139. HIGH in yonder realms of light, Glad within those blest abodes All their days of weeping o'er, Happy spirits, ye are fled, Where no grief can entrance find; Soothed the anguish of mankind. Every tear is wiped away, Sighs no more shall heave the breast; Night is lost in endless day, Sorrow in eternal rest. 140. THE saints on earth and those above, One family, we dwell in Him, One army of the living GOD, To His command we bow; Part of the host have crossed the flood, And part are crossing now. O SAVIOUR! be our constant guide, Bid death's cold flood its waves divide, P 141. O CHRIST, in whom the happy dead Still live united to their Head, Their Lord and our's the same; For all Thy saints to memory dear Departed in Thy faith and fear, We bless Thy holy Name. By the same grace upheld, may we So follow those who followed Thee, As with them to partake The free reward of heavenly bliss! O LORD and SAVIOUR, grant us this For Thine own glory's sake. The Purification, or the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 142. VIRGIN-BORN! we bow before Thee; Blessed was she in her Child. Blessed was the breast that fed Thee; That watch'd Thy slumbering infancy. Blessed she by all creation, Who brought forth the world's salvation; And blessed they, for ever blest, Who love Thee most and serve Thee best. Virgin-born! we bow before Thee; Blessed was the womb that bore Thee; Mary, maid and mother mild, Blessed was she in her Child. S. Michael and all Angels. 143. CHRIST of the holy angels light and gladness, MAKER and SAVIOUR of the human race, O may we reach the world unknown to sad ness, The blessed mansions where they see Thy Face! Angel of peace, may Michael to our dwelling Down from high Heaven in mighty calmness come, Breathing serenest peace, wild war dispelling With all her sorrows to the infernal gloom. Angel of might, may Gabriel swift descending Far from our gates our ancient foes repel, And his own triumphs o'er the world defending, In temples dear to Heaven return and dwell. Angel of health, may Raphael lighten o'er us, To every sick bed speed his healing flight, In times of doubt direct the way before us, And through life's mazes guide our steps aright. |