Hymn: Thou art the everlasting Word

Thou art the everlasting Word,

The Father’s only Son;

God manifestly seen and heard,

And heaven’s beloved One.

“Worthy, O Lamb of God, art Thou

That every knee to Thee should bow!”

In Thee, most perfectly expressed,

The Father’s glories shine;

Of the full Deity possessed,

Eternally divine:

“Worthy, O Lamb of God, art Thou

That every knee to Thee should bow!”

True image of the Infinite,

Whose essence is concealed;

Brightness of uncreated light;

Eternally revealed:

“Worthy, O Lamb of God, art Thou

That every knee to Thee should bow!”

But the high mysteries of Thy name

An angel’s grasp transcend;

The Father only – glorious claim! –

The Son can comprehend:

“Worthy, O Lamb of God, art Thou

That every knee to Thee should bow!”

Throughout the universe of bliss

The centre Thou, and sun,

The eternal theme of praise is this,

To heaven’s beloved One.

“Worthy, O Lamb of God, art Thou

That every knee to Thee should bow!”

Josiah Conder

The wonderful refrain in this hymn is based on Philippians 2:10. (See also v11.)