1589

AGNUS DEI.

Agnus Dei, Qui tollis peccata mundi,
Miserere nobis.

Agnus Dei, Qui tollis peccata mundi,
Dona nobis pacem.

English Version.

O Lamb of GOD, that takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy upon us.

O Lamb of GOD, that takest away the sins of the world, Grant us Thy peace.

1590

Misericordias Domini in æternum cantabo.
Misericordiâ Domini cuncta creata sunt.
Misericordiâ Domini plena est terra.

Misericordiâ Domini quia non sumus consumpti.

1591

JOSQUIN DE PRÈS.

Almighty GOD, Who hast me brought
In safety to the present day,

Keep me from sin in heart and thought,
And teach me what to do and say.

1592

PSALM xlvii.

O all ye people, clap your hands,
And make a cheerful noise,
With acclamations to your GOD
Declare your inward joys.

His high perfections proclaim
Him greatly to be feared;

T. FORDE.

This King of all the world commands
Your honour and regard.
In a triumphant state our LORD
Is gone above the skies.
Trumpets proclaim our joys,

And all applaud His victories.
Sing cheerful praises to our God,
Sing praises to our King;
He is LORD of all the earth,

His praise with understanding sing.
GOD o'er the heathen people reigns,
And in that Throne is placed
Where He in glory sits, and thence
Shall judge the world at last.

PURCELL.

1593

*PSALM XXII. 23. O praise the LORD, all ye that fear Him: magnify Him, all ye of the seed of Jacob, and fear Him, ye seed of Israel.*

cvii. 2. Let them give thanks whom the LORD hath redeemed and delivered from the hand of the enemy.

XX. 5. We will rejoice in Thy salvation, and triumph in the Name of the LORD our GOD.

6. Now know I, that the LORD helpeth His Anointed, and will hear Him from His holy heaven: with the saving strength of His right hand.

7. Some put their trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the Name of the LORD our GOD. 8. They are brought down, and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.

*9. Save, LORD, and hear us, O King of heaven when we call upon Thee.

xxi. 13. Be Thou exalted, LORD, in Thine own strength so will we sing and praise Thy power.*

Sometimes sung as a separate Anthem.

CROFT.

1594

JESUS, now will we praise Thee,
Thus far in safety brought,
And grateful anthems raise Thee
For all that Thou hast wrought.

Thy gift are we possessing
In this glad op'ning year:
How full of grace and blessing
Its advent doth appear.
Through Thee from ill defended
The old year have we ended.

We would to Thee be living
Throughout the coming year;
Ourselves to Thee be giving
Through all our lifetime here.

O grant us, mighty LORD, this year when ending,
To find its closing hours, like this beginning, blest,
Its course, let nought of ill molest;

Then heart and voice shall heavenward go,
Because our blessings overflow,

In wonted Hallelujahs blending.

LORD, Thy defence, Thy favour do we need in all our works: when we begin, and when we end. Of life and death the issues are with Thee; and of our days Thou dost record the number; Thine eye beholdeth every place; Thou countest all our joys, and knowest all our sorrows: Ah! send of each whatsoe'er Thou seest fit, as much as in Thy mercy Thou appointest.

What time as we in peace are living,

And health and wealth from Thee receiving,

Then let the soul retain Thy Word that bringeth joy.
That saving Word possessing,

On earth we have Thy blessing

And shall be Thine on High.

What though our foe, by night and day

His harmful watch doth lay,

And to our ruin would enslave us,

Thou hast the will, Almighty GOD, to save us,

When we for succour unto Thee are calling:

And Satan shall beneath our feet be falling.

And Thou to us Thy grace wilt give,
Thy chosen people here to live;
And after earthly pain and sadness,
To take our flight to heavenly gladness.

To Thee alone be glory,

To Thee alone be praise,
Thy Passion's moving story
Shall govern all our ways,
Till, freed from earthly sadness,
We take our heavenward flight,
To dwell with peace and gladness
In God's most holy sight.

To all men shall Thy pleasure
Their good and evil measure:
On Thee then safely staying,
Let Christian people sing,
With hearts and voices praying
That good this year may bring.

1595

J. S. BACH.

PSALM Xvii.

1. Hear, O LORD, and consider my complaint; give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.

5, 8, 9. O hold up my goings in Thy paths: and hide me under the shadow of Thy wings; hide me from the ungodly that trouble me to take away my soul.

16. As for me, I will behold Thy presence in righteousness; and when I awake up after Thy likeness, I shall be satisfied with it.

9. Mine enemies compass me round about to take away my soul.

13. Up, LORD, disappoint them, and cast them down.

1596

PSALM lxvi. 7. O praise our God, ye people.

Greene.

cxlviii. 12. Young men and maidens, old men and children, praise the Name of the LORD: for His Name only is excellent, and His praise above heaven and earth.

1597

BOYCE.

PSALM lvii. 10. I will give thanks unto Thee, O LORD, among the people; and I will sing unto Thee among the nations.

II. For the greatness of Thy mercy reacheth unto the heavens, and Thy truth unto the clouds.

MOZART.