Creator of the world, to thee

Creator of the world, to thee
an endless rest of joy belongs;
and heavenly choirs are ever free
to sing on high their festal songs.

But we are fallen creatures here,
where pain and sorrow daily come;
and how can we, in exile drear,
sing out, as they, sweet songs of home?

O Father, who dost promise still,
that they who mourn shall blessèd be;
grant us to mourn for deeds of ill,
that banish us so long from thee:

But, weeping, grant us faith to rest
in hope upon thy loving care;
till thou restore us, with the blest,
their songs of praise in heaven to share.

Words: Charles Coffin, 1736;
trans. John Mason Neale, 1849, and Hymns Ancient & Modern, 1861

Music: St. Gregory

Meter: LM

Website compiled by Steve Benner, 1999-2003.