Scripture Verse

Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:32

Introduction

illustration
Christ in the Carpenter’s Shop
Georges de La Tour
1593–1652

Words: Fer­di­nand Q. Blan­chard, in Hymns for Schools and Col­leg­es (Bos­ton, Mas­sa­chu­setts: Ginn & Com­pa­ny, 1913).

Music: Can­on­bu­ry adapt­ed from Nacht­stück, Op­us 23, No. 4, by Ro­bert A. Schu­mann, 1839 (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
Ferdinand Q. Blanchard
1876–1966

Lyrics

O Jesus, youth of Nazareth,
Preparing for the bitter strife,
Wilt Thou impart to every heart
Thy perfect purity of life?

O Christ whose words make dear the fields
And hillsides green of Galilee,
Grant us to find with reverent mind
The truth Thou saidst should make us free.

O suffering Lord on Calvary,
Whom love led on to mortal pain,
We know Thy cross is not a loss
If we Thy love shall truly gain.

O Master of abundant life,
From natal morn to victory’s hour,
We look to Thee, heed Thou our plea,
Teach us to share Thy ageless power.