[942]Dulce Carmen:

An Essay on the Church Plain Chant, 1782

James Edmeston, 1821

Lead us, heavenly Father, lead us

O'er the world's tempestuous sea;

Guard us, guide us, keep us, feed us,

For we have no help but thee;

Yet possessing

Every blessing,

If our God our Father be.

Savior, breathe forgiveness o'er us,

All our weakness thou dost know;

Thou didst tread this earth before us;

Thou didst feel its keenest woe;

Lone and dreary,

Faint and weary,

Through the desert thou didst go.

Spirit of our God, descending,

Fill our hearts with heavenly joy;

Love with every passion blending,

Pleasure that can never cloy:

Thus provided,

Pardoned, guided,

Nothing can our peace destroy.

Amen.