Shepherd of tender youth
Guiding in love and truth,
Through devious ways:
Christ our triumphant King,
Join we thy name to sing,
And our dear children bring,
Shouting thy praise!
Most high and holy Lord,
Glorious, revealing Word,
Healer of strife:
Thou didst thyself abase,
That from sin's deep disgrace
Thou mightest save our race,
Giving us life.
Thou art our great High Priest;
Thou hast prepared the feast
Of holy love:
In all our sin and pain
None call on thee in vain
Help thou didst not disdain,
Help from above.
Ever be near our side,
Allwise and mighty Guide,
Our Staff and Song.
Jesus, thou Christ of God,
Taught by thy living Word,
Lead us where thou hast trod,
Make our faith strong.
Thus now, and till we die,
Sound we thy praises high,
And joyful sing
With all the holy throng
Who to the Church belong,
Join we to swell the song
To Christ our King!
*This beautiful hymn from the third book of Clement of Alexandria, is said to be the earliest known hymn of the Primitive Christian Church.—The Christian Herald
