SAINTS' DAYS: GENERAL
FOR A PATRONAL FESTIVAL
353–431. Tr. A. R.
ANOTHER year completed.
The day comes round once more
Which with our patron's radiance
Is bright as heretofore.
Now, strong in hope, united
His festiva1 we greet;
He will present our troubles
Before the mercy-seat.
2 The Scriptures tell how Moses
Did for the people pray,
Appeased the Judge eternal,
And turned his wrath away;
Elijah’s prayer had power,
To close and open heaven:
Such Saints as were aforetime.
Such Saints to us are given.
3 O Saint of God, beloved.
And placed on his right hand,
Thy prayers be like a rampart
As 'gainst the foe we stand;
For Abraham's God is thy God.
And Isaac's God is thine,
Thine is the God of Jacob.
The Lord of power benign.
4. For forty years his Israel
He fed with Angels' food;
The flinty rock ho opened
The streams of water flowed.
Entreat that Christ his people
May lead to Victory:
The God of Joshua’s triumph
The Lord thy God is he.
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