Common Praise ‎#65

65. Of the Father's love begotten

1 Of the Father's love begotten
ere the worlds began to be,
he is Alpha and Omega,
he the source, the ending he,
of the things that are, that have been,
and that future years shall see
evermore and evermore.

2 At his word they were created;
he commanded; it was done:
heaven and earth and depths of ocean
in their threefold order one;
all that grows beneath the shining,
of the light of moon and sun,
evermore and evermore.

3 O that birth for ever blessèd,
when the Virgin, full of grace,
by the Holy Ghost conceiving,
bare the Saviour of our race,
and the babe, the world's Redeemer,
first revealed his sacred face,
evermore and evermore.

4 O ye heights of heaven adore him;
angel-hosts, his praises sing;
powers, dominions, bow before him,
and extol our God and King:
let no tongue on earth be silent,
every voice in concert ring,
evermore and evermore.

5 This is he whom seers and sages
sang of old with one accord;
whom the writings of the prophets
promised in their faithful word;
now he shines, the long-expected:
let creation praise its Lord,
evermore and evermore.

*6 Hail, thou Judge of souls departed!
Hail, thou King of them that live!
On the Father's throne exalted
none in might with thee may strive;
who at last in judgement coming
sinners from thy face shalt drive,
evermore and evermore.

7 Christ, to thee, with God the Father,
and, O Holy Ghost, to thee,
hymn and chant and high thanksgiving
and unwearied praises be,
honour, glory, and dominion,
and eternal victory,
evermore and evermore.

Text Information

• First Line: Of the Father's love begotten
• Author: Prudentius, 348-c. 413
• Translator: J. M. Neale, 1818-1866
• Translator: H. W. Baker, 1821-1877
• Meter: 87 87 87 7
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2000
• Scripture:
  1 Peter 1:10-11
  ;
  Colossians 1:15-17
  ;
  Colossians 3:16
  ;
  Genesis 1:6-13
  ;
  Hebrews 1:6
  ;
  John 1:1-3
  ;
  John 1:45
  ;
  Luke 1:26-35
  ;
  Luke 24:44
  ;
  Psalm 103:20-22
  ;
  Romans 14:9-11
• Topic: Christmas
• Notes: Other translators also

Tune Information

• Name: DIVINUM MYSTERIUM
• Meter: 87 87 87 7
• Key: E Major
• Source: Piae Cantiones, 1582; Harmonized by editors of New English Hymnal, 1986
• Copyright: Harmony © Canterbury Press