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: Heav'n and earth and depths of ocean In their threefold order one; All that grows beneath the shining Of the moon and burning sun, Evermore and evermore!
3. He is found in human fashion, Death and sorrow here to know, That the race of Adam's children, Doomed by law to endless woe, May not henceforth die and perish In the dreadful gulf below, Evermore and evermore!
4. Oh that birth forever blessèd! When the virgin, full of grace, By the Holy Ghost conceiving, Bare the Savior of our race; And the Babe, the world's Redeemer, First revealed His sacred face, Evermore and evermore!
5. O ye heights of heav'n adore Him; Angel hosts, His praises sing; Pow'rs, 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!
6. He is here, Whom seers in old time Chanted of, while ages ran; Whom the writings of the prophets Promised since the world began: Then foretold, now manifested, to receive the praise of man, Evermore and evermore!
7. Righteous Judge of souls departed, Righteous King of them that live, On the Father's throne exalted None in might with Thee may strive; Who at last in vengeance coming Sinners from Thy face shalt drive, Evermore and evermore!
8. Thee let old men, Thee let young men, Thee let choirs of infants sing; Thee the matrons and the virgins, And the children answering: Let their guileless songs re-echo, And the heart its music bring, Evermore and evermore!
9. Christ, to Thee with God the Father, And, O Holy Ghost, to Thee, Hymn and chant with high thanksgiving, And unwearied praises be: Honor, glory, and dominion, And eternal victory, Evermore and evermore!
Words: Aurelius Prudentius Clemens, 5th Century. Verses 1, 4-8 translated by John Mason Neale, 1854. Verses 2-3, 9 translated by Henry Williams Baker, 1859.
Music: 'Divinum Mysterium' or 'Corde Natus' Latin Plainsong, 13th Century.
Setting: "The Church Hymnal, Revised and Enlarged" (Episcopal), 1892, alt.
copyright: public domain. This score is a part of the Open Hymnal Project, 2014 Revision.
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