O For Thy Spirit, Holy John

For the Nativity of S. John The Baptist

Words: Ut qreant laxis, Paulus Diacontus, 8^th Century
Translation by The Hymner

Source: George Radcliffe Woodward, ed, Songs of Syon (London: Schott & Co., Third Edition, 1908), #252

1. O for thy spirit, holy John, to chasten
Lips sin-polluted, fetter’d tongues to loosen!
So by thy children might thy deeds of wonder
Meetly be chaunted.

2. Lo! a swift herald, from the sky descending,
Bears to thy father promise of thy greatness;
How he shall name thee, what thy future story,
Duly revealing.

3. Scarcely believing message so transcendent,
Him for a season power of speech forsaketh,
Till, at thy wondrous birth, again returneth
Voice to the voiceless.

4. Thou, in thy mother’s womb all darkly cradled,
Knewest thy Monarch, biding in his chamber,
Whence the two parents, through their children’s merits,
Mysteries utter’d.

5. Now as the Angels celebrate thy praises,
Godhead essential, Trinity co-equal;
Spare thy redeem’d ones, as they bow before thee,
Pardon imploring. Amen.

If you would like to help support Hymns and Carols of Christmas, please click on the button below and make a donation.

Related Hymns and Carols