March 10, 2005

Shepherd of Eager Youth
also known as
Shepherd of Tender Youth

Clement of Alexandria, c. 170-c. 220
Translated by Henry Martyn Dexter, 1821-1890

    Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, "I have no pleasure in them." Ecclesiastes 12:1.

    Titus Flavius Clemens, the illustrious head of the Catechetical School at Alexandria at the close of the second century, was originally a pagan philosopher. The date of his birth is unknown. It is also uncertain whether Alexandria or Athens was his birthplace. On embracing Christianity, he eagerly sought the instructions of its most eminent teachers; for this purpose traveling extensively over Greece, Italy, Egypt, Palestine, and other regions of the East.
    Returning to Alexandria, he succeeded his master Pantaenus in the catechetical school, probably on the latter departing on his missionary tour to the East, somewhere about A.D. 189.
    He was also made a presbyter of the Church, either then or somewhat later. He continued to teach with great distinction till A.D. 202, when the persecution under Severus compelled him to retire from Alexandria. In the beginning of the reign of Caracalla we find him at Jerusalem, even then a great resort of Christian, and especially clerical, pilgrims. We also hear of him traveling to Antioch, furnished with a letter of recommendation by Alexander, bishop of Jerusalem. The dose of his career is covered with obscurity. He is supposed to have died about A.D. 220.
    This is probably the oldest Christian hymn of which the authorship is known. Clement of Alexandria wrote this text in the Greek language sometime between A.D. 202 and the time of his death in A.D. 220. The title in the original Greek could literally be translated "Tamer of Steeds Unbridled." It was evidently used as a hymn of Christian instruction for new young converts from heathenism.

Shepherd of tender youth, guiding in love and truth
Through devious ways; Christ our triumphant King,
We come Thy Name to sing and here our children bring
To join Thy praise.

Thou art our holy Lord, O all subduing Word,
Healer of strife. Thou didst Thyself abase
That from sin’s deep disgrace Thou mightest save our race
And give us life.

Thou art the great High Priest; Thou hast prepared the feast
Of holy love; and in our mortal pain,
None calls on Thee in vain; Help Thou dost not disdain,
Help from above.

Ever be Thou our guide, our shepherd and our pride,
Our staff and song; Jesus, Thou Christ of God,
By Thine enduring Word lead us where Thou hast trod,
Make our faith strong.

So now, and till we die, sound we Thy praises high
And joyful sing; infants and the glad throng
Who to Thy church belong, unite to swell the song
To Christ, our King.