1 Ruler of the dread immense!
Maker of this mighty frame!
Whose eternal providence
Governs and upholds the same!
2 Low before Thy face we bend;
Hear our supplicating cries;
And Thy light eternal send,
With the freshly dawning skies.
3 King of kings! and Lord most high !
This of Thy dear love we pray—
May Thy guardian angel nigh
Keep us from all sin this day.
4 May he crush the deadly wiles
Of the envious Serpent’s art,
Ever spreading cunning toils
Round about the thoughtless heart.
5 May he scatter ruthless war,
Ere to this our shore it come;
Plague and famine drive afar;
Fix securely peace at home.
6 Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
Everlasting Trinity!
Guard, by Thy angelic host,
Us, who put our trust in Thee.
Source: The Cyber Hymnal #12602
Edward Caswall was born in 1814, at Yately, in Hampshire, where his father was a clergyman. In 1832, he went to Brasenose College, Oxford, and in 1836, took a second-class in classics. His humorous work, "The Art of Pluck," was published in 1835; it is still selling at Oxford, having passed through many editions. In 1838, he was ordained Deacon, and in 1839, Priest. He became perpetural Curate of Stratford-sub-Castle in 1840. In 1841, he resigned his incumbency and visited Ireland. In 1847, he joined the Church of Rome. In 1850, he was admitted into the Congregation of the Oratory at Birmingham, where he has since remained. He has published several works in prose and poetry.
--Annotations of the Hymnal, Charles Hutchins, M.A. 1872… Go to person page >
My Starred Hymns
My FlexScores
My Hymnals
My Purchased Files