THE OLDEST CHRISTIAN HYMN.
[In Book III. of Clement of Alexandria, is given, in Greek, the most ancient hymn of the primitive church. It is there (150 years after the apostles) asserted to be of much earlier origin. The following version will give some imperfect idea of its spirit:] Shepherd of tender youth,
Guiding in love and truth,
Through devious ways!
Christ our triumphant King!
We come thy name to sing,
And here our children bring
To shout thy praise! Thou art our holy Lord,
The all-subduing word,
Healer of strife!
Thou didst thyself abase
That from sin’s deep disgrace
Thou mightest save our race,
And give us life. Thou art our great High Priest!
Thou hast prepared the feast
Of holy love!
And in our mortal pain
None call on thee in vain;
Help thou dost not disdain,
Help from above. Ever be thou our guide,
Our shepherd and our pride,
Our staff and song.
Jesus, thou Christ of God,
By the perennial word,
Lead us where thou hast trod,
Make our faith strong! So now, and till we die,
Sound we thy praise on high,
And joyful sing!
Youth, and the happy throng
Who to thy church belong,
Unite and swell the song
To Christ our King!
—Sel.