Sweetly the holy hymn
Representative text
As printed in The Church Hymnal (1941), no. 40 — the newest hymnal carrying it.
Verse 1
Sweetly the holy hymn Breaks on the morning air; Before the world with smoke is dim We meet to offer prayer.
Verse 2
While flowers are wet with dews, Dew of our souls, descend; Ere yet the sun the day renews, O Lord, Thy Spirit send.
Verse 3
Upon the battlefield, Before the fight begins, We seek, O Lord, Thy sheltering shield, To guard us from our sins.
Verse 4
On the lone mountainside, Before the morning’s light, The Man of Sorrows wept and cried, And rose refreshed with might.
Verse 5
Oh, hear us, then, for we Are very weak and frail; We make the Saviour’s name our plea, And surely, must prevail.