The Cyber Hymnal ‎#1532

1532. The Fish in Wave, the Bird on Wing

1. The fish in wave, the bird on wing,
God bade the waters bear;
Each for our mortal body’s food
His gracious hands prepare.

2. But other food, of richer cost,
The immortal spirit needs;
By faith it lives on every word
That from His mouth proceeds.

3. Faith springing from the blood of Christ,
Has flowed o’er every land;
And sinners through the vanquished world
Bow down to its command.

4. Its light the joy of Heav’n reveals
To hearts made pure within;
And bids them seek by worthy deeds
Eternal crowns to win.

5. By faith the saints of old were strong
The lion’s wrath to tame;
By faith they spurned the tyrant’s threats,
And scorned the raging flame.

6. Lord, grant that we the path may tread
Whereon its light doth shine;
And gather, as we onward go,
The fruits of love divine.

7. O praise the Father; praise the Son,
On whose most precious blood
Rests all our faith; and praise to Him
Who with Them both is God.

Text Information

• First Line: The fish in wave, the bird on wing
• Title: The Fish in Wave, the Bird on Wing
• Latin Title: Iisdem creati fluctibus
• Author: Charles Coffin (1736)
• Translator (from Latin): John Chandler
• Meter: CM
• Language: English
• Source: Paris Breviary, 1735; Translation: Hymns Ancient and Modern
• Copyright: Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: ST. FLAVIAN
• Composer: Anonymous (1563)
• Meter: CM
• Incipit: 11713 22114 31233
• Key: F Major
• Source: Day's Psalter, 1563
• Copyright: Public Domain