tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320997252024-03-07T01:24:01.828-06:00Vertical And Wasting OxygenRavus Caelumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427939755772097833noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32099725.post-79957003967731853962024-02-25T14:15:00.000-06:002024-02-25T14:15:21.967-06:00Blessings<p> </p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Thy blessings have I
counted, Lord;</p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">forgive my insolence!</p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I own not measure, sense,
not word</p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">for such magnificence.</p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">On weighted scales I judge
my due</p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">'gainst what Thy love
ordains,</p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">appraise my labors, laid
to sue</p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">f'r anticipated gains!</p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">My ledgers swell with
scarlet ink -
</p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">bitter, imagined want.</p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">What vanity, that I dare
think</p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">to price Thy crimson font?</p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Have I not seen Thee save
Thine own?</p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Nor heard my fathers'
praise?</p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Nor from my mother's arms
Thee known?</p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Nor loved Thy word and
ways?</p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The kings of earth pass by
in awe,</p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">cry out in death's dismay,</p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">led forth to scales of
perfect law,</p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">their lawless guilt to
weigh,</p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">behold the undeserv<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">èd
love</span></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">which
caused my soul to stand,</span></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">mercies
which armies cannot move,</span></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">grace
ne'er to understand.</span></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">My
blessings have I counted, Lord,</span></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">and
weep for dour shame.</span></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">One
gift beggars ny soul t'afford:</span></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">to
bear Thy precious Name.</span></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Yet
one by one my blessings mount,</span></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">swelling
to skies unseen,</span></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">while
I despair, delight to count</span></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">each
mercy in-between!</span></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">~</span></p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">AMDG</span></p>Ravus Caelumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427939755772097833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32099725.post-40459078134404722612024-02-25T12:45:00.001-06:002024-02-25T12:51:24.166-06:00Communion Hymn<div>O! Church of God, confess! Your appetite for sin</div><div><br /></div><div>has left no place within for peace to satisfy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Turn down your lustful eye; this table laid in grace</div><div><br /></div><div>with broken bread embrace and, for your folly, weep!</div><div><br /></div><div>Repent! Repent! Dare not despise His holy Word.</div><div><br /></div><div>O, Church of God, repent! This table is the Lord's.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Consider, holy saint; your least-lov'd brother eats.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Spirit now completes in him what has begun</div><div><br /></div><div>in you. This cup is one; we share one yielded wine</div><div><br /></div><div>as branches of one Vine, and of one Father sons.</div><div><br /></div><div>Regard! Regard! Made perfect by one binding grace!</div><div><br /></div><div>O, saint of God, regard! The cross bids us embrace!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>O! Bride of Christ, sing praise! Your wedding feast draws near;</div><div><br /></div><div>The dusk of bitter tear and dawn of love's accord.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jesus, our Groom and Lord has promised to prepare</div><div><br /></div><div>an eternal table there for those who here partake!</div><div><br /></div><div>Rejoice! Rejoice! You wait not, labor not, in vain!</div><div><br /></div><div>O, Bride of Christ, rejoice! 'Til Jesus comes again!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>AMDG</div>Ravus Caelumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427939755772097833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32099725.post-27129418686442884202020-05-04T15:06:00.002-05:002020-05-04T15:10:45.116-05:00Another Funereal Hymn<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="il">Abide</span> <span class="il">with</span> <span class="il">Me</span>, <span class="il">My</span> <span class="il">son</span>. The yield</span></div>
</div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">of heav'n's twelve-bearing tree - </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">whose boughs will see the nations healed - </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">is yours in guarantee.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Your virgin love is precious gold</span></div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">for which, by which, are you taken hold!</span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Rise up, <span class="il">My</span> saint, to overcome -</span></div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">a crown awaits your brow.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Though pain and suffering did come,</span></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and death did I allow,</span></div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;">
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the second death you will not see.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Put on your immortality!</span></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Eat of the hidden bread, </span><span class="il" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> child</span></div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">who passed 'neath Satan's throne,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">your name by pagan priests reviled.</span></div>
</div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A new name, grav'n in stone,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">bears witness that you never quailed,</span></div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and your reward will never fail!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Stand, little priest. On ev'ry side</span><br />
<span class="il" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> zealous wrath must fall;</span></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">no whoredom should bestain <span class="il">My</span> bride,</span></div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;">
<div dir="ltr">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">nor sorc'ries gain <span class="il">My</span> hall.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Morning Star has lit your way;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">your iron rod will shatter clay!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lay down the yoke, slave for </span><span class="il" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> sake</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">who strengthened what remained,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">whose hopeful spirit watched, awake -</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">white garments you have gained.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Your blood-writ name, by <span class="il">Me</span> confessed,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">is sworn by YHWH ever-blest!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="il" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="il" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> witness, through the open door</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">no pow'r may bar your way,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">nor steal your crown, nor trial you more.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our Names you will display.</span></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Who spurned the synagogue of Hell - </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Come! Ceaseless in <span class="il">My</span> temple dwell!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sit down, O man, </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">with</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Christ your King</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">upon that throne I earned.</span></div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;">
<div dir="ltr">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Your words refreshed - a living spring;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">your deeds <span class="il">with</span> fervor burned.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Your ears heard, now your eyes will see.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well done. I AM yours eternally!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">~</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">AMDG</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Written on the occasion of the death of a Saint.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Ravus Caelumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427939755772097833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32099725.post-76968057946086957992020-05-04T13:58:00.002-05:002020-05-04T13:58:41.135-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Congregation</span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-1a60acba-7fff-b009-c745-dc54d858bb55" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Arrayed in aether, cloaked in weighty void</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">the heavens declare Your righteousness. These stars</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">attend allotted lines, appointed hours,</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">by purpose anchored; yea, by splendor buoyed.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Bedecked in bulb and blade and blossom sweet</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">this garden, sown below, her bounty bears;</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">her generations stars and sand. They, heirs</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">of first command, fill all her spheres replete.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Concealed from chastening light and cleft from breath,</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">from grave-quiet lips Your Name receives due fear;</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">a trembling toward the day You will appear</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">to reconcile all faithless debt in death.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">So, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"> Adam, son divine and grace-attired:</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">what worship by your order is required?</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">~</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: right;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">AMDG</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: right;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">5.2.20</span></div>
<br />Ravus Caelumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427939755772097833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32099725.post-35265800094465904042019-08-16T06:46:00.002-05:002019-08-16T06:46:23.332-05:00<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Praise Jesus Christ the hallowed bread</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
who, daily, shows Himself enough;</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
who, broken, feeds the hung'ring host</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
and wholly sates their uttermost.</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Not "what," but "Whom?" - High heav'nly stuff</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
to resurrect the starven dead.</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Praise Jesus Christ, true worship's light</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
whom darkenss has not overcome - </div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Proceeding from His thund'ring throne,</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
consuming ox and wood and stone.</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Where He proceeds must night succumb,</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
blind men receive unclouded sight.</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Praise Jesus Christ the certain gate.</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Foundations set in faultless rock</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
hold fast against presumptive claim.</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
His own pass through, each called by name -</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Obediently, in faith they knock</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
to enter YHWH's vast estate.</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Praise Jesus Christ who guards His sheep</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
from precipice, or lion's teeth.</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
He leads to lea and living spring</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
and casts the shadow of His wing</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
