Chapter XVI: Introduction: And Close of Worship (9)

3 Grace led my roving feet
To tread the heavenly road;
And new supplies each hour I meet
While pressing on to God.

4 Grace taught my soul to pray,
And made my eyes o'erflow;
'Twas grace that kept me to this day,
And will not let me go.

5 Grace all the work shall crown,
Through everlasting days;
It lays in heaven the topmost stone,
And well deserves the praise.

THE CHURCH, AND ORDINANCES.

653. 8s. & 7s. M. J. Newton.

"Glorious things spoken of Zion."

1 Glorious things of thee are spoken,
Zion, city of our God!
He whose word cannot be broken
Formed thee for his own abode.
On the Rock of Ages founded,
What can shake thy sure repose?
With salvation's walls surrounded,
Thou mayst smile at all thy foes.

2 See! the streams of living waters,
Springing from eternal love,
Well supply thy sons and daughters,
And all fear of want remove.
Who can faint while such a river
Ever flows their thirst t' assuage?
Grace, which, like the Lord the giver,
Never fails from age to age.

3 Round each habitation hovering,
See the cloud and fire appear!
For a glory and a covering,
Showing that the Lord is near.
Fading is the worldling's pleasure,
All his boasted pomp and show;
Solid joys and lasting treasure
None but Zion's children know.

654. S. M. Watts.

Safety of the Church.

1 How honored is the place
Where we adoring stand!--
Zion, the glory of the earth,
And beauty of the land.

2 Bulwarks of grace defend
The city where we dwell,
While walls, of strong salvation made,
Defy th' assaults of hell.

3 Lift up th' eternal gates;
The doors wide open fling;
Enter, ye nations that obey
The statutes of your King.

4 Here taste unmingled joys,
And live in perfect peace,
You that have known Jehovah's name,
And ventured on his grace.

5 Trust in the Lord, ye saints,
And banish all your fears;
Strength in the Lord Jehovah dwells,
Eternal as his years.

655. C. M. Anonymous.

The Jewish and the Christian Zion. Ps. 48.

1 With stately towers and bulwarks strong,
Unrivalled and alone,
Loved theme of many a sacred song,
God's holy city shone.

2 Thus fair was Zion's chosen seat,
The glory of all lands;
Yet fairer, and in strength complete,
The Christian temple stands.

3 The faithful of each clime and age
This glorious church compose;
Built on a rock, with idle rage
The threatening tempest blows.

4 In vain may hostile bands alarm,
For God is her defence;
How weak, how powerless is each arm,
Against Omnipotence!

656. S. M. Watts.

Gospel Order.

1 Far as thy name is known
The world declares thy praise;
Thy saints, O Lord, before thy throne,
Their songs of honor raise.

2 Let strangers walk around
The city where we dwell,
Survey with care thine holy ground,
And mark the building well,--

3 The order of thy house,
The worship of thy court,
The cheerful songs, the solemn vows,
And make a fair report.

4 How decent and how wise!
How glorious to behold!
Beyond the pomp that charms the eyes,
And rites adorned with gold.

5 The God we worship now
Will guide us till we die,--
Will be our God while here below,
And ours above the sky.

657. S. M. Dwight.

Attachment to the Church.

1 I love thy church, O God;
Her walls before thee stand,
Dear as the apple of thine eye,
And graven on thy hand.

2 For her my tears shall fall;
For her my prayers ascend;
To her my cares and toils be given,
Till toils and cares shall end.

3 Beyond my highest joy
I prize her heavenly ways,
Her sweet communion, solemn vows,
Her hymns of love and praise.

4 Father and Friend divine,
Our Saