Today, O Lord, a holier work
Thy secret counsels frame,
A king to rule Thy new made world,
To praise Thy glorious Name.
Thou formest man: Thy Spirit breathes
Life into dust of earth:
Man, in Thine own true image made,
From Thee receives his birth.
And henceforth he dominion holds
O’er all in earth and sea;
Yet mindful whence his being came
Must humbly walk with Thee.
Alas! his willful heart rebels
Against Thy gentle sway;
Proud dust of earth would fain be like
The God Whom all obey.
O griefs and sorrows numberless,
Which hence the world o’erspread;
Jesu, Thy mercy succored us,
Or hope itself had fled.
O praise the Father, and the Son
Who saved us by His death,
And Holy Ghost Who quickens us
With His life giving breath.