Sequence 31. St. John the Evangelist

December 27TH.
ON his feast with gratulation
Joy we at John's exaltation,
As we pay our public vows !

Let the mouth so sing his praises,
That the relish which it raises
The glad heart may never lose.

This is he most loved by Jesus,
Who drank draughts of wisdom precious,
As he on His breast did lean :
To whom Mary was commended
From Christ's cross ; who, virgin, tended
Her who had not known a man.

Inwardly with warm love glowing,
Outwardly bright virtue showing,
Eloquence and wonders wrought ; 1 5
As by lust's consuming fever.

So by tortures' heat, touched never,
From the oil-vat came he out.

Poison's strength he overpowered,
Death, disease, beneath him cowered,
And the very devils too :
But the man, such power possessing,
Could no less bring health and blessing
Unto those in want and woe.

Broken gems by him were mended, 2 5
And their value was expended
On the poor, his pious loan.

He produces boundless treasure,
Who from tree-twigs at hisj)leasure
Fashioned gold, and gems from stone.

By a friend to banquet bidden, —
Christ, I mean, no longer hidden,
Seen with His disciples there, —
From the grave, where he was lying.

He arose in form undying,
In the heavenly feast to share.

There are crowds to testify.
Nay, yourself may trust your eye,
How that, where he once did lie,
Flows forth manna, a supply 4°
From the table of the Lord.

As he doth his Gospel write,
Eagle-like in upward flight,
He beholds the Light of Light,
Its primaeval source, to wit,
" In the beginning was the Word ! "
A perverse and heathen nation,
All of Asia's population,
To the faith his wonders won.

Illustrated by his writing,
Unity, the Church uniting,
Firmer ground now stands upon.

Vessel, hail ! that no sin staineth !
Vessel, that heaven's dew containeth !

Which within quite pure remaineth,
Bright without, all dignity !

Cause us, like thee, to be holy,
And, with spirits chastened throughly,
Let us see the Godhead fully,
In one substance Persons three. Amen.