Doxology

A doxology is a short hymn of praise to God in various Christian liturgies, often added to the end of canticles, psalms, and hymns. The tradition derives from a similar practice in the Jewish synagogue. (from Wikipedia.com)

In most protestant churches this the last four lines of an older hymn are used (and called "The Doxology").

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye Heavenly Host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen

When I was growing up, the church I attended occasionally used the Gloria Patri (in english).

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen

Unfortunately, this last is badly corrupted. This is also known as the Trinitarian Doxology and was introduced to fight a heresy that denied the Divinity of Jesus Christ. The more correct translation, below, makes that more understandable. (The Catholic Encyclopedia artical on doxology.)

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As He was in the beginning,
is now and ever shall be,
forever and ever. Amen

So, why was this "As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world with out end." bit even kept? In english it appears that this is saying that the world is as it was in the beginning, and it will continue that way forever. This is very un-Scriptural! The fall of man altered things from the beginning (Genesis 3:17-19), and we read that this world will end in fire, come the Judgement Day (2 Peter 12:7-13).