to comfort we who rest beneath,</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
entrusting Him our peace to keep.</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Praise Jesus Christ who conquered death,</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
the doom of dust. Grave Sheol's deep </div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
He stirred to praise with lordly cries,</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
for joy bid faithful sons "Arise!</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Forsake Gehenna's smould'ring heap!</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Ascend, imbued with Spirit-breath!"</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Praise Jesus Christ, unerring way - </div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
by lantern lit, by star known true - </div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
whose uncut stones a hope foretold,</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
a giving way from clay to gold.</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Saint's silenced steps will ring anew</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
on YHWH's great and terrible day.</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Praise Jesus Christ the laden vine,</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
well-dressed, so bearing heavy fruit.</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Pruned deadwood stokes an earnest fire</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
whose incense rises ever high'r</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
while branches grafted in the Root</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
avail a lavish yield of wine.</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Praise Jesus Christ, the great I AM,</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
slain from the world's foundation! He</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
who was, and is, and is to come,</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
subjecting all, has overcome!</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Heav'n, earth, and grave give trembling knee</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
to Jesus Christ the risen lamb!</div>
Ravus Caelumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427939755772097833noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32099725.post-3405286417229506362018-12-31T21:01:00.001-06:002018-12-31T21:01:04.967-06:00<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sonnet</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
O! </div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Holy is the God of riven
flesh</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
who gathered to His Name
an hallowed tithe</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
ere setting in the felling
of His scythe,</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
enfolding Adam’s severed
get to thresh.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
How faithful is the Lord
of spattered blood –</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
the life thereof enduing
oath with breath –
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
unto the purchased merit
of His death,</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
on which the witness-stone
is firmly stood.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And sovereign Wisdom makes
the guarantee</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
of utt’rance from
sincere and callow nerve;</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
consumes the curse of
faithlessness deserved,</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
blows blessing o’er a
child’s audacity.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So three unbreaking
strands perform a cord.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So broken man is bound by
living Word.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
~</div>
<br /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Ravus Caelumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427939755772097833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32099725.post-2962888909941179622018-12-31T20:59:00.002-06:002018-12-31T20:59:44.599-06:00<br />
<div style="background: #ffffff; line-height: 0.22in; margin-bottom: 0.16in; margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #181818;">“<span style="font-size: x-small;">I will
tell you what I will do and what I will not do. I will not serve that
in which I no longer believe, whether it calls itself my home, my
fatherland, or my church: and I will try to express myself in some
mode of life or art as freely as I can and as wholly as I can, using
for my defense the only arms I allow myself to use -- silence, exile,
and cunning.” </span></span><span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">― </span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>James
Joyce</b></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sonnet</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Bid me not: Speak! My
blessings? Few remain,</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
though imprecations
clamour at the hour.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
One Word already answers
rebels’ glower,</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
and I will not feed
malcontent disdain.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
No. I was made to speak,
if not be heard.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What difference, then, to
sermonize the sea?</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Testify to a mountain?
Teach a tree</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
to parse on its own
tattooed skin a Word?</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
No. Ear and tongue alike
for glory serve.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, wants my grey betwixt
surpassing wit –
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
an iron spur, a gleaming
silver bit</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
to lead, by dint of deeds,
where each deserve.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
No. Horse and chariot
prove a faithless tool.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
As I must speak, I will do
as Your fool.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
~</div>
<br /><br />
<br />Ravus Caelumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427939755772097833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32099725.post-76488509060385081112018-12-31T20:58:00.002-06:002018-12-31T20:58:18.545-06:00<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: ScriptC, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">On Grieving</span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: ScriptC, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: ScriptC, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Give
Sorrow meat commensurate to all</span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: ScriptC, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">the
grace allowed by hospitality.</span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: ScriptC, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Her
plate with Maror garnish liberally,</span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: ScriptC, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">lest
she devour your coffers in her gall.</span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: ScriptC, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And
dance with her; one turn around the floor</span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: ScriptC, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">to
minor key and awkward step. Forfend</span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: ScriptC, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">that
she should name the song; hers does not end</span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: ScriptC, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">ere
tears are spent and hearts left mean and poor.</span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: ScriptC, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pour
her a measured glass of heady wine.</span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: ScriptC, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Come!
Toast her misbegotten dreams and health!</span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: ScriptC, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I</span></span><span style="font-size: small;">’</span><span style="font-family: ScriptC, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">ll
buy the bottle, drink the rest myself;</span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: ScriptC, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Her
visitation</span></span><span style="font-size: small;">’</span><span style="font-family: ScriptC, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">s
bill, in part, make mine.</span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: ScriptC, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tomorrow
let her speed her noisome way.</span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: ScriptC, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Content
may have her room and, welcome, stay.</span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: ScriptC, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">~</span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="RIGHT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: ScriptC, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">12.18.18</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Written on the occasion of a pair of deaths close to friends.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Ravus Caelumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427939755772097833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32099725.post-11796622963362722492018-12-31T20:54:00.000-06:002018-12-31T20:54:17.317-06:00<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
sonnet</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The worst of it is how you
blithely flit</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
upon the moistened corner
of my eye;</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
unbidden swing on lilt of
thoughtless sigh,</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
jig windily from ghastly
braided wit.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The worst of it is in the
madd’ning itch –
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
red runnels ragged-torn
mayn’t exhume</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
your disquiet from sallow,
nerveless tomb.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
False life makes jest of
hope with every twitch.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The worst of it is
startling from your breast</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
to echoes of my name;
their pleading chains</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
encumb’ring day by
haunted nights’ remains –
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
cold iron lies your lordly
eyes attest.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The worst of it; the
sweetness of your breath</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
would charm, but for the
honest reek of death.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
~</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<br />Ravus Caelumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427939755772097833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32099725.post-86602911372248588692018-11-04T06:27:00.000-06:002018-11-04T06:27:21.903-06:00The Shepherd's Voice<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
The sheep will know the Shepherd's voice,</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
be led to living brook and lea</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
in valleys green with all good things,</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
their hearts to know satiety.</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
They quench their thirst by shaded springs</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
and never fail for want, but blest</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
to enter His untroubled fold,</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
lay down their heads in easy rest.</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
The flock will know the Shepherd's voice</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
and through the vale of doubt and dread</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
no stone will turn beneath their hoof</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
nor chasm snare them, faithfully led.</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
Their wending, narrow way is proof</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
against the sucking bog and mire;</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
nor hungry darkness swallow those</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
who trace the Shepherd's lantern-fire.</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
A lamb will know his Shepherd's voice</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
and heed no stranger's thieving tongue.</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
He, taught his own peculiar name,</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
leaps joyfully to hear it sung.</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
Nor wanders far to guilt and shame -</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
a gentle staff corrects his head</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
to fields where lost and rescued lambs</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
before him have been safely led.</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
The wolves sure know the Shepherd's voice - </div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
they howl in trembling fear and rage. </div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
Their flanks have felt His staff and sling,</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
bear wounds no balm can e'er assuage.</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
He spoke to spoil their gnash and sting,</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
