Charles Wesley wrote “Hail the day that sees Him rise,” which was published in 1739 Hymns and Sacred Poems. In that book it was titled “Hymn for Ascension-Day.” The 8-stanza hymn below shows some alterations from Wesley’s original, including the addition of an “Alleluia” at the end of each line. Commonly only about 4 or 5 stanzas are used in modern hymnals. The hymn meter is 7s, or 11s. (7.4.7.4.7.4.7.4.) when the Alleluias are added. Llanfair is usually attributed to Welsh singer Robert Williams (1781-1821). Another common setting for Wesley’s hymn is Essex by Thomas Clark. Clark was an Unitarian non-conformist who conducted the music at Blackfriars at Canterbury over 50 years. Clark was born at Canterbury in 1775. His father William was a cordwainer (a shoemaker and leather-worker). Thomas followed the trade as a cobbler. He married Anne Ledger in 1806. Thomas Clark died in 1859 and was buried in the Wincheap Non-Conformist Burial Ground. The exact location of his grave has been lost through neglect after World War II.
To his throne beyond the skies. Alleluia!
Christ, the Lamb for sinners given, Alleluia!
Enters now the highest heaven. Alleluia!
2. There for him high triumph waits; Alleluia!
Lift your heads, eternal gates. Alleluia!
Wide unfold the radiant scene; Alleluia!
Take the King of glory in. Alleluia!
3. Circled round with angel powers, Alleluia!
Their triumphant Lord, and ours, Alleluia!
Conqueror over death and sin, Alleluia!
Take the King of glory in, Alleluia!
4. Highest heaven its Lord receives; Alleluia!
Yet he loves the earth he leaves. Alleluia!
Though returning to his throne, Alleluia!
Still he calls mankind his own. Alleluia!
5. See! He lifts his hands above; Alleluia!
See! He shows the prints of love; Alleluia!
Hark! His gracious lips bestow, Alleluia!
Blessings on his Church below. Alleluia!
6. Still for us he intercedes; Alleluia!
His atoning death he pleads, Alleluia!
Near himself prepares our place, Alleluia!
He the firstfruits of our race. Alleluia!
7. Master (will we ever say), Alleluia!
Taken from our head today, Alleluia!
See thy faithful servants, see; Alleluia!
Ever gazing up to thee. Alleluia!
8. Lord, though parted from our sight, Alleluia!
Far above the starry height, Alleluia!
Grant our hearts my thither rise, Alleluia!
Following thee beyond the skies. Alleluia!
No comments:
Post a Comment