Thee O Christ the Prince of Ages

This is a hymn of praise to Christ. 

The origin and author are unknown, although the language in the 2nd verse suggests some European background. The third verse is Australian - it's not clear if this was original, or was added later.

It is suggested for Christ the King is in "The Hymnal of Pius X a collection of masses and hymns for the use of parishes and schools in the Catholic Church", published in Melbourne, Australia in 1952 and edited by Rev Percy Jones (ref), where it is set it to the tune LAUDA ANIMA by J Goss 1800-1880, with the lyrics being credited to Anon.

The first two verses were used in New Zealand in the 1970s, alongside traditional hymns like "Holy God we Praise Thy Name" and "Now Thank we all our God", and assumed to be of similar origins.  A 1979 recording made in New Zealand refers to it simply as "traditional".



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Examples

Solo singer unaccompanied:


Instrumental - organ:


Lyrics

Original version

Thee O Christ, the Prince of ages,
Thee the nation's glorious King,
Praise we now with exultation
Men and angels answering,
And to Thee with meek devotion
Hearts and minds and senses bring.

Come, O Lord, assume Thy Kingship
Rebel hearts Thy pow'r can gain;
Bend the stubborn will of rulers,
Who from homage still refrain;
In the home as in the city
Be supreme, O Christ, and reign.

From our own dear land, Australia,
Drive the night of heresy
That, in holy Church united,
All may love and worship Thee:
Who, upon the Cross uplifted,
Draws mankind in Charity.


Inclusive-language version

Thee O Christ, the Prince of ages,
Thee the nation's glorious King,
Praise we now with exultation
We with angels answering,
And to Thee with meek devotion
Hearts and minds and senses bring.

Come, O Lord, assume Thy Kingship
Rebel hearts Thy pow'r can gain;
Bend the stubborn will of rulers,
Who from homage still refrain;
In the home as in the city
Be supreme, O Christ, and reign.

From our own dear land, Australia,
Drive the night of heresy
That, in holy Church united,
All may love and worship Thee:
Who, upon the Cross uplifted,
Draws us all in Charity.

ABC Notation

Ref:  What is ABC

X:1
T:Thee O Christ the Prince of Ages
C:Words: Henry Francis Lyte (1793-1847)
C:Tune: LAUDA ANIMA / PRAISE MY SOUL - John Goss (1800-1880)
Z:abc-transcription www.GodSongs.net
M:4/4
L:1/4
K:Dmaj
AA|AA dc | B2 A2 | GFBA | FG E2 |
FFFF | BAA ^G | AB cd | F ^G A2 |
dc BA | dc BA | BAGE | D C D2 ]

See also

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