He sings and scatters wide their horde!</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
No precious lamb have they devoured;</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
Their teeth have shattered on His Word.</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
The Lamb did know His Shepherd's voice -</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
loved hearing it, loved to obey.</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
Silent, raised no complaining bleat,</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
nor from His holy side could stray</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
ere, found both flawless and complete,</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
The Shepherd gave Him to the Priest</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
who proffered, one and once for all,</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
a fragrant, flaming altar-feast.</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
~</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: right;">
AMDG</div>
<div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: right;">
11.4.18</div>
Ravus Caelumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427939755772097833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32099725.post-38465186442563217152018-04-20T20:28:00.001-05:002018-04-20T20:28:03.783-05:00<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
MOUNTAINS BOW</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Stones of faithful testimony -</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">by the Word of YHWH raised -</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">faultless, witness Christ unchanging,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">He by their unfailing praised.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Yet shall mountains fail and falter,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">crumbling, fill the eye-dark sea</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">ere the Word of second advent</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">bids all realms to bend the knee.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Forth the prophets' cry is echoing:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">"make ye straight the desert way!"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Valleys, rise to meet His footfall.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Heights, your crowns in fealty lay.</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Wastes and wilds make true your highways,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">leave no stone to strike His toe.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">You are cast to service glory;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">every lesser task forego.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Christ shall ride in doom and triumph,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">peaks shall pave His saints' parade.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">'Neath the tread of True and Faithful</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">shall all soaring tor be laid.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Holy Zion bows her mantle;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">shall be raised a lasting throne!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Humble sons of mercy's warrant</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">worship God in Christ alone.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">~</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">A friend commissioned this one. He's been putting together a tune for it. Maybe when he gets something worked up I'll be able to link to it from here. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">AMDG</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Ravus Caelumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427939755772097833noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32099725.post-49429088709935822362017-08-21T18:30:00.005-05:002017-08-21T18:33:17.251-05:00Some additional verses<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Crown Him the royal Priest</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
who, from Golgotha's
slope,</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
baptized His own, from
great to least,</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
in one enduring hope.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
From Zion's holy hill</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
a better blood He pleads;</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
His Father's purpose to
fulfill,</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Christ lives and
intercedes.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Crown Him who, crowned
with thorns</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
and scourged with strange
offense,</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
despised the Cainic vault
of scorn</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
which mocked His
innocence.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For glory's greater weight</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
the weight of sin became</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
to crucify a world of
hate,</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
wrest victory from shame.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Crown Him with thankful
prayer</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
and gird Him 'round with
psalms.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anoint Him resurrection's
heir</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
and pave His path with
palms.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
With worship wash His
feet.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cry Hallelujah! Bring</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
your crowns to lay at
mercy's seat</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
where reigns our worthy
King!</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Crown Him the Lord of
Song;</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
He, for His own delight</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
hath circumscribed the
dusty tongue,</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
hath set its urge alight.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
With eloquence hath
stirred</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
His prophets' borrowed
art,</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
a worthy anthem 'round to
gird</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
those saints of joyful
heart.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Crown Him the serpent's
bane;
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
no more to kill, nor
steal,</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
the dragon's pow'r lies
crushed and vain</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
beneath His bruis<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">è</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">d
heel.</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">He
ring'd Behemoth's nose,</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">He
hook'd Leviathan,</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">ere
both, by sanguine blows laid low,</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">are
made to cry Amen!</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Crown
Him the Lord of wine,</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">the
feast of heart's increase - </span>
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">one
bread of fellowship divine,</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">one
cup of perfect peace.</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Christ
reconciled our race</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">to
God the Trinity;</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">One
table laid with fulsome grace,</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">one
host of unity.</span></div>
Ravus Caelumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427939755772097833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32099725.post-435808114859770992017-01-22T22:11:00.000-06:002017-01-22T22:11:09.286-06:00<div style="text-align: center;">
A hymn, a story, and a challenge, part II</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I believe we've received the votes and guesses we're going to, so here is the reveal and the results, with a little commentary for free. I got votes from 13 individuals, plus the three of us who participated in the writing each voted for our favorites among those written by the other two.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We'll start with the voting totals:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u>Stanza Votes</u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 5</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 8</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3 4</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4 6</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
5 4</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
6 6</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
7 6</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
8 10</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
9 4</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
10 4</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
11 5</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
12 4</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
13 1</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
14 7</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
15 2</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
16 3</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
17 0</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
18 <u>6</u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
85 votes overall</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The overall winning stanzas, thus, are #8 (10 votes), #2 (8 votes), #14 (7 votes), and #4/#6/#7/#18 (tied in 4th with 6 votes each). That's a total of 49 votes (58%) between those seven, compared to only 36 votes spread out over the other eleven. That makes for fairly strong winners. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Next, we'll break it down by author: The following six verses were written by the participant we're calling "Y": 2, 10, 12, 15, 16, 17 - a total of 21 votes. These verses were:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">2. Crown Him the Lord of War,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Who trains His children’s hands,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">To wield in prayer His Holy Pow’r,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">And set immortal bands.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">The army of His claimed,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Eyes closed on bended knee.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Marches forward in His Name,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">To certain victory!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">10. Crown Him the Lord of Rest,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Our calm amidst the storm,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">The Living Fire inside the breast,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">To keep the saint’s heart warm.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">The world’s tempest rage,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Cannot prevail our Shield,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">A Refuge firm for every Age,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">To which all furies yield.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">12. Crown Him the Righteous Judge!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">His justice swift and true.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">From those whose hearts grace could not budge,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">A recompense is due.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">The Cross our hope alone,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">We join to Him Who died,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">For our sin did our Lord atone,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">We rise His justified.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">15. Crown Him the Lord of heaven,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">His hands built Creation,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">And sustain ‘til the Day is given,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">When matter is undone,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Creation sings and yearns,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Deeper than words construe,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Hast’ning the Day that He returns,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">And all things are made new.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">16. Crown Him the Lord of Truth,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Who knows all that could be,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Omniscient of both all that is,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">And all potentially.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">His words transcend all time,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Forever resolute,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Sacred, clear, pure, and sublime,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Not subject to refute.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">17. Crown Him the Holy King,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Let Israel exult,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Bearing high holy praise to sing,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">And two-edged swords to cull.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">His vengeance on nations,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">The judgment writ made right,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">An honor for the godly ones,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Those holy in His sight.</span></div>
