Saint Matthew

By all your saints still striving,
For all your saints at rest,
Your holy name, O Jesus,
Forevermore be blessed!
For those passed on before us,
We sing our praise anew
And, walking in their footsteps,
Would live our lives for you.

Praise, Lord, for him whose Gospel
Your human life declared,
Who, worldly gains forsaking,
Your path of suff'ring shared.
From greed and gain for power
Free us in all we do
That we, whate'er our calling,
May rise and follow you. 

We pray for saints we know not,
For saints still yet to be,
For grace to bear true witness
And serve you faithfully,
Till all the ransomed number
Who stand before the throne
Ascribe all power and glory
And praise to God alone. 

Horatio Bolton Nelson, 1864; alt.
Tune: ES FLOG EIN KLEINS WALDVOGELEIN (7.6.7.6.D.)
German folk tune; 17th cent.

Of course, Matthew the apostle was originally a tax-collector, and is thus represented by three bags of money.





Seven Years Ago: Come sing, ye choirs exultant

Six Years Ago: He sat to watch o'er customs paid

Five Years Ago: Arise and follow me!