The Gilbert and Sullivan Archive > Arthur Sullivan > Hymns

To MIDI File Litany No. 1  

(7.7.7.6.)

This tune and Litany No. 2 by Sullivan appeared in the 1875
edition of “Church Hymns with Tunes”, replacing tunes to the same words by
C. C. Schofield and F. Clay given in the first edition.

1 Jesu, we are far away
From the light of heavenly day,
Lost in paths of sin we stray: 		  2 Deeper has the darkness grown;
Saviour, come to seek Thine own,
Leave, O leave us not alone:
    Lord, in mercy hear us.       Lord, in mercy hear us.
         
3 Thou our great Example art,
Thou canst needful grace impart
To the wayward earth-bound heart:		   4 Foolish, weak, and sad we lie;
Guard us with Thy loving eye,
Be our helper, always nigh:
    Lord, in mercy hear us.       Lord, in mercy hear us.
         
5 Help us to bewail our sin,
And, in heavenly strength, begin
Daily victories to win: 		  6 Keep us lowly that we may,
Ever watchful, turn away
From the snares our tempters lay:
    Lord, in mercy hear us.       Lord, in mercy hear us.
         
7 On our darkness shed Thy light,
Lead our wills to what is right,
Wash our evil nature white:		   8 May Thy wisdom be our guide,
Comfort, rest, and peace provide
Near to Thy protecting side:
    Lord, in mercy hear us.       Lord, in mercy hear us.
             
9 May the world seem only dross,
May we welcome shame and loss,
Willingly endure the cross:		   10

When oppressed with trouble sore,
Teach our hearts to feel the more
For the pangs our Saviour bore:
    Lord, in mercy hear us.       Lord, in mercy hear us.
         
11 May we true devotion feel
To our God, and holy zeal
For our fellow creatures’ weal:
   12 May we selfishness deny,
And the body mortify,
Doing deeds of charity:
    Lord, in mercy hear us.       Lord, in mercy hear us.
         
13 Make us earnest when we pray,
Diligent from day to day,
Meaning, doing, what we say:
   14 Fix our hearts on things on high,
Let no evil thoughts come nigh,
Purge from sin our memory:
    Lord, in mercy hear us.       Lord, in mercy hear us.
         
15 May Thy grace within the soul
Nature’s waywardness control,
Guiding towards the heavenly goal:
   16 So at last, from sin set free,
What we long for, may we see,
And for ever blessèd be:
    Lord, in mercy hear us.       Lord, in mercy hear us. Amen.

Thomas Benson Pollock, 1836 - 96.

The Gilbert and Sullivan Archive | Arthur Sullivan | Hymns

Page modified 22 November 2007