Hear us, Father, when we cry; Hear us, Christ, Thy grace extending; Hear us, Spirit, throned on high, Three in one, through years unending. Wednesday Morning JAM META NOCTIS TRANSIIT This morning hymn is one of four attributed to St. Hilary. Born at Poitiers early in the fourth century; became bishop of his native town about 350; died 13th January 368. His saint’s day (which gives name to Hilary Term in English law courts) is celebrated on 14th January, in order not to trench upon the octave of the Epiphany. I Gone are the shades of night, The hours of rest are o’er; New beauties sparkle bright, And heaven is light once more. II To Thee our prayers shall speed, O Lord of light divine; Come to our utmost need, And in our darkness shine. III Spirit of love and light, May we Thine image know, And in Thy glory bright, To full perfection grow. IV Hear us, O Father blest, Hear us, O Christ the Son, And Comforter the best, Now, and till life is done. Wednesday Evening LABENTE JAM SOLIS ROTÂ By Charles Coffin. _(_See p. 3._)_ Chandler’s translation, beginning, “And now the sun’s declining rays,” is for “Ninth Hour, or three in the afternoon,” of Sunday. In “Hymns Ancient and Modern” Chandler’s rendering is given as an evening hymn, and with considerable alterations, the first line being, “As now the sun’s declining rays” (_No. 12_). I Now sinks the glowing orb of day, And silent night comes on apace; So gains our life the appointed goal, That marks the limit of our race. II O Christ, uplifted on the Cross! Thine arms were stretched towards the sky; Grant us with love that Cross to seek, And folded in those arms to die. III Now to the Father throned on high, And unto Christ His only Son, And to the Spirit, glory be, Now, and while endless ages run. Thursday Morning SPLENDOR PATERNÆ GLORIÆ This morning hymn is the complement of _Æterne rerum Conditor_, and, like it, almost indisputably by St. Ambrose. Its use was generally for Matins or Lauds on Monday; by some monastic orders it was used daily. I From the Father’s throne descending, Light from out the realms of light; Font of light, all light transcending, Brighter day in day most bright. II Shine, True Light, in radiant brightness, Flashing forth perpetual ray; May Thy Spirit’s searching lightness, Fill our souls with endless day. III