APOSTLES AND EVANGELISTS
2 He chose them, our Good Shepherd,
And, tending evermore
His flock through earth’s four quarters,
In wisdom made them four;
True Lawgiver, he bade them
Their healing message spread,
One charter for all nations,
One glorious title-deed.
3 * In one harmonious witness
The chosen Four combine,
While each his own commission
Fulfils in every line;
As, in the Prophet’s vision,
From out the amber flame
In form of visage diverse
Four living creatures came.
4 * Lo, these the winged chariots
That bring Emmanuel nigh;
The golden staves uplifting
The ark of God on high;
And these the fourfold river
Of Paradise above,
Whence flow for all the nations
New mysteries of love.
Unison. 5. Foursquare on this foundation
The Church of Christ remains,
A house to stand unshaken
By goods or winds or rains.
O glorious happy portion
In this safe home to be,
By God, true Man, united
With God eternally!
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