For ever we would gaze on Thee

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For ever we would gaze on Thee

Author: Allen W. Chatfield
Tune: SEMPER ASPECTEMUS
Published in 4 hymnals

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Audio files: MIDI

Representative Text

1. For ever we would gaze on Thee,
O Lord, upon the Mount;
With Moses and Elias see
That light from light’s own fount;

2. For ever with the chosen three
Would stand upon that height,
And in that blessèd company
Be plunged in pure delight.

3. For ever would we train the ear
To that celestial Voice;
In Thee, the Son of God, so near
For evermore rejoice.

4. Here would we pitch our constant tent,
For ever here abide;
And dwell in peace and full content,
Dear Master, at Thy side.

5. But no! not yet to man ’tis given
To rest upon that height;
’Tis but a passing glimpse of Heav’n;
We must descend and fight.

6. Beneath the mount is toil and pain;
O Christ, Thy strength impart;
Till we, transfigured, too, shall reign
For ever where Thou art.

Source: The Cyber Hymnal #1508

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Author: Allen W. Chatfield

Chatfield, Allen William, M.A., born at Chatteris, Oct. 2nd, 1808, and educated at Charterhouse School and Trinity College, Cambridge, where he was Bell's Univ. Scholar and Members' Prizeman. He graduated in 1831, taking a first class in classical honours. Taking Holy Orders in 1832, he was from 1833 to 1847 Vicar of Stotfold, Bedfordshire; and since 1847 Vicar of Much-Marcle, Herefordshire. Mr. Chatfield has published various Sermons from time to time. His Litany, &c. [Prayer Book] in Greek verse is admirable, and has been commended by many eminent scholars. His Songs and Hymns of Earliest Greek Christian Poets, Bishops, and others, translated into English Verse, 1876, has not received the attention of hymnal compilers which it merits. One… Go to person page >

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Text Information

Text Information

First Line:	For ever we would gaze on Thee
Author:	Allen W. Chatfield
Language:	English
Publication Date:	1874
Copyright:	Public Domain

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Notes

For ever we would gaze on Thee. A. W. Chatfield. [Transfiguration.] Written in March, 1874, "whilst journeying to, and attending at the Assize Court at Shrewsbury," and first published in the revised edition of Hymns Ancient & Modern, 1875, No. 461.

--John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)

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