LET ALL MORTAL FLESH KEEP SILENCE
Arr.
Scott (Carl Fischer-ASCAP)
This somber yet majestic hymn is reminiscent of the prophet Malachi's words, "But who may abide the day of his coming?" (Malachi: 3:2) It is widely used both as an Advent and Communion hymn. The unusual final cadence makes use of the ancient Hypomixolydian mode.
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Let all mortal flesh keep silence,
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Rank on rank the host of heaven
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And with fear and trembling stand;
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Spreads its vanguard on the way;
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Ponder nothing earthly minded,
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As the Light of light descendeth
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For, with blessing in his hand
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From the realms of endless day,
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Christ, our God, to earth descendeth,
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That the powers of hell may vanish
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Our full homage to demand.
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As the darkness clears away.
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King of kings, yet born of Mary,
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At his feet the sixwinged seraph,
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As of old on earth he stood,
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Cherubim with sleepless eye,
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Lord of lords, in human vesture,
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Veil their faces to the Presence,
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In the body and the blood,
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As with ceaseless voice they cry:
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He will give to all the faithful
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"Aileluia! Alleluia!
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His own self for heav' nly food.
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Alleluia! Lord Most High!"
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Text: Liturgy of St. James Trans. Gerard Moultire, 18O4