Such a delightfully gothic, bloody, ominous hymn. I found versions with strings or delicate keyboards, but this song really requires the full weight of an ancient organ as in this video.
Once to ev'ry man and nation Comes the moment to decide, In the strife of truth and falsehood, For the good or evil side; Some great cause, some great decision, Off'ring each the bloom or blight, And the choice goes by forever 'Twixt that darkness and that light. 2 Then to side with truth is noble, When we share her wretched crust, Ere her cause bring fame and profit, And 'tis prosperous to be just; Then it is the brave man chooses While the coward stands aside, Till the multitude make virtue Of the faith they had denied. 3 By the light of burning martyrs, Christ, Thy bleeding feet we track, Toiling up new Calv'ries ever With the cross that turns not back; New occasions teach new duties, Ancient values test our youth; They must upward still and onward, Who would keep abreast of truth. 4 Tho' the cause of evil prosper, Yet the truth alone is strong; Tho' her portion be the scaffold, And upon the throne be wrong: Yet that scaffold sways the future, And, behind the dim unknown, Standeth God within the shadow, Keeping watch above His own.
Ideally, a woman or man in a public transit queue appears not just calm but content, apathy? NO! Some people made a decision in the early years. The DECISION was effective and functional. So, they can tackle life's issues and not crumble. Faith is a start. St. John's sings this DECISION gloriously.
Such a delightfully gothic, bloody, ominous hymn. I found versions with strings or delicate keyboards, but this song really requires the full weight of an ancient organ as in this video.
A truly wonderful church with so much reverence and liturgical sharing. Wonderful singing even in summer! Please post more!
Once to ev'ry man and nation
Comes the moment to decide,
In the strife of truth and falsehood,
For the good or evil side;
Some great cause, some great decision,
Off'ring each the bloom or blight,
And the choice goes by forever
'Twixt that darkness and that light.
2 Then to side with truth is noble,
When we share her wretched crust,
Ere her cause bring fame and profit,
And 'tis prosperous to be just;
Then it is the brave man chooses
While the coward stands aside,
Till the multitude make virtue
Of the faith they had denied.
3 By the light of burning martyrs,
Christ, Thy bleeding feet we track,
Toiling up new Calv'ries ever
With the cross that turns not back;
New occasions teach new duties,
Ancient values test our youth;
They must upward still and onward,
Who would keep abreast of truth.
4 Tho' the cause of evil prosper,
Yet the truth alone is strong;
Tho' her portion be the scaffold,
And upon the throne be wrong:
Yet that scaffold sways the future,
And, behind the dim unknown,
Standeth God within the shadow,
Keeping watch above His own.
Ideally, a woman or man in a public transit queue appears not just calm but content, apathy? NO! Some people made a decision in the early years. The DECISION was effective and functional. So, they can tackle life's issues and not crumble. Faith is a start.
St. John's sings this DECISION gloriously.