Translated from Latin verse by Edward Caswell, Hark, The Thrilling Voice Is Sounding brings ancient expressions of faith to the present. It seems to be primarily linked with the tune MERTON.
The fourth verse takes up the Advent theme of the Lord Jesus’ second coming.
There are a number of variations on the lyrics, which you can find by looking around.
Here’s a representative set.
1
Hark, a thrilling voice is sounding:
“Christ is nigh,” it seems to say.
“Cast away the dreams of darkness,
O ye children of the day!”
2
Wakened by the solemn warning,
let the earth-bound soul arise;
Christ, our sun, all sloth dispelling,
shines upon the morning skies.
3
Lo, the Lamb, so long expected,
comes with pardon down from heaven;
let us all, with deep repentance,
pray that we may be forgiven,
4
That when next he comes with glory,
and the world is wrapped in fear,
with his mercy he may shield us,
and with words of love draw near.
5
Honour, glory, might, and blessing
to the Father and the Son,
with the everlasting Spirit,
while eternal ages run.
This youtube features a Songs Of Praise rendition. (That omits verse 2 and has some alterations in verse 3) Check under the video for an added bonus.
http://youtu.be/RCTZ40C3T7w
For something different, here’s a very contemporary setting by Alex Mejias of High Street Hymns.
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