1. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee; Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty! God in three persons, blessed Trinity! 2. Holy, holy, holy! all the saints adore Thee, Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea; Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee, Who wert, and art, and evermore shalt be. 3. Holy, holy, holy! tho' the darkness hide Thee Tho' the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see; Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee, Perfect in pow'r, in love, and purity. 4. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! All Thy works shall praise Thy name, in earth and sky, and sea; Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty! God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
Lyrics:
Reginald Heber
Music:
John Bacchus Dykes
Tune: NICAEA
Meter: 11.12.12.10
Reginald Heber, 1783–1826
Reginald Heber was a highly respected Anglican minister, writer, and church leader, serving for a time as the Bishop of Calcutta. His early death, at the age of 43, was widely mourned throughout the Christian world. One year after his death, a collection of 57 of his hymns was published by his widow and many friends as a tribute to his memory and faithful ministry. It is from this collection of 1827 that these words were taken.