A HYMN TO CHRIST THE SAVIOUR.

I.

 Bridle of colts untamed,

 Over our wills presiding;

 Wing of unwandering birds,

 Our flight securely guiding.

 Rudder of youth unbending,

 Firm against adverse shock;

 Shepherd, with wisdom tending

 Lambs of the royal flock:

 Thy simple children bring

 In one, that they may sing

 In solemn lays

 Their hymns of praise

 With guileless lips to Christ their King.

II.

 King of saints, almighty Word

 Of the Father highest Lord;

 Wisdom's head and chief;

 Assuagement of all grief;

 Lord of all time and space,

 Jesus, Saviour of our race;

 Shepherd, who dost us keep;

 Husbandman, who tillest,

 Bit to restrain us, Rudder

 To guide us as Thou wiliest;

 Of the all-holy flock celestial wing;

 Fisher of men, whom Thou to life dost bring;

 From evil sea of sin,

 And from the billowy strife,

 Gathering pure fishes in

 Caught with sweet bait of life:

 Lead us, Shepherd of the sheep,

 Reason-gifted, holy One;

 King of youths, whom Thou dost keep,

 So that they pollution shun:

 Steps of Christ, celestial Way;

 Word eternal, Age unending;

 Life that never can decay;

 Fount of mercy, virtue-sending;

 Life august of those who raise

 Unto God their hymn of praise,

 Jesus Christ!

III.

 Nourished by the milk of heaven,

 To our tender palates given;

 Milk of wisdom from the breast

 Of that bride of grace exprest;

 By a dewy spirit filled

 From fair Reason's breast distilled;

 Let us sucklings join to raise

 With pure lips our hymns of praise

 As our grateful offering,

 Clean and pure, to Christ our King.

 Let us, with hearts undefiled,

 Celebrate the mighty Child.

 We, Christ-born, the choir of peace;

 We, the people of His love,

 Let us sing, nor ever cease,

 To the God of peace above.