The original words were written by English Anglican priest (later bishop) William Walsham How (1823-1897). He is almost always credited with the more-popular alternative version, which has modern English and explicitly names Peter and Paul - although possibly the adaptation was made by someone else who is unknown.
With meter 6.6.6.6.8.8, tunes it is set to include:
- LOVE UNKNOWN by John Ireland (1879-1962) - written originally for My Song is Love Unknown
- CHRISTCHURCH by Charles Steggall (1826-1905)
- CEPHAS by William Henry Monk (1875)
- WYNGATE CANON, by English musician, teacher and composer, Richard Wayne Dirksen (1921-2003) - which may be used straight through, or as a 2 or 4 part canon (round).
This tune was published in The Hymnal 1982: according to the use of the Episcopal Church, Church Hymnal Corp., New York, 1985 - and this book is the only located source of sheet music for it.
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| Image adapted from Christ entouré de deux anges et de deux saints, Antonis Mor (1519–1575) |
Downloads
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Examples
Choir with mini-orchestra
Choir with organ, words on-screen, tune LOVE UNKNOWN
Choir with organ, words on-screen, tune CHRISTCHURCH
Virtual choir with backing, arrangement of WYNGATE CANON
Instrumenta, organ. Tune CEPHAS, words and melody line on-screen
Instrumental, piano, tune WYNGATE CANON
Instrumental, organ with words on-screen, tune LOVE UNKNOWN
Instrumental - piano, words on-screen
Lyrics
Modern English
1. You are the Christ, O Lord,
the Son of God most high!
Forever be adored
that name in earth and sky,
in which, though mortal strength may fail,
the saints of God at last prevail!
2 Oh! Peter was most blest
with blessedness unpriced,
who, taught of God, confessed
the Godhead in the Christ!
For of your church, Lord, you made known
this saint a true foundation stone.
3 Paul was reborn, O Lord,
to preach your holy word;
he made your gospel shine
throughout the whole wide world.
His righteous teaching lights our way,
preparing us for judgement day.
4 Oh bright triumphant faith!
Oh courage void of fears!
Oh love, most strong in death!
Oh penitential tears!
By these, Lord, keep us lest we fall,
And make us go where Thou shalt call.
Traditional language
1 "Thou art the Christ, O Lord,
The Son of God, most high!"
Forever be adored,
That Name in earth and sky.
In which, tho' mortal strength may fail,
The saints of God at last prevail!
2 Oh, surely he was blest,
With blessedness unpriced,
Who taught of God, confessed
The Godhead in the Christ!
For of Thy Church, Lord, Thou didst own
Thy saint a true foundation-stone.
3 Thrice fallen, thrice restored!
The bitter lesson learnt,
That heart for Thee, O Lord,
With triple ardor burnt.
The cross he took he laid not down
Until he grasped the martyr's crown.
4 Oh bright triumphant faith!
Oh courage void of fears!
Oh love, most strong in death!
Oh penitential tears!
By these, Lord, keep us lest we fall,
And make us go where Thou shalt call.
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