In the back of the issue of Christian History I posted about earlier today is a list of hymns: "2000 years, 25 hymns." One of the earliest is "O Splendor of God's Glory Bright" by Ambrose of Milan (340-397). It was unfamiliar to me. The translation below, except for the final verse, is by Robert Bridges (1844-1930).
O SPLENDOR of God's glory bright, O Thou that bringest light from light, O Light of Light, light's living spring, O Day, all days illumining; | To guide whate'er we nobly do, With love all envy to subdue, To make ill-fortune turn to fair, And give us grace our wrongs to bear. |
O Thou true Sun, on us Thy glance Let fall in royal radiance, The Spirit's sanctifying beam Upon our earthly senses stream. | All laud to God the Father be; All praise, eternal Son, to Thee; All glory, as is ever meet, To God the holy Paraclete. Amen. |
The Father, too, our prayers implore, Father of glory evermore, The Father of all grace and might, To banish sin from our delight: |
I have found versions of the hymn in several hymnbooks including the one we used in my youth and the one we use where I worship now but I don't recall ever singing it.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comments are moderated. I will gladly approve any comment that responds directly and politely to what has been posted.