One Thy Light, the Temple Filling - #641

"One Thy Light, the Temple Filling"
by John Keble, 1792-1866

1. One Thy Light, the Temple filling,
Holy, Holy, Holy, Three!
Meanest men and brightest angels
Wait alike the word from Thee;
Highest musings, lowliest worship,
Must their preparation be.

2. Now Thou speakest,--hear we trembling,--
From the glory comes a voice,
Who accepts the Almighty's mission?
Who will make Christ's work his choice?
Who for us proclaim to sinners,
Turn, believe, endure, rejoice?

3. Here are we, Redeemer, send us!
But because Thy work is fire,
And our lips unclean and earthly,
Breathe no breath of high desire,
Send Thy seraph from the altar,
Veiled, but in his bright attire.

4. Cause him, Lord, to fly full swiftly
With the mystic coal in hand,
Sin-consuming, soul-transforming,
Faith and love will understand.
Touch our lips, Thou wondrous Mercy,
With Thine own keen healing brand.

5. Thou didst come that fire to kindle;
Fain would we Thy torches prove,
Far and wide Thy beacons lighting
With the undying spark of love.
Only feed our flame, we pray Thee,
With Thy breathings from above.

6. Now to God, the soul's Creator,
To His Word and Wisdom sure,
To His all-enlightening Spirit,
Patron of the frail and poor,
Three in One, be praise and glory
Here and while the heavens endure.

Hymn #641
The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: Isaiah 6:8
Author: John Keble, 1856, cento, alt.
Composer: Henry Smart, 1867
Tune: "Regent Square"