Down the Ages

Down the Ages

A hymn of the ongoing work of Christ - For All Saints Sunday

Text: John A. Dalles, May 18, 2012

Tune: COEDMOR

Meter: 878787

Down the ages, saints have offered

Endless praises, wise and well.

Sharing wonders of the Gospel,

As they worked, good news to tell—

Living in the light of Jesus,

Down the ages, to this day!

Since the day when Jesus called them

As God’s word inflamed their soul

And the ways of faith enthralled them

Saints still seek the kingdom’s goal—

Living in the light of Jesus,

Down the ages, to this day!

Come and cast off vain ambition,

Clothe yourselves in love and grace,
Serving Christ, your only mission,
As God sets the time and place!
Living in the light of Jesus,
Down the ages, to this day!

Humble servants, scholars and poets,

Teachers, preachers, all who care,

Friends who love the Lord and show it,

Taking Jesus everywhere.

Living in the light of Jesus,

Down the ages, to this day!

See them in one great procession,

One in Christ and one in faith,

Praising, serving, in succession,

Christ the Living Lord of grace!

Living in the light of Jesus,

Down the ages, to this day!

 

Copyright © 2012, John A. Dalles

All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Permission granted for one-time use in worship with proper copyright information as shown above. Please do send me one copy of your bulletin if you use the hymn.


The great Welsh tune COEDMOR brings to mind a stately setting in which the panoply of saints are gathered, from all times and all places, processing and praising God as one great company of the faithful.  This hymn would be effective on All Saints Sunday or for the ordination, installation, confirmation, or commissioning of God's people.