The New English Hymnal ‎#17

17. When came in flesh the incarnate Word

1 WHEN came in flesh the incarnate Word,
The heedless world slept on,
And only simple shepherds heard
That God had sent his Son.

2 When comes the Saviour at the last,
From east to west shall shine
The judgement light, and earth aghast
Shall tremble at the sign.

3 Then shall the pure of heart be blest,
As mild he comes to them,
As when upon the Virgin’s breast
He lay at Bethlehem:

4 As mild to meek-eyed love and faith,
Only more strong to save;
Strengthened by having bowed to death,
By having burst the grave.

5 Lord, who could dare see thee descend
In state, unless he knew
Thou art the sorrowing sinner’s friend,
The gracious and the true?

6 Dwell in our hearts, O Saviour blest;
So shall thine advent’s dawn
’Twixt us and thee, our bosom-guest,
Be but the veil withdrawn.

Text Information

• First Line: When came in flesh the incarnate Word
• Author: Joseph Anstice, 1808-36 (alt.)
• Meter: CM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1986
• Topic: The Christian Year: Advent

Tune Information

• Name: WALSALL
• Meter: CM
• Key: f minor
• Source: W. Anchors's A Choice Collection of Psalm Tunes, 1721