Author: M. J. Blacker, 1822-88 Hymnal: The New English Hymnal #210 (1986) Meter: 11.11.11.5 Lyrics: 1 Only-begotten, Word of God eternal,
Lord of Creation, merciful and mighty,
Hear thou thy servants, when their tuneful voices
Rise to thy presence.
2 Thus in our solemn Feast of Dedication,
Graced with returning rites of due devotion,
Ever thy children, year by year rejoicing,
Chant in thy temple.
3 This is thy palace; here thy presence-chamber;
Here may thy servants, at the mystic banquet,
Daily adoring, take thy body broken,
Drink of thy chalice.
4 Here for thy children stands the holy laver,
Fountain of pardon for the guilt of nature,
Cleansed by whose water springs a race anointed,
Liegemen of Jesus.
5 Here in our sickness, healing grace aboundeth,
Light in our blindness, in our toil refreshment;
Sin is forgiven, hope o’er fear prevaileth,
Joy over sorrow.
6 Hallowed this dwelling where the Lord abideth,
This is none other than the gate of heaven;
Strangers and pilgrims, making homes eternal,
Pass through its portals.
7 Lord, we beseech thee, as we throng thy temple
By thy past blessings, by thy present bounty,
Smile on thy children, and with tender mercy
Hear our petitions.
8 God in Three Persons, Father everlasting,
Son co-eternal, ever blessèd Spirit,
Thine be the glory, praise, and adoration,
Now and for ever. Amen. Topics: Dedication Festival; Procession; The Christian Year Festivals and Other Holy Days: Proper Languages: English Tune Title: ISTE CONFESSOR (2)
Only-begotten, Word of God eternal