,
'Who Satan's battalions laid low in their pride.'
Grant, Lord, that out longing may follow thee there,
on earth who are thronging thy temples with prayer;
and unto thee gather, Redeemer, thine own,
where thou with thy Father dost sit on the throne.
1 comment:
Thanks for this Augustine.
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