Eternal Father, strong to save (John Bacchus Dykes)

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CPDL #11209:   Finale-2002

Editor: Kent Cooper (added 2006-03-17).   Score information: Letter, 1 pages, 28 kbytes   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: sound file is an MP3 file, not a midi file

General Information

Title: Eternal Father, Strong to Save
Composer: John B. Dykes

Number of voices: 4vv Voicing: SATB
Genre: Sacred, Hymns
Language: English
Instruments: none, a cappella
Published: 1861

Description: Otherwise known as "The Navy Hymn." The .PDF image uses the original William Whiting words. There are versions with wording modernized, versions about sub-branches of the Navy, other branches of the military services, and on numerous unrelated topics. Hymn tune: Melita

External websites:

Original text and translations

English text

Original William Whiting 1860 poem:

Eternal Father, strong to save,

Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,

Who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep

Its own appointed limits keep;

Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,

For those in peril on the sea!

O Christ! Whose voice the waters heard

And hushed their raging at Thy Word,

Who walked'st on the foaming deep,

And calm amidst its rage didst sleep;

Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,

For those in peril on the sea!

Most Holy Spirit! Who didst brood

Upon the chaos dark and rude,

And bid its angry tumult cease,

And give, for wild confusion, peace;

Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,

For those in peril on the sea!

O Trinity of love and power!

Our brethren shield in danger’s hour;

From rock and tempest, fire and foe,

Protect them wheresoe'er they go;

Thus evermore shall rise to Thee

Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.

Alternate Verses:

O Christ! Who walked this troubled land,

And doth our hearts and souls command;

Oh, bring us peace, now we implore,

Or lead us to prevail in war!

Oh give our soldiers strength - And stand

With those in peril on the land!

Holy Ghost guide all who fly

In the dark chaos of the sky,

Aloft in solitudes of space,

Uphold them with Thy saving grace!

Oh, hear us when we lift our prayer,

For those in peril in the air!

O Trinity of love and power!

Our family shield in danger’s hour;

From rock and tempest, fire and foe,

Protect us wheresoever we go;

Thus evermore shall rise to Thee

Glad hymns from air and land and sea.

...and many, many others (search the web for "Navy Hymn" or "Eternal Father, Strong to Save")...