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As you can probably tell, Spiritual Warfare is a constant and running theme throughout this particular set of verses. "Lord of War" came in second place, I think for good reason. </div>
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The next six were written by "P": 1, 5, 6, 9, 13, 18 - a total of 26 votes. I'm presenting them in the order in which "P" submitted them, for what should be apparent reasons.</div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">5. Crown Him the Lord of Beasts,</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">that Lion once foretold</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">to spring from Judah’s loins, the least</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">and greatest to enfold:</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Leviathan He made</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">to sport upon the sea;</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">the sparrow He His Father’s aid</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">doth give, and cares for me.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">9. Crown Him the Lord of Men:</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">their tribes and peoples all,</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">who friend or foe shall see Him then</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">and at His feet shall fall,</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">when comes He to redress</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">to all men what is due,</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">to sit in glorious righteousness</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">and judge with justice true!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">13. Crown Him the Lord of Floods</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">whose limits He did write,</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">and quiets them that tenderest buds</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">may grow to glory bright,</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">and by the mightiest storms</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">drives men to mind His will;</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">He cleanses who humbly reforms;</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">who thirsts, will more than fill.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">18. Crown Him the Lord of Fire</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">and Winds, His servants fleet:</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">they to and fro in gust and gyre</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">His orders all complete:</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">to warm the faithful heart,</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">to stir upon the way,</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">to prove the hopeful builder’s art</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">against the coming Day. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">6. Crown Him the Lord of Earth</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">established from of old,</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">whose massive rocks and rolling girth</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">His Word does yet uphold!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">He sends the sun and rain,</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">He man and beast doth feed,</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">the elements doth wisely train</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">to serve them in their need.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">1. Crown Him the Lord of Heaven!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">All men your hearts employ!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">His sight the faith of the forgiven,</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">His nearness all their joy!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">A Sabbath rest remains</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">for those who will endure</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">to hymn the King in holy strains</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">of praise forevermore!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">These six obviously come in pairs - beasts and men, water and fire, earth and heaven. "P" also managed to stuff the four classical elements in three stanzas. I was a little disappointed that his "Lord of Fire" stanza didn't get more love than it did - it was one of my favorites. I'm still writing additional stanzas just for fun, and I find myself reluctant to treat the subject of the Lord of Angels, as I think he pretty much nailed it. Still, it made it into the top tier, along with "Lord of Earth".</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The final six are mine, "S" - 3, 4, 7, 8, 11, 14 - a total of 38 votes </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">7. Crown Him the Lord of Wrath,</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">His justice rebels' doom.</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Vainglorious idols raisèd hath</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">aroused Him to consume</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">false flesh and fallen lights</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">in zeal for His own Name</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">with everlasting empty night</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">and never-failing flame.</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">14. Crown Him the Lord of Joy,</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">who rules our Sabbath rest.</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">All blessings toil in His employ</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">whose saints, unceasing blest,</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">lay down their striving vain,</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">take up the yoke of praise,</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">ere they by alms of grace attain</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">delight of endless days.</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">4. Crown Him the Living Word</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">by whom all worlds are wrought;</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">dividing as a naked sword,</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">divining heart and thought.</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">That great Amen shall shake,</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">shall split the lab'ring Earth,</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">bend every knee for His Name's sake</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">to rule by sovereign worth.</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">8. Crown Him the corner-stone</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">whose covenant endures.</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Whose oath relies on Him alone,</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">and promise reassures</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">those sons of faith, preserved</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">'til proved of more than gold;</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Salvation, full and undeserved,</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">His vow from ages old.</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">3. Crown Him the Bridegroom, fair,</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">whose promised virgin bride</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">once purchased, gently now prepared,</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">will evermore abide</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">to grace her Husband's head</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">with all her charms, endowed</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">by Him who for her virtue bled</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">with sacred mantle bowed.</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">11. Crown Him the Lord of heav'n,</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">which throne befits His rule;</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">whence all dominion e'er is giv'n</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">below, on Earth His stool.</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bless Him, ye priestly race!</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">His all-authority</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">ordains the mystery of grace</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">that crowns His majesty.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Corner-stone" was the overall favorite, with ten votes. That kind of amuses me, since it wasn't one of my original submissions. I had six in, then at the last minute I scrapped one out and replaced it with "Corner-stone", and that seems to have been the right thing to do. I'm a little disappointed that "Lord of Wrath" didn't fare better - it's easily my favorite of my own submissions - but I can understand why it wouldn't necessarily be the most popular. I tried to focus on the twin themes of Christ's dominion and eternity. Of mine, 4, 7, 8, and 14 made it into the top seven.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Three people took a stab at assigning the verses to their authors, all people who know the three authors personally. One got 6 correct (33%), another got 7 (39%) and the third got 8 (44%). She will be getting a prize, and I'm going to make "Y" pay for it since he got his submissions in late. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thanks to those who participated. We had fun doing this. As I said, I'm still writing stanzas (3 done, 3 more partial) and I'll post them at some point. As I said in the former post, feel free to participate with votes, guesses, commentary/critique/conversation, or even with your own stanzas.</span></div>
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AMDG</div>
Ravus Caelumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427939755772097833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32099725.post-68664190065261256562016-12-12T20:47:00.003-06:002016-12-12T21:04:07.979-06:00<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A hymn, a story, and a challenge</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> In 1851 Matthew Bridges wrote the original version of the hymn "Crown Him With Many Crowns". This is a familiar hymn to many, though it is doubtful you've ever sung the original six verses as written by Bridges. In 1874 Godfrey Thring (what a name!) undertook to write six new verses in order to preserve the beloved song but excise what he saw as problematic Catholic theology. You have likely never sung Thring's version of Crown Him With Many Crowns either. Most hymnals at any of your local churches or, if you're like me, on your bookshelf have some Frankensteining of the song going on, usually with three verses from one author, two and a half from another, and a slapped-on wrap-it-up half-stanza devised by some editor or another.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I recently decided to memorize all twelve verses as originally written, for my own edification, even though I will never get the chance to sing them all at once in any church service. Allow me to share with you the original hymn as written by Bridges:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: start;">Crown Him with many crowns,</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">The Lamb upon His throne;</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Hark! how the heavenly anthems drowns</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">All music but its own:</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Awake, my soul, and sing</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Of Him who died for thee,</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">And hail Him as thy matchless King</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Through all eternity.</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Crown Him the Virgin’s Son!</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">The God Incarnate born,—</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Whose arm those crimson trophies won</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Which now His brow adorn!</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Fruit of the mystic Rose</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">As of that Rose the Stem:</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">The Root, whence mercy ever flows,—</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">The Babe of Bethlehem!</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Crown Him the Lord of peace!</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Whose power a scepter sways,</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">From pole to pole,—that wars may cease,</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Absorbed in prayer and praise:</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">His reign shall know no end,</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">And round His pierced feet</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Fair flowers of paradise extend</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Their fragrance ever sweet.</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Crown Him the Lord of love!</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Behold His hands and side,—</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Rich wounds, yet visible above,</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">In beauty glorified:</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">No angel in the sky</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Can fully bear that sight,</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">But downward bends his burning eye</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">At mysteries so bright!</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Crown Him the Lord of years!