410. The Heavenly Word proceeding forth

The Heavenly Word proceeding forth,

Yet leaving not the Father's side,

Accomplishing His work on earth,

Had reached at length life's eventide.

By false disciple to be given

To foemen for His life athirst,

Himself, the very Bread of Heaven,

He gave to His disciples first.

He gave Himself in either kind,

His precious Flesh, His precious Blood

In love's own fulness thus designed

Of the whole man to be the Food.

By Birth their Fellow-man was He;

Their -Meat, when sitting at the board;

He died, their Ransomer to be;

He ever reigns, their great Reward.

1 O Saving Victim, opening wide

The gate of heaven to man below,

Our foes press on from every side,

Thine aid supply, Thy strength bestow.

2 All thanks and praise to Thee ascend,

For evermore, Blest One in Three;

O grant us life that shall not end

In our true native land with Thee.