Sequence 69. St. Augustine

August 28th.
FROM the depths of dark obscurest
Comes forth hght, which shines, the purest,
On the earth to-day from heaven :
Once a vessel, truth mistrusting,
Now for honour made, Augustine
To the Church of God was given.

He, the Word of God obeying,
Now believes, once from it straying,
And for grace to baptism comes :
He those errors, once commended,
And in youth with words defended,
Reprobates in written tomes.

Faith confirming, precepts framing,
Those, against Christ's law declaiming,
Slays he with the Word's sharp sword : 1 5
Fortunatus' utterance faileth.

Manes with Donatus quaileth,
'Neath such radiant light outpoured.

II. o
Earth, made void and fast expiring,
But vain doctrines' lore acquiring,
Through the pest of heresy,
To produce much fruit commences,
As the one Faith he dispenses
To its furthest boundary'.

Rules he made for priestly living ;
As their pattern, to them giving
The Apostles' company :
Nought their own these priests computed,
But whate'er seemed theirs devoted
To the whole community.

Thus, for many's welfare striving,
Many years in virtue living.

At a good old age arriving,
With his sires he slept at last.

No bequests he left, when dying,
Who, its ownership denying,
Thought his wealth should be supplying
All with whom his lot was cast.

Hail, Confessors' gem bright burning !
Tongue of Christ ! heaven's voice of warning !

Trump of life and light of learning !
Prelate high amongst the blest !

May those, Father ! who revere thee,
'Neath thy guidance that life near thee
Gain, where joys the truest cheer thee
In the Saints' all-glorious rest ! Amen.