The New English Hymnal ‎#304

304. Once, only once, and once for all

1 Once, only once, and once for all,
His precious life he gave;
Before the Cross in faith we fall,
And own it strong to save.

2 'One offering, single and complete,'
With lips and hearts we say;
But what he never can repeat
He shows forth day by day.

3 For as the priest of Aaron’s line
Within the holiest stood,
And sprinkled all the mercy-shrine
With sacrificial blood;

4 So he, who once atonement wrought,
Our Priest of endless power,
Presents himself for those he bought
In that dark noontide hour.

5 His Manhood pleads where now it lives
On heaven’s eternal throne,
And where in mystic rite he gives
Its presence to his own.

6 And so we show thy death, O Lord,
Till thou again appear,
And feel, when we approach thy board,
We have an altar here.

Text Information

• First Line: Once, only once, and once for all
• Author: William Bright, 1824-1901
• Meter: CM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1986
• Topic: Sacraments and Other Rites: Holy Communion

Tune Information

• Name: ALBANO
• Composer: Vincent Novello, 1781-1861
• Meter: CM
• Key: F Major