But not the first
was the one of the Spirit
but the one of nature
then the one of the Spirit.
The first human came from the earth,
the second human is from heaven.
Like the one from the earth,
so are these from the earth.
and like the one from heaven,
so are these from heaven.
and as we have worn the image of the one from the earth,
so we will bear the image of the one from heaven.
Eternal Light, shine into our hearts,
Eternal Goodness, deliver us from evil,
Eternal Power, be our support,
Eternal Wisdom, scatter the darkness of our ignorance,
Eternal Pity, have mercy upon us;
that with all our heart and mind
and soul and strength we may seek thy face
and be brought by thine infinite mercy
to thy holy presence;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Alcuin (735-804)