Today, O Lord, a holier work Thy secret counsels frame, A king to rule Thy new made world, To praise Thy glorious Name. Thou formest man: Thy Spirit breathes Life into dust of earth: Man, in Thine own true image made, From Thee receives his birth. And henceforth he dominion holds O'er all in earth and sea; Yet mindful whence his being came Must humbly walk with Thee. Alas! his willful heart rebels Against Thy gentle sway; Proud dust of earth would fain be like The God Whom all obey. O griefs and sorrows numberless, Which hence the world o'erspread; Jesu, Thy mercy succored us, Or hope itself had fled. O praise the Father, and the Son Who saved us by His death, And Holy Ghost Who quickens us With His life giving breath.