XXVI SACRED MUSIC -To our high-raised phantasy present With saintly shout and solemn jubilee ; Singing everlastingly : That we on earth with undiscording voice, Jarr'd against Nature's chime, and with harsh din sway'd In perfect diapason whilst they stood, In first obedience and their state of good. O, may we soon again renew that song And keep in tune with heaven, till God ere long To live with Him, and sing in endless morn of light! John Milton XXVII CHURCH MUSIC But let my due feet never fail And bring all Heaven before mine eyes. John Milton XXVIII EARTH AND HEAVEN The roseate hues of early dawn, The highest hopes we cherish here, That wraps an earthly saint ! O for a heart that never sins! O for a soul wash'd white ! O for a voice to praise our King, Here faith is ours, and heavenly hope, O, by Thy love and anguish, Lord! O, that we fall not from Thy grace, C. F. Alexander XXIX EVENING HYMN Glory to Thee, my God, this night, Forgive me, Lord, for Thy dear Son, Teach me to live, that I may dread The grave as little as my bed; Rise glorious at the awful day. O let my soul on Thee repose; And may sweet sleep mine eyelids close: Sleep, that shall me more vig'rous make To serve my God when I awake. If in the night I sleepless lie, My soul with heavenly thoughts supply; Praise God, from whom all blessings flow, Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost! Bishop Thomas Ken II THE INCARNATE WORD XXX THE INCARNATION OF CHRIST For Thou wert born of woman! Thou didst come, And not by thunders strew'd Was Thy tempestuous road; Nor indignation burn'd before Thee on Thy way. But Thee, a soft and naked child, Thy mother undefiled In the rude manger laid to rest From off her virgin breast. The Heavens were not commanded to prepare A gorgeous canopy of golden air; Nor stoop'd their lamps th' enthroned fires on high: A single silent star Came wand'ring from afar, Gliding uncheck'd and calm along the liquid sky, The Eastern sages leading on As at a kingly throne, To lay their gold and odours sweet D |