His mission was one of mercy To the sheep that were scattered abroad, And abundant consolation, Which flowed through him from the Lord.
O, would my heart could paint him, The venerable man of God, So lovingly showing and treading The way the Master had trod!
O, would my art could paint him, Whose life was a fact to prove The joy of the Master's story, And fill their hearts with his love!
At length, when the service was ended, His eye on a young man fell, Of beautiful form and feature, And grace we love so well.
At once he turned to the bishop, And said with a love unpriced, "To thee, to thee I commit him Before the Church and Christ."
He then returned to the city, The beloved disciple, John, Where the strong unceasing current Of his deathless love flowed on.
The bishop discharged his duty To the youth so graceful and fair; With restraining hand he held him, And trained him with loving care.
At last, when his preparation Was made for the holy rite, He was cleansed in the sanctified water, And pronounced a child of light.
For a time he adorned the doctrine Which Christ in the Church has set. But, alas! for a passionate nature When Satan has spread his net!
Through comrades base and abandoned He was lured from day to day, Until, like a steed unbridled, He struck from the rightful way;
And a wild consuming passion Raised him unto the head Of a mighty band of robbers, Of all the country the dread.
Time passed. Again a message Unto the Apostle was sent, To set their affairs in order, And tell them the Lord's intent.
And when he had come and attended To all that needed his care, He turned him and said, "Come, Bishop, Give back my deposit so rare."
"What deposit?" was the answer, Which could not confusion hide. "I demand the soul of a brother," Plainly the Apostle replied,
"Which Christ and I committed Before the Church to thee." Trembling and even weeping, "The young man is dead," groaned he.
"How dead? What death?" John demanded. "He the way of the tempter trod, Forgetting the Master's weapon, And now he is dead unto God.
Yonder he roves a robber." "A fine keeper," said John, "indeed, Of a brother's soul. Get ready A guide and a saddled steed."
And all as he was the Apostle Into the region rode Where the robber youth and captain Had fixed his strong abode.