</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">The Potentate of time,—</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Creator of the rolling spheres,</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Ineffably sublime!</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Glassed in a sea of light,</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Where everlasting waves</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Reflect His throne,—the Infinite!</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Who lives,—and loves—and saves.</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Crown Him the Lord of heaven!</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">One with the Father known,—</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">And the blest Spirit, through Him given</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">From yonder triune throne!</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">All hail! Redeemer,—Hail!</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">For Thou hast died for me;</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Thy praise shall never, never fail</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Throughout eternity!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And, now, Thring (seriously!):</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: start;">Crown Him with crowns of gold,</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">All nations great and small,</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Crown Him, ye martyred saints of old,</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">The Lamb once slain for all;</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">The Lamb once slain for them</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Who bring their praises now,</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">As jewels for the diadem</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">That girds His sacred brow.</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Crown Him the Son of God</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Before the worlds began,</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">And ye, who tread where He hath trod,</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Crown Him the Son of man;</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Who every grief hath known</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">That wrings the human breast,</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">And takes and bears them for His own,</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">That all in Him may rest.</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Crown Him the Lord of light,</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Who o’er a darkened world</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">In robes of glory infinite</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">His fiery flag unfurled.</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">And bore it raised on high,</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">In heaven-in earth-beneath,</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">To all the sign of victory</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">O’er Satan, sin, and death.</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Crown Him the Lord of life</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Who triumphed o’er the grave,</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">And rose victorious in the strife</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">For those He came to save;</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">His glories now we sing</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Who died, and rose on high.</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Who died, eternal life to bring</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">And lives that death may die.</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Crown Him of lords the Lord,</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Who over all doth reign</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Who once on earth, the incarnate Word,</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">For ransomed sinners slain,</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Now lives in realms of light,</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Where saints with angels sing</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Their songs before Him day and night,</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Their God, Redeemer, King.</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Crown Him the Lord of heaven,</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Enthroned in worlds above;</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Crown Him the King, to whom is given</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">The wondrous name of Love,</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Crown Him with many crowns,</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">As thrones before Him fall.</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Crown Him, ye kings, with many crowns,</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">For He is King of all.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">~</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Well and good. But, you know, God has an awful lot of attributes. Spheres of authority and deeds for which He deserves those many crowns. Unlike Thring (!) I have no desire to replace Bridges' original lyrics. Nor do I really have a problem with Thring's take on the song. I think it's a terrific template and an opportunity for poetic exercise. So, I challenged two of my more poetically-inclined friends to what I called a "Crown-Off". Here are the rules: </span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. Write six original verses for the hymn Crown Him With Many Crowns</span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. Attempt to stay true to the meter and rhyme scheme of the original </span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. Attempt to stay true to the theme and focus of the original</span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4. Since both Bridges and Thring wrote a stanza beginning with "Crown Him the Lord of Heav'n", and did not overlap in any other lyric, we all three needed to include our own "Lord of Heav'n" stanza among our six, just to really confuse things. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My friends rose to the occasion, and thus we have eighteen original stanzas to add to the canon, if only amongst our own little circle, the which I am about to present here for several reasons:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. So that we may have them published and available to sing together when we gather, from far and near, to fellowship and celebrate. Specifically, I was thinking about upcoming Christmas gatherings when I will get to see friends who have moved to various places around the world and whom I typically only see when they're in the area on holiday.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. So that they may be shared with the Church of God, wherever she may be found, and used in worship, as is our desire concerning all of the hymns, psalms, and spiritual songs we write. (I'm really sorry I have to say this here but, if you do use them, attribute authorship properly. and don't steal credit/profit *sigh*) </span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. So that our hordes of adoring fans can weigh in on our efforts. I'm going to, initially, publish these eighteen stanzas in a randomized order (I rolled 1d20 and went to that one on the list, rinse, repeat). We would like you, friends, family, subscribers/followers, random denizens of the internet, and Phil, to vote on which six of these verses are your favorites. Please vote for up to your top six favorites, either in the comments below or by emailing me directly (for those of you who know me personally). I will be purchasing a prize for whichever of the three of us earns the most votes. As well, while I'm not going to name my cohorts here publicly unless they ask me to, for those of you who know the three of us (or two, or just one, or wanna take a stab in the dark), you are invited to try and assign the stanzas to the author who wrote them. Call us "Y", "P", and "S". One of my fellow authors, three of whose stanzas came in after the deadline, will be punished for his tardiness by providing a prize for the person who gets the most right. Good luck!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">1. Crown
Him the Lord of Heaven!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">All men
your hearts employ!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">His
sight the faith of the forgiven,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">His
nearness all their joy!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">A
Sabbath rest remains</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">for
those who will endure</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">to hymn
the King in holy strains</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">of
praise forevermore! </span>
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">2. Crown
Him the Lord of War,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Who
trains His children’s hands,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">To wield
in prayer His Holy Pow’r,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">And set
immortal bands.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The army
of His claimed,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Eyes
closed on bended knee.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Marches
forward in His Name,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">To
certain victory!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">3. Crown
Him the Bridegroom, fair, </span>
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">whose
promised virgin bride</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">once
purchased, gently now prepared,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">will
evermore abide</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">to grace
her Husband's head</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">with all
her charms, endowed</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">by Him
who for her virtue bled</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">with
sacred mantle bowed.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">4. Crown
Him the Living Word</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">by whom
all worlds are wrought;</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">dividing
as a naked sword,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">divining
heart and thought.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">That
great Amen shall shake,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">shall
split the lab'ring Earth,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">bend
every knee for His Name's sake</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">to rule
by sovereign worth.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">5. Crown
Him the Lord of Beasts,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">that
Lion once foretold</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">to
spring from Judah’s loins, the least</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">and
greatest to enfold:</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Leviathan
He made</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">to sport
upon the sea;</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">the
sparrow He His Father’s aid</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">doth
give, and cares for me.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">6. Crown
Him the Lord of Earth</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">established
from of old,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">whose
massive rocks and rolling girth</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">His Word
does yet uphold!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">He sends
the sun and rain,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">He man
and beast doth feed,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">the
elements doth wisely train</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">to serve
them in their need.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">7. Crown
Him the Lord of Wrath,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">His
justice rebels' doom.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Vainglorious
idols raisèd hath</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">aroused
Him to consume</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">false
flesh and fallen lights</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">in zeal
for His own Name</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">with
everlasting empty night</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">and
never-failing flame.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">8. Crown
Him the corner-stone</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">whose
covenant endures.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Whose
oath relies on Him alone,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">and
promise reassures</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">those
sons of faith, preserved</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">'til
proved of more than gold;</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Salvation,
full and undeserved,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">His vow
from ages old.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">9. Crown
Him the Lord of Men:</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">their
tribes and peoples all,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">who
friend or foe shall see Him then</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">and at
His feet shall fall,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">when
comes He to redress</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">to all
men what is due,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">to sit
in glorious righteousness</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">and
judge with justice true!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">10.
