Word supreme, before creation,
Born of God eternally,
Who didst will for our salvation
To be born on earth and die,
Well thy saints have kept their station,
Watching till thine hour drew nigh.

Now 'tis come, and faith espies Thee:
Like an eaglet in the morn.
One in steadfast worship eyes Thee,
Thy beloved, Thy latest born:
In Thy glory he decries Thee
Reigning from the Tree of scorn.

He upon Thy Bosom lying
Thy true tokens learn'd by heart;
And Thy dearest pledge in dying,
Lord, Thou didst to him impart;
Show'dst him how, all grace supplying,
Blood and water from Thee start.

He first, hoping and believing,
Did beside the grave adore,
Latest he, the warfare leaving.
Landed on th'eternal shore;
And his witness we receiving
Own Thee, Lord, for evermore.

Much he ask'd in loving wonder,
On Thy Bosom n leaning, Lord;
In that secret place of thunder
Answer kind didst Thou accord,
Wisdom for Thy Church to ponder
Till the day of dread award.

Lo! Heav'n's doors lift up, revealing
How Thy judgements earthward move;
Scrolls unfolded, trumpets pealing,
Wine-cups from the wrath above;
Yet o'er all a soft voice stealing-
"Little children, trust and love!"

Thee, th'Almighty King Eternal,
Father of th'Eternal Word,
Thee, the Father's Word Supernal,
Thee, of both, the Breath adored,
Heav'n, and earth, and realms infernal
Own One glorious God and Lord.