RitualSong (2nd ed.) ‎#974

974. The Great Forerunner of the Morn

1 The great forerunner of the morn,
The herald of the Word, is born;
And faithful hearts shall never fail
With thanks and praise his light to hail.

2 With heav'nly message Gabriel came,
That John should be that herald's name,
And with prophetic utt'rance told
His actions great and manifold.

3 Though not yet born, John gave aright
His witness to the coming Light;
And Christ, the Sun of all the earth,
Fulfilled that witness at his birth.

4 John's mighty deeds exalt his fame
To greater than a prophet's name;
Of woman born shall never be
A greater prophet than was he.

Text Information

• First Line: The great forerunner of the morn
• Title: The Great Forerunner of the Morn
• Author: Venerable Bede, 673-735
• Translator: John M. Neale, 1818-1866 (alt.)
• Meter: LM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2016
• Topic: Nativity of John the Baptist

Tune Information

• Name: WINCHESTER NEW
• Meter: LM
• Key: B♭ Major
• Source: Adapt. from Musikalisches Handbuch, Hamburg, 1690