Crown Him the Lord of Rest,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Our calm
amidst the storm,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The
Living Fire inside the breast,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">To keep
the saint’s heart warm.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The
world’s tempest rage,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Cannot
prevail our Shield,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">A Refuge
firm for every Age,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">To which
all furies yield.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">11.
Crown Him the Lord of heav'n,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">which
throne befits His rule;</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">whence
all dominion e'er is giv'n</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">below,
on Earth His stool.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Bless
Him, ye priestly race!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">His
all-authority</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">ordains
the mystery of grace</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">that
crowns His majesty.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">12.
Crown Him the Righteous Judge!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">His
justice swift and true.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">From
those whose hearts grace could not budge,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">A
recompense is due.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The
Cross our hope alone,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We join
to Him Who died,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">For our
sin did our Lord atone,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We rise
His justified.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">13.
Crown Him the Lord of Floods</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">whose
limits He did write,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">and
quiets them that tenderest buds</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">may grow
to glory bright,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">and by
the mightiest storms</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">drives
men to mind His will;</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">He
cleanses who humbly reforms;</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">who
thirsts, will more than fill.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">14.
Crown Him the Lord of Joy,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">who
rules our Sabbath rest.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">All
blessings toil in His employ</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">whose
saints, unceasing blest,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">lay down
their striving vain,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">take up
the yoke of praise,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">ere they
by alms of grace attain</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">delight
of endless days.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">15.
Crown Him the Lord of heaven,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">His
hands built Creation,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">And
sustain ‘til the Day is given,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">When
matter is undone,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Creation
sings and yearns,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Deeper
than words construe,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Hast’ning
the Day that He returns,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">And all
things are made new.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">16.
Crown Him the Lord of Truth,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Who
knows all that could be,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Omniscient
of both all that is,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">And all
potentially.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">His
words transcend all time,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Forever
resolute,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Sacred,
clear, pure, and sublime,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Not
subject to refute.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">17.
Crown Him the Holy King,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Let
Israel exult,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Bearing
high holy praise to sing,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">And
two-edged swords to cull.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">His
vengeance on nations,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The
judgment writ made right,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">An honor
for the godly ones,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Those
holy in His sight.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">18.
Crown Him the Lord of Fire</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">and
Winds, His servants fleet:</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">they to
and fro in gust and gyre</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">His
orders all complete:</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">to warm
the faithful heart,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">to stir
upon the way,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">to prove
the hopeful builder’s art</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">against
the coming Day.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">~ </span>
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /> Here's the tune in case anybody needs it: http://nethymnal.org/htm/c/r/crownhim.htm</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /> Comment. Vote. Share with everybody; invite them to chime in. Add your own verses. At least two of us have additional verses written, half-scratched, or at least thoroughly conceived of which either didn't make the cut or which didn't get finished in time. We hope you enjoy our efforts.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;">AMDG</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Ravus Caelumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427939755772097833noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32099725.post-11982326593542952662016-08-21T19:25:00.001-05:002016-08-21T19:25:58.330-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Door</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: white;">Wide-open Door, beneath Your bow </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: white;">I lean; Your crossèd frame</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: white;">all tremor, torrent, tempest's blow</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: white;">abjures, true-speaks Your claim.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: white;">Deep-stainèd Portal, hyssop-kissed</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">and drenched in knife-drawn life,</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: white;">by You souls flee the tombs and twists</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: white;">of sin and guilt and grief.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">And through You, Gate, must any flee</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">who prize what cannot stain;</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">who grasp at immortality,</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: white;">Yourself thereby to gain.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: white;">Beneath Your lintel, blessèd Door</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">I lean, and never fall.</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Add my own sanguine drops to Yours;</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">See, here, I bring Your awl.</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: white;">~</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">AMDG</span></div>
Ravus Caelumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427939755772097833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32099725.post-78160642434686548482016-01-31T22:12:00.002-06:002016-01-31T22:12:52.840-06:00Be Jealous<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><b>Be Jealous</b></u></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Thy jealousy befits Thee,
Groom,</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
and zeal for Thine
intended.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
She is Thy glory, meant to
bloom</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
as faithfully attended.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Her raiment is Thine arete</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
imputed for her cover,</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
and she adorns the chaste
array</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
of her one Lord and Lover.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The swarming locust would
devour,</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
consume, with naught
remaining;</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
would strip immodest in
fell hour,</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
then over-heap with
shaming.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The covenant upon Thy
breath</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
grants to Thy bride
assurance -
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Thy Word condemns their
horde to death,</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
securing her endurance.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The roving lion tears and
rends;</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
he roars and, birthing
terror,</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
seeks shadowed souls to
apprehend</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
by piercing doubt and
error.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
O! tender Shepherd seize
his beard -
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
smite, shatter teeth
asunder!</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Draw forth from carcass
once-afear'd</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
a sweet eye-brightening
plunder.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The scarlet dragon stalks
Thy bride,</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
her scion son to swallow.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
He vomits forth a mighty
tide</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
and crowns the beasts
which follow.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Descend his chain from
Heaven's vault,</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
stoke high his due
infernal.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Shield us against his
wroth assault,</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
enfold our souls eternal.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Be jealous for our sake
and Thine,</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Thou long-anticipated,</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
until we drink the wedding
wine,</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
in ardor consummated.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Stay tyrant, rogue, and
fiend without</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
in hungry night and hollow
-
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Just, bitter tears to
slake their drought,</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
naught save their tongues
to swallow.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
~</div>
<div align="RIGHT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
AMDG</div>
<br />
<div align="RIGHT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
1/31/2016</div>
Ravus Caelumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427939755772097833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32099725.post-52012336891000581882016-01-31T21:42:00.003-06:002016-01-31T21:42:59.399-06:00No Half-Heart Love<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><b>No Half-Heart Love</b></u></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Do not regard great Sodom so, my friend;</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
no half-heart love will 'scape the angel's rain.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The double-minded soul cleaves not in twain;</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
drags all to bitter dust in bitter end.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
My brother, do not grasp at ash and salt;</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
set full your eye on Zoar as you flee.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
No half-heart love will enter rest, nor be</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
