MELITA L. M. 6 lines J. B. DYKES E-ter-nal Father,strong to save, Whose arm hath bound the restless wave, Who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep To Thee, O Father throned on high, It was that made one flesh of twain; Work Thou, while here our prayers arise, That sacred mystery, again. 2 To Thee, O Jesus, throned beside Thy Father's right hand, here we cry; True Bridegroom of Thy spotless bride, With all Thy human love, draw nigh. Our human nature, Thy divine Has wedded, and in Thee, dear Lord, As Cana's water turned to wine, Its lost godlikeness is restored. 3 O Holy Ghost the Paraclete, Thee too we worship, God and Lord, And honor Thee, with praises meet, One with the Father and the Word. Lord and Life-giver, hear our prayer, Come, sanctify and bless, and guide, Strengthen, and shelter 'neath Thy care, The life of bridegroom and of bride. 4 O God Triune, whom heaven's host Adores, with sweet and ceaseless song; O Father, Son and Holy Ghost, To whom all worship doth belong; Hear, in these echoes faint and dim, Of chant and prayer and holy psalm, Their songs, the heavenly feast who hymn, The marriage supper of the Lamb. William Croswell Doane 1880 |