Beloved Disciple of Thy Lord

For St. John's Day

Latin: Jussu Tyranni pro fide, No. 45.

Source: Rev. John Chandler, The Hymns of the Primitive Church (London: John W. Parker, 1837), pp. 51-52.

Beloved disciple of thy Lord,
    Wast thou to exile driven?
Oh never sore thy spirit soar'd
    With fleeter wings to heaven;

He that was dead, and is alive,
    Then cheer'd thine eyes again;
The Lion, strong with death to strive,
    The Lamb, for sinners slain.

Oh, then the mysteries were unfurl'd
    Of His triumphant reign,
How martyr blood, through all the world,
    His kingdom should maintain.

Then grant us, Lord, with Thee to die,—
    With Thee again to rise:
With Thee from this vain world to fly,—
    To meet Thee in the skies.

And now to Him, who vanquished death,'
    And shows the way to heaven,
To Christ from ev'ry human breath,
    Be endless praises given.

If you would like to help support Hymns and Carols of Christmas, please click on the button below and make a donation.