accounted on the Lord's day free of fault.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Do not, dear soul, disdain the warning word,</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
nor so esteem your grave-goods laid in lust.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
God's vengeance, much as grace, deserves full trust;</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
no half-heart love glad hails the holy Lord.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
My son, flee the destruction coming, pent</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
longsuffering against a loveless rule.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A half-heart love possesses every fool</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
who, hearing, yet refuses to repent.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Do not, belov'd, mistake Gomorrah's lights</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
for aught but conflagration, ruin, death.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The half-heart love is chaff before the breath</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
of Him who calls whole hearts to mountain heights.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
~</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="RIGHT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
1/31/2016</div>
<br />
<div align="RIGHT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
AMDG</div>
Ravus Caelumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427939755772097833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32099725.post-19016794669654780042015-05-12T14:14:00.000-05:002015-05-12T14:16:24.796-05:00Dirt and Air<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Dirt and Air</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
Adam was scrapèd together, our father,<br />
of untrodden mud in an untended garden;<br />
Filled with the wind of the Spirit, anointed<br />
divine over dumb, as befitting a warden.<br />
<br />
Scoffers and scorns, in our wisdom exchanged we<br />
that task and that image for mundane devising.<br />
Stripping the flesh from the dust and the life from<br />
the Breath, we uncovered our idol and prizing.<br />
<br />
Clay without sculpting, directionless breezes,<br />
all emptied of aught save what reason may hallow;<br />
Wresting our souls from their due veneration<br />
we worship a fart, and bow down to what follows.<br />
~</div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
</span>Ravus Caelumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427939755772097833noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32099725.post-69176369286049070462015-04-12T19:38:00.003-05:002015-04-12T19:43:43.177-05:00<sarcasm></sarcasm>< sarcasm ><br />
<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><b>Sonnet</b></u></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Attend,
ye gods! </div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
How wise, how wise are we!</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
to
read “shall not” and hear, unsaid, “except.”</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We
have divined such grace as may accept</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
what
elders, weak of conscience, could but flee.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sit
at our feet, ye wise! </div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For
tyranny</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
is
born of certitude! Ought tales of Hell</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
not
breed a fruitful doubt, or judgment quell</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
when
truth of circumstance shall set you free?</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Give
praise, ye saints! </div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Who
grasp the mystery</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
to
overcome that last persistent sin</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
of
loving not one's truest self within.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Choose
blessings worthy of your jubilee!</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>In
nomine</i>
God's liberality,</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
tolerant
Christ, and Spirit's <i>bonhomie</i>.</div>
<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
~</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
< /sarcasm ></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
</div>
Ravus Caelumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427939755772097833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32099725.post-84725753847341004582014-09-09T15:22:00.002-05:002014-09-09T15:26:46.662-05:00<div>
<div style="font-family: Tahoma; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><u>On Your Stone I Will Stand </u></b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Tahoma; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Tahoma; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="display: inline ! important; float: none; font-family: Tahoma; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">On Your stone I will stand, where the strangling swell</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="display: inline ! important; float: none; font-family: Tahoma; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">and the bellows of care break upon Your good word - </span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="display: inline ! important; float: none; font-family: Tahoma; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">raised to life by Your death, by Your scorning of Hell,</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="display: inline ! important; float: none; font-family: Tahoma; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">having stood, made to stand by the worth of the Lord.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Tahoma; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">On Your law I will dwell lest, mendacious, my urge<br /><br />
should prove ignorant, unto my loss, of Your good<br /><br />
ere Your grace in the mien of my will should emerge<br /><br />
to redeem what I do, transmutate what I would.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">On Your Son I will gaze, though the umbrage of night<br /><br />
fills my sight with distractions, illusions of dread. <br /><br />
Yet the shade must dissolve, touched by fulminant light<br /><br />
dove-descending, reflecting unveiled from my head.
</span></span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br />
On Your mount I will reign, where no Baal has been raised,<br /><br />
in the Name of the Firstborn enthroned; and my rod<br /><br />
shall point nations and kings to the dwelling of praise<br /><br />
where the merciful Christ sits as sovereign and God.<br /><br />
~<br /><br />
AMDG</span></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Ravus Caelumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427939755772097833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32099725.post-43424696295928683992014-06-09T11:41:00.002-05:002014-06-09T11:47:03.723-05:00Recipe<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">This is what happens when you ask me for one of my "recipes"</span><br />
<div>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div class="im" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">
<div>
<span style="color: white; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;"><i style="background-color: black;">Mom: So send me your 'recipe'.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">Me: Ha!</span><br />
<div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">okay. . .I put salmon in a bowl. The first time it was two 14.something ounce pouches, this time it was four seven ounce cans. Four was more than I really wanted, but three wasn't quite enough. I blame the metric system. As a binder most recipes call for an egg per 14-15 ounces of salmon (so 2 eggs, either way). I prefer chicken eggs for this application, and strenuously counsel against emu, mainly since the unusual shell color won't match your kitchen decor. I used sweet onion the first time, green onion this time, most of a bundle sliced about as thinly as I could manage quickly. So, you know, if you don't have mad knife skills, reserve an hour for this step. At this point there's onion salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic, basil, and Old Bay involved. I measured nothing. I regret nothing. Next I would normally sacrifice a goat to Poseidon to ensure the success of my salmon patties; however, I am given to understand that the thoroughly thoughtful people at Old Bay do this at the production plant and, therefore, that recipes including their product are automatically covered. The things you learn on Food Network. Mayonnaise is next, as if you were making a tuna salad sort of thing, enough to get it pretty wet. I also include a line of mustard and a little smoked horseradish sauce, since I have it on hand, and I couldn't see how it could possibly go wrong. Most recipes call for butter or vegetable or olive oil, and not for the mayo/mustard/etc. . . The problem is that most recipes I've looked at call for so little that it'd be next to impossible for them to not turn out over-dry. I suppose if you were going to skimp on the bread crumbs it might be proportionate, but somehow I doubt it. Anyway, I like the additional flavor from the dressing(s). Do not add the bread crumbs (I've been using seasoned, but I think I'm going to switch next time to plain to give some of the other flavors more breathing room). But, as I said, don't add the bread crumbs. In case I wasn't clear, don't add the bread crumbs! Mix everything thoroughly in the bowl until you've got a wet, sloppy mess, something a two year old might make (either mischievously or anatomically) and throw it in the fridge for a couple hours to . . .meld? mingle? buy the lettuce a drink and get the bacon's phone number? When you're ready to eat, pull the bowl out and start stirring in the bread crumbs. I've used most of a regular sized (not big) canister both times, at least in part to make it go farther, but all you really need is to sop up enough of the juiciness that it'll form into patties. Throw a cast iron skillet on to the stovetop. No, not literally, you twit. Yes, a literal cast iron skillet, no don't actually throw it. Turn the heat up to medium-high. This is a seven on my stove, though it should be noted that despite my awesomeness, those dials do not (yet) go to 11. Adjust your controls accordingly. Add a couple tablespoons of butter to the skillet. While the skillet and butter are heating up, start grabbing handfuls of the salmon mixture, rolling it into appropriately sized balls (tee hee) and flattening them into patties. I've been going slider-sized recently (3/4-1" thick, 2-3" diameter). Set the patties on a platter as you form them, or on a cat, if the cat is recently bathed. Two or three per person seems to be about right at these sizes. Salmon patties, not cats. When the cast iron is good and toasty, lay the patties in close to the middle and then Leave Them The Hell Alone for a number of minutes I forgot to count. Basically, at this point, you're waiting for That Smell, the smell of a good dark crisp forming on the bottom. While this is going on do two things; turn on the fan on your stove, if you haven't done so, since you stand a decent chance of setting off the smoke detector, and prep your buns/plates. Kosher dill pickles are the best side I've discovered so far, though the Normandy blend mixed veggies were a close second. As to the buns, I've played with mayo and cheese and mustard and red pepper paste and balsamic vinegar and other things and the conclusion I have come to is this: Hot Sauce. You must have hot sauce on these. Tabasco, Garlic Tabasco, Buffalo Tabasco, Frank's Red Hot Wing Sauce, any by itself brushed onto the bun or mixed with mayo and dolloped. Pick your favorite, but these salmon patties really shine when they're dressed with a little heat. For buns I used the store brand slider buns the first time and the Amana small white dinner rolls, which were perfect, the second time. So, I guess my advice here is to exploit the presence of whatever small cultural-religious ethnic minority with a penchant for baked goods exists in your neck of the woods. HEY, WHY ARE YOU STILL READING THIS?!?!?! FLIP THOSE SALMON PATTIES! Geez, pay attention, would you? They should have a good dark crisp on the bottom. Let them go about as long on the second side, and then turn the heat off and move them to the outside edge of the pan to finish heating through while you finish up the buns. Um. After that. . .well, if I have to spell out the assembly step for you, I probably shouldn't have let you play with a stove. . .or knife . . .or hot sauce earlier. And just so we're clear, this is what you get for asking me for my 'recipe'. You're welcome.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Posted here for your entertainment.</span></div>
Ravus Caelumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427939755772097833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32099725.post-26127415261415044312014-06-09T11:32:00.002-05:002014-06-09T11:32:29.361-05:00Psalm 54<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Psalm 54</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
O God! By Thy Name save!
