The Co-Eternal Son / Instantis Adventum Dei

Painting by Pietro Da Vicenza - Courtesy Wikipedia

The Co-Eternal Son is an adaption of the Robert Campbell (1814-1868) translation of the 1736 hymn: Instantis Adventum Dei by Charles Coffin (1676-1749). Campbell's translation: The Coming of Our God was later revised by the editors of the Parish Hymn Book, resulting in a number of changes including the omission of the original 1st verse, hence - the different title. In the Divine Office (1974), The Co-Eternal Son is sung during Advent from December 17 up to Christmas. The recommended musical setting in the Office is the tune: Optatus. An alternative tune that can be used in it's place is Franconia, as featured in the following video.


Alternative Tune: Franconia

THE COMING OF OUR GOD tr. by Robert Campbell (Public Domain)

1. The coming of our God
Our thoughts must now employ:
Then let us meet him on the road
With songs of holy joy.

2. The co-eternal Son
A maiden’s offspring see:
A servant’s form Christ putteth on,
To make his people free.

3. Mother of Saints, arise
To greet thine infant-King,
And do not thanklessly despise
The pardon he doth bring.

4. In glory from his throne
Again will Christ descend,
And summon all that are his own
To joys that never end.

5. Let deeds of darkness fly
Before the approaching morn,
For onto sin ‘tis ours to die,
And serve the Virgin-horn.

6. Our joyful praises sing
To Christ, that set us free;
Like tribute to the Father bring,
And, Holy Ghost, to thee.


INSTANTIS ADVENTUM DEI by Charles Coffin, 1736 (Public Domain)

1. Instantis adventum Dei
Poscamus ardenti prece,
Festisque munus inclitum
Præoccupemus canticis.

2. Æterna proles, feminæ
Non horret includi sinu:
Fit ipse servus ut jugo
Nos servitutis eximat. 

3. Mansuetus et clemens venít;
Occurre, festina, Sion:
Ultro tibi quam porrigit,
Ne dura pacem respuas.

4. Mox nube clarâ fulgurans
Mundi redibit arbiter,
Suique membra corporis
Cœlo triumphator vehet. 

5. Fœtus tenebrarum, die
Cedant propinquo crmina:
Adam reformetur vetus,
Imago succedat novi. 

6. Qui liberator advenis,
Fili, tibi laus maxima
Cum Patre et almo
Spiritu In sempiterna secula.