Thou art First and Best, Jesu, sweetest Rest! Life of those who else were dying, Light of those in darkness lying, Ever be Thou blest, Jesu, sweetest Rest. | Life, that stooped to be Slain for such as me, Who to save us death hast tasted, Pardon life and blessings wasted, Take away our load, Lead us back to God! | 268 Brightness of His Face! To redeem our race, Ere time was, Thou wast appointed, Thou didst veil Thee, God's Anointed, In our human race: Brightness of His Face! | Conqueror, Thou alone Hast the powers o'erthrown Of the world, the flesh, the devil; Souls that once were slaves to evil, Thou hast made Thine own, Conqueror, Thou alone! | Highest Majesty! King and Prophet! see To Thy gentle rule submitting, At Thy feet like Mary sitting, I would learn from Thee, Highest Majesty! | O Thou Light Divine! Make me wholly Thine. Wisdom by Thy Spirit knowing, With Thy love and ardour glowing, Thou within me shine, O Thou Light Divine! | Thy humility And Thy kindness be In my heart for ever dwelling, Pride and anger thence dispelling, Till Thyself Thou see Mirrored, Lord, in me. | 269 Is my foolish mind To the world inclined? Strengthen it no more to waver, But to seek alone Thy favour, Wealth in Thee to find; Grant me, Lord, Thy mind. | In the darksome night, When the billows' might Roars around my little vessel, And with bitter fears I wrestle, Let Thy arm of might Save me in the night. | Let my soul be strong, Bold to suffer wrong For Thy sake though I should perish; Life nor earthly wealth to cherish, All to Thee belong; Only make me strong. | And when I must die Let me feel Thee nigh; Through the valley walk beside me, To the heavenly glory guide me, Till I find me nigh To Thy throne on high. | |