W. Garrett Horder, comp. The Poets’ Bible: New Testament. 1895.

St. Andrew

Henry Alford (1810–1871)

OF all the honours man may wear,

Of all his titles proudly stored,

No lowly palm this name shall bear,

“The first to follow Christ the Lord.”

Such name thou hast, who didst incline,

Fired with the great Forerunner’s joy,

Homeward to track the steps divine,

And watch the Saviour’s best employ.

Lord, give to us, Thy servants, grace

To hear whene’er Thy preacher’s speak;

When Thou commandest, Seek My face,

Thy face in earnest hope to seek.

Thus with the glorious company

Of Thine apostles may we raise,

Through all eternity to Thee,

Glad hymns of never-ending praise.