1 Oh, sweetly breathe the lyres above,
When angels touch the quiv’ring string,
And wake, to chant Emmanuel’s love,
Such strains as angel-lips can sing.
2 And sweet, on earth, the choral swell,
From mortal tongues, of gladsome lays,
When pardoned souls their raptures tell,
And, grateful hymn Emmanuel’s praise.
3 Jesus, Thy name our souls adore;
We own the bond that makes us Thine;
And carnal joys that charmed before,
We bow, and give ourselves away.
4 In Thee we trust—on Thee rely;
Though we are feeble, Thou art strong;
Oh, keep us till our spirits fly
To join the bright immortal throng.
Source: Gloria Deo: a Collection of Hymns and Tunes for Public Worship in all Departments of the Church #208
Ray Palmer (b. Little Compton, RI, 1808; d. Newark, NJ, 1887) is often considered to be one of America's best nineteenth-century hymn writers. After completing grammar school he worked in a Boston dry goods store, but a religious awakening prodded him to study for the ministry. He attended Yale College (supporting himself by teaching) and was ordained in 1835. A pastor in Congregational churches in Bath, Maine (1835-1850), and Albany, New York (1850-1865), he also served as secretary of the American Congregational Union (1865-1878). Palmer was a popular preacher and author, writing original poetry as well as translating hymns. He published several volumes of poetry and hymns, including Sabbath Hymn Book (1858), Hymns and Sacred Pieces (1865… Go to person page >
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