The New English Hymnal ‎#210

210. Only-begotten, Word of God eternal

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.

Text Information

• First Line: Only-begotten, Word of God eternal
• Latin Title: Christe cunctorum Dominator alme
• Translator: M. J. Blacker, 1822-88
• Meter: 11 11 11 5
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1986
• Topic: Dedication Festival; Procession; The Christian Year: Festivals and Other Holy Days: Proper

Tune Information

• Name: ISTE CONFESSOR (2)
• Meter: 11 11 11 5
• Key: d minor
• Source: Poitiers Antiphoner, 1746
• Notes: For the Harmony version of this hymn see 404