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HYMN TRANSLATED FROM THE ROMAN BREVIARY by JEAN BAPTISTE RACINE

First Line: GREAT GOD AT WHOSE DIVINE WORD OF COMMAND
Last Line: REIGN ON AND NEVER CEASE.
Subject(s): GOD; HYMNS (AS LITERARY FORM);

GREAT God at whose divine word of command
The heavens did arise,
Thou settest borders to the seas, and spann'd
With thine unmeasured skies.

Ev'n as the heavenly arch hath liquid plains,
The earth hath streams that run
And to the arid meadows bear their rains
In time of parching sun.

Lord, like the waters let thy grace down fall
To heal us in thy tide,
That from this day our sense be no more thrall
To snares the world doth hide.

And of thy faith send the propitious beams
Upon our eyes to burst,
And tear the mask from the infernal schemes
Of wickedness accurst.

Eternal Father, Son, all wisdom's source,
And Spirit, God of peace,
That dost control of Time th' inconstant course,
Reign on and never cease.



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