ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST
Note.—A higher setting of this tune will be found at Hymn 63.
WORD supreme, before creation
Born of God eternally,
Who didst will for our salvation
To be born on earth, and die;
Well thy Saints have kept their station.
Watching till thine hour drew nigh.
2 Now ‘tis come, and faith espies thee;
Like an eaglet in the morn,
One in steadfast worship eyes thee,
Thy beloved, thy latest born:
In thy glory he descries thee
Reigning from the tree of scorn.
3 * He first hoping and believing
Did beside the grave adore;
Latest he, the warfare leaving,
Landed on the eternal shore;
And his witness we receiving
Own thee Lord for evermore.
4 * Much he asked in loving wonder,
On thy bosom leaning. Lord!
In that secret place of thunder,
Answer kind didst thou accord,
Wisdom for thy Church to ponder
Till the day of dread award.
5 Lo! heaven’s doors lift up, revealing
How thy judgements earthward move;
Scrolls unfolded, trumpets pealing,
Wine-cups from the wrath above,
Yet o’er all a soft voice stealing—
'Little children, trust and love!’
6. Thee, the Almighty King eternal,
Father of the eternal Word;
Thee, the Father's Word supernal
Thee, of both, the Breath adored;
Heaven, and earth, and realms infernal
Own, one glorious God and Lord. Amen.
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