1 The son of Consolation!
Of Levi's priestly line,
Filled with the Holy Spirit
And fervent faith divine,
With lowly self-oblation,
For Christ an off'ring meet,
He laid his earthly riches
At the Apostles' feet.
2 The son of Consolation!
O name of soothing balm!
It fell on sick and weary
Like breath of heaven's own calm!
And the blest son of comfort,
With fearless, loving hand,
The Gentiles' great Apostle
Led to the faithful band.
3 The son of Consolation!
Drawn near unto his Lord,
He won the martyr's glory,
And passed to his reward.
With him is faith now ended,
For ever lost in sight,
But love, made perfect, fills him
With praise, and joy, and light.
4 The son of Consolation!
Lord, hear our humble prayer,
That each of us Thy children
Such blessed name may bear!
That we, sweet comfort shedding
O'er homes of pain and woe,
Midst sickness and in prisons,
May seek Thee here below.
5 The sons of Consolation!
O what their bliss will be,
When Christ the King shall tell them
"Ye did it unto Me!"
The merciful and loving
The Lord of life shall own,
And as His priceless jewels
Shall set them round His throne.
Source: The Church Hymnal: containing hymns approved and set forth by the general conventions of 1892 and 1916; together with hymns for the use of guilds and brotherhoods, and for special occasions (Rev. ed) #157