Scripture Verse

Who do people say the Son of Man is? They replied Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets. But what about you? He asked. Who do you say I am? Simon Peter answered, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Matthew 16:18

Introduction

portrait
John B. Dykes (1823–1876)

Words: S. Ralph Har­low, 1931.

Music: Blair­gow­rie John B. Dykes, 1872 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tunes:

portrait
S. Ralph Harlow (1885–1972)

Lyrics

O young and fearless Prophet
Of ancient Ga­li­lee,
Thy life is still a summons
To serve humanity;
To make our thoughts and actions
Less prone to please the crowd,
To stand with humble courage
For truth with hearts uncowed.

We marvel at the purpose
That held Thee to Thy course
While ever on the hilltop
Before Thee loomed the cross;
Thy steadfast face set forward
Where love and duty shone,
While we betray so quickly
And leave Thee there alone.

O help us stand unswerving
Against war’s bloody way,
Where hate and lust and falsehood
Hold back Christ’s holy sway;
Forbid false love of country
That blinds us to His call,
Who lifts above the nations
The unity of all.

Stir up in us a protest
Against our greed for wealth,
While others starve and hunger
And plead for work and health;
Where homes with little children
Cry out for lack of bread,
Who live their years sore burdened
Beneath a gloomy dread.

Create in us the splendor
That dawns when hearts are kind,
That knows not race nor station
As boundaries of the mind;
That learns to value beauty,
In heart, or brain, or soul,
And longs to bind God’s children
Into one perfect whole.

O young and fearless Prophet,
We need Thy presence here,
Amid our pride and glo­ry
To see Thy face appear;
Once more to hear Thy challenge
Above our noisy day,
Again to lead us forward
Along God’s holy way.