The heavenly Word proceeding forth

Verse 1

The heavenly Word, proceeding forth yet leaving not the Father’s side, accomplishing his work on earth had reached at length life’s eventide.

Verse 2

By false disciple to be given to foemen for his life athirst, himself, the very bread of heaven, he gave to his disciples first.

Verse 3

He gave himself in either kind, his precious flesh, his precious blood; in love's own fullness thus designed of the whole man to be the food.

Verse 4

By birth their fellow-man was he, their meat, when sitting at the board; he died, our ransomer to be; he ever reigns, their great reward.

Verse 5

O saving Victim, opening wide the gate of heaven to man below, our foes press hard from every side: thine aid supply, thy strength bestow.

Verse 6

All praise and thanks to thee ascend for evermore, blest One in Three; O grant us life that shall not end in our true native land with thee.