O Thou by whom the worlds were framed, Redeemer of our fallen race,
O God of love, and Light of light, the brightness of the Father's face--
What moved Thee, Savior, to descend and make our mortal flesh Thine own?
What called Thee forth, for Adam's sin, our second Adam, to atone?
'Twas love, the mighty love which made the starry sky and sea and earth,
Took pity on our woes, and broke the bondage of our sinful birth.
O Jesus, in Thy heavenly heart, let that same love forever dwell,
And endless mercies to mankind stream from its unexhausted well.
- from The Augustine Hymn Book, 19th century.