22. WHEN Morning Gilds the Skies

Verse 1

When morning gilds the skies,

My heart awaking cries:

“May Jesus Christ be praised!”

Alike at work and prayer,

I to my God repair:

“May Jesus Christ be praised!”

 

Verse 2

When sleep her balm denies,

My silent spirit sighs,

“May Jesus Christ be praised!”

When evil thoughts molest.

With this I shield my breast –

“May Jesus Christ be praised!”

 

Verse 3

Does sadness fill my mind,

A solace here I find,

“May Jesus Christ be praised!”

Or fades my earthly bliss,

My comfort still is this,

“May Jesus Christ be praised!”

 

Verse 4

To God, the Word on high,

The hosts of angels cry:

“May Jesus Christ be praised!”

Let mortals too upraise

Their voices in hymns of praise:

“May Jesus Christ be praised!”

 

Verse 5

Let earth’s wide circle round

In joyful notes resound:

“May Jesus Christ be praised!”

Let air and sea and sky

From depth to height reply:

“May Jesus Christ be praised!”

 

Verse 6

Be this, while life is mine,

My canticle divine,

“May Jesus Christ be praised!”

Be this the eternal song

Through all the ages long:

“May Jesus Christ be praised!”

 

Edward Caswall