Pardon Complete

Festivis resonent compita vocibus

Now let our streets resound with vocal melody,
Now let each countenance shine clear with holy joy;
Raise high the torches bright, lighting our festal way,
As young and old in order go.

Yet while we sing with joy, spare not due meed of tears,
Mindful of him who died, hanged on the bitter tree,
And for the race of men, fallen from first estate,
From many a wound his blood outpoured.

​From the first Adam's sin in Eden long ago
Death’s heavy penalty hung over all mankind;
Now by his life and death our second Adam gives
Life to a fallen race once more.

Since through the highest heaven the Father on his throne
Heard the strong cry that broke from his own dying Son,
Our debt is paid in full by the Redeemer’s blood,
Pardon complete for sin is won.

Henceforth who in that blood washeth his soilèd robes,
Cleansèd from every stain, and like the Angel-hosts
Standing before the King in roseate beauty clad,
Finds grace and favour in his sight.

Therefore let Christian men press on to reach the goal,
Scorning to turn aside from the strait path of life;
Bountiful gifts of grace God gives along the way,
And at the end a glorious prize.

Grant of thy grace and power, Father who rulest all,
That we, whom thou hast bought with thy Son’s precious blood,
And by thy Spirit’s breath dost day by day renew,
May to the crown of heaven attain.

Hymn appointed for the Precious Blood, July 1st
The English Catholic Hymn Book no.829