St. Mark's Day

Evangelist, by whom the Lord
His last commission did record;
We praise His holy name, that we
Such grace and comfort have by thee.

Not yet the everlasting Word
Hath been by every creature heard;
Not yet the new baptismal birth
Saves the repentant tribes of earth.

Why slumbereth then each promised sign
Why worketh not the grace divine?
Why should the foe unchecked remain,
The Holy Name invoked in vain?

Thy chastening justice, Lord, we own:
On us be guilt and shame alone;
How can we hope those gifts to share
Which come by fasting and by prayer?

Weak in our faith, in duty weak,
Rather Thy pitying love we seek;
Father, Thine arm of vengeance stay;
Saviour, O cast us not away!