The Church Hymnal ‎#279a

279a. When, doom'd to death, the Apostle lay

1 When, doomed to death, th'Apostle lay
At night in Herod's dungeon cell,
A light shone round him like the day,
And from his limbs the fetters fell.

2 A messenger from God was there,
To break his chain and bid him rise;
And lo! the saint, as free as air,
Walked forth beneath the open skies.

3 Chains yet more strong and cruel bind
The victim of that deadly thirst
Which drowns the soul, and from the mind
Blots the bright image stamped at first.

4 O God of love and mercy, deign
To look on those with pitying eye
Who struggle with that fatal chain,
And send them succor from on high!

5 Send down, in its resistless might,
Thy gracious Spirit, we implore,
And lead the captive forth to light,
A rescued soul, a slave no more!

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: When, doom'd to death, the Apostle lay
• Author: W. C. Bryant
• Meter: L. M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1894
• Topic: Temperance

Tune Information

• Name: MAINZER
• Composer: J. Mainzer
• Meter: L. M.