In New, Bright Raiment Clad

Another hymn for Rogation Sunday and a general celebration of the Eastertide themes of spring and renewal:

The glory of the spring, how sweet!
The new-born life, how glad!
What joy the happy earth to greet
In new, bright raiment clad!

Divine Redeemer, thee I bless;
I greet thy going forth;
I love thee in the loveliness
Of thy renewèd earth.

But O! these wonders of thy grace,
These nobler works of thine,
These marvels sweeter far to trace,
These new births more divine:

This new-born glow of faith so strong,
This bloom of love so fair,
This new-born ecstasy of song,
And fragrancy of prayer!

Creator Spirit, work in me
These wonders sweet of thine;
Divine Redeemer, graciously
Renew this heart of mine.

Still let new life and strength upspring,
Still let new joy be given;
And grant the glad new song to ring
Through the new earth and heaven.

Thomas Hornblower Gill, 1867

Tune: SUNNINGHILL (C.M.D.)

George Job Elvey, 1887

P.S. - In my church today,. one of the scripture readings included the story of Lydia (Acts 16: 11-15), which always brings to mind this hymn and the additional stanza that I once wrote for it.

Two (Liturgical) Years Ago: For the beauty of the earth

Three (Liturgical) Years Ago: O day of light and gladness

Four (Calendar) Years Ago: T. Tertius Noble

Four (Liturgical) Years Ago: O Jesus, crowned with all renown

Five (Cslendar) Years Ago: T. Tertius Noble