1 We hail thee now, O Jesus:
thy presence here we own,
though sight and touch have failed us,
and faith perceives alone.
Thy love has veiled thy glory
and hid thy power divine,
in mercy to our weakness,
beneath an earthly sign.

2 We hail thee now, O Jesus:
in silence hast thou come,
for all the hosts of heaven
with wonderment are dumb --
so great the condescension,
so marvellous the love,
which for our sakes, O Saviour,
have drawn thee from above.

3 We hail thee now, O Jesus:
for law and type have ceased,
and thou in each communion
art sacrifice and priest.
We make this great memorial
in union, Lord, with thee,
and plead thy death and passion
to cleanse and set us free.

4 We hail thee now, O Jesus:
for death is ever near,
and in thy presence only
its terrors disappear.
Dwell with us, sweetest Saviour,
and guide us through the night,
till shadows end in glory.
and faith be lost in sight.