Page:The English hymnal (1906).djvu/87



(Office Hymns, 174–6.) ORD supreme, before creation
 * Born of God eternally,

Who didst will for our salvation
 * To be born on earth, and die;

Well thy Saints have kept their station.
 * Watching till thine hour drew nigh.

2 Now ‘tis come, and faith espies thee;
 * Like an eaglet in the morn,

One in steadfast worship eyes thee,
 * Thy beloved, thy latest born:

In thy glory he descries thee
 * Reigning from the tree of scorn.

3 * He first hoping and believing
 * Did beside the grave adore;

Latest he, the warfare leaving,
 * Landed on the eternal shore;

And his witness we receiving
 * Own thee Lord for evermore.

4 * Much he asked in loving wonder,
 * On thy bosom leaning. Lord!

In that secret place of thunder,
 * Answer kind didst thou accord,

Wisdom for thy Church to ponder
 * Till the day of dread award.

5 Lo! heaven’s doors lift up, revealing
 * How thy judgements earthward move;

Scrolls unfolded, trumpets pealing,
 * Wine-cups from the wrath above,

Yet o’er all a soft voice stealing—
 * 'Little children, trust and love!’

6. Thee, the Almighty King eternal,
 * Father of the eternal Word;

Thee, the Father's Word supernal
 * Thee, of both, the Breath adored;

Heaven, and earth, and realms infernal
 * Own, one glorious God and Lord. Amen.