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Nunc dimittis

Lord, let Thy servant now depart into thy promised rest, since my expecting eyes have been with Thy salvation blest. Which ‘til this time thy favored saints and prophets only knew, long since prepared, but now let forth in all the people’s view. A Light, to show the heathen world the way to saving grace; but O, the Light and Glory both of Israel’s chosen race. To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, the God Whom we adore, be glory; as it was, is now, and shall be evermore.

1 Lord, let Thy servant now depart
into thy promised rest,
since my expecting eyes have been
with Thy salvation blest.
2 Which ‘til this time thy favored saints
and prophets only knew,
long since prepared, but now let forth
in all the people’s view.
3 A Light, to show the heathen world
the way to saving grace;
but O, the Light and Glory both
of Israel’s chosen race.
4 To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
the God Whom we adore,
be glory; as it was, is now,
and shall be evermore.

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Text from A New Version of the Psalms of David by Nicholas Brady (1659-1726) and Nahum Tate (1652-1715)
Tune St. Andrew
William Tans'ur (1699?-1783)

Nunc dimittis · Luke 2:29-32

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, *
  according to thy word;

For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, *
  which thou hast prepared before the face of all people,

To be a light to lighten the Gentiles, *
  and to be the glory of thy people Israel.

Lord, you now have set your servant free *
  to go in peace as you have promised;

For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, *
  whom you have prepared for all the world to see:

A Light to enlighten the nations, *
  and the glory of your people Israel.