146. Vespers—Wednesday
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Cœli Deus sanctissime.
O LORD, who, thron'd in the holy height,
Through plains of ether didst diffuse
The dazzling beams
of light,
In soft transparent hues;
Who didst, on the fourth day, in heaven
Light the fierce cresset of the sun,
And the meek moon
at even,
And stars that wildly run;
That they might mark and arbitrate
'Twixt alternating night and day,
And tend the train
sedate
Of months upon their way; {255}
Clear, Lord, the brooding night within,
And clean these hearts for Thy abode,
Unlock the spell of
sin,
Crumble its giant load.
Grant it, O Father, Only Son,
And Holy Spirit, God of grace,
To whom all praise
be done
In every time and place.