T. B.
UPTON,
Oct. 19, 1904.
DEAR HERBERT,—I am at present continuously liturgical, owing to my Committee; but you must have the benefit of it.
I have often wondered which of the compilers of the Prayer-book fixed upon the Venite as the first Canticle for our Morning Service; wondered, I say, in the purposeless way that one does wonder, without ever taking the trouble to find out. I dare say there are abundant ecclesiological precedents for it, if one took the trouble to discover them. But the important thing is that it was done; and it is a stroke of genius to have done it. (N.B.—I find it is in the Breviary appointed for Matins.)
The thing is so perfect in itself, and in a way so unexpected, that I feel in the selection of it the work of a deep and poetical heart. Many an ingenious ecclesiastical mind would be afraid of putting a psalm in such a place which changed its mood so completely as the Venite does. To end with a burst of noble and consuming anger, of vehement and merciless indignation—that is the magnificent thing.
Just consider it; I will write down the verses, just for the simple pleasure of shaping the great simple phrases:—
"Oh come let us sing unto the Lord; let us heartily rejoice in the strength of our salvation."
What a vigorous and enlivening verse, like the invitation of old song-writers, "Begone, dull care." For once let us trust ourselves to the full tide of exaltation and triumph, let there be no heavy overshadowings of thought.
"Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving: and show ourselves glad in him with psalms.
"For the Lord is a great God: and a great King above all Gods.