In pow'r</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
my name uphold as Thine
and true.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Prayers Thee implore;
Thine ear unto</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
my voice attend in needful
hour.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
They know me not, yet rise
averse -
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
These violent men, arrayed
in strife,</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
who would pour out my
crimson life,</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
who deem Thy countenance a
curse.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
God is my help! Through
stricken woes</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
He has sustained my feeble
soul,</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
will recompense vile
villains whole,</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
annihilate my faithless
foes!</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I sacrifice in joy, and
bend</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
to Thy great Name, in
thanks, my knee!</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Delivered from my enemy,</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
delights my eye to see his
end!</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
~</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="RIGHT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
5.31.14</div>
<br />
<div align="RIGHT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
AMDG</div>
Ravus Caelumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427939755772097833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32099725.post-35372157927263280932014-05-22T15:43:00.000-05:002018-04-20T20:41:00.210-05:00Radiant<div>
<div align="center" style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><u>Radiant</u></b></span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">O! hallowed Light, and radiant,</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">in You no darkness found,</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">what hope upholds Your penitent,</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">whom Your great wings surround!</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In Your embrace no arrogant,</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">no scoffer, rude his sound,</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">finds portion. Yet Your testament</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">in us sees light abound.</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Perdition has enveloped some</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">(such vessels thrown to break);</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">while thrones and powers argue from</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">the foot of their mistake.</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Vain vie they with imperium:</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Your breath sets them a-quake!</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The darkness has not overcome,</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">will never light o'ertake.</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Those called to Christ from ages old</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">are sealed unto Your Name</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">as lambs of one bespeckled fold,</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">nor lone, nor lost, nor lame.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Burns, bright against the bitter cold</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">of Death, Your altar-flame.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The darkness has not taken hold,</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">it has no worthy claim.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We flock beneath the stainèd rood</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">and, by indwelling Light,</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">see purchased for us every good,</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">inherit princely right.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">What burning myst'ry that we should</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">in grace know Your delight!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The darkness has not understood,</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">abjured to outer night.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In radiance at temple-throne</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Your saints, arrayed, will stand,</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">grand pillars hewn of marble-stone</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">engraved by Your right hand</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">with God's, the City's, and Your own</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">new Name - our living brand</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">in halls where night is never known;</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">and we shall understand!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">~</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">AMDG / 5.5.14</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: left; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: medium;">*</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">this poem revolves around the possible translations of the word "</span></span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">katalambano" in John 1:5, which may</span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> be </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt;">rendered "overtaken," "comprehended," "laid hold of," "overcome," etc. . <span style="color: white;">.</span></span></span></div>
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Ravus Caelumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427939755772097833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32099725.post-69222234404828233382014-05-22T15:40:00.003-05:002018-04-20T20:42:00.698-05:00Burning Eyes<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: white;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="__DdeLink__58_987455489"></a>
<u><b>Burning Eyes</b></u></span></div>
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<u><b><span style="color: white;">(Micah
7:7-10)</span></b></u></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><br />
</span></div>
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I have ordained my burning eyes</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">
to watch; the Lord must soon arise</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">
and bear salvation forth. He comes</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">
and, faithful, hears my yearning cries!</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><br />
</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">
Take no delight, mine enemy.</span></div>
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Though I should fall, these eyes yet see</span></div>
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what deep'ning shadows cannot veil:</span></div>
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I mount, alight eternally!</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><br />
</span></div>
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For sin I bear His wrath, and right,</span></div>
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yet He will draw me into Light,</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">
will plead for me His righteousness,</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">
and render justice in His sight!</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><br />
</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">
Lay low your eyes, fool foe, in shame,</span></div>
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and still that tongue which mocks my claim.</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">
These eyes will see you trampled down</span></div>
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as filth beneath His promised Name!</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">
~</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><br />
</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">
5.13.14</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">
AMDG</span></div>
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<br /></div>
Ravus Caelumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427939755772097833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32099725.post-18317233353477220342014-05-22T15:38:00.002-05:002018-04-20T20:42:27.446-05:00Psalm 43<div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Psalm 43</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Vindicate me, God Almighty, deliver me -</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">there is a nation that honors You not,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">there is a man of deceit, and false-wrought.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Plead for my soul against all their calamity!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">You are the God of my Strength! Tell me, why have You</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">cast out, rejected your servant made low?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Why must I mourn, and know intimate woe</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">under the yoke of my enemy bound anew?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Send out Your light and Your truth; I will guided be</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">up to the hill You have hallowed and held,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">into the tent where Your presence has dwelled.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Draw me in Truth, by Your light only may I see.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I will draw near to the altar of God Most High:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He is the joy overflowing my cup!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Play on the lyre, and in praise lift Him up!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">You, my God! Only God! O, my God! Hear my cry!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Why do you groan in despair in my innermost?</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">What has disturbed you, my soul? Give Him praise</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">whom you have trusted, again, who has raised</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">light to your countenance, God of all heaven's host!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">~</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: right; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">AMDG</span></span></div>
</div>
Ravus Caelumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427939755772097833noreply@blogger.com0