PASSIONTIDE: GOOD FRIDAY
Mrs. E. S. Alderson, 1818–88.
'Father, into thy hands I commend my Spirit.'
AND now, belovèd Lord, thy soul resigning
Into thy Father's arms with conscious will,
Calmly, with reverend grace, thy head inclining,
The throbbing brow and labouring breast grow still.
2 O Love! o'er mortal agony victorious,
Now is thy triumph! now that Cross shall shine
To earth's remotest age revered and glorious,
Of suffering's deepest mystery the sign.
3 My Saviour, in mine hour of mortal anguish,
When earth grows dim, and round me falls the night,
O breathe thy peace, as flesh and spirit languish;
At that dread eventide let there be light.
4. To thy dear Cross turn thou mine eyes in dying;
Lay but my fainting head upon thy breast;
Those outstretched arms receive my latest sighing;
And then, O! then, thine everlasting rest.
Or the following: 102 O sacred head, sore wounded.
The following are also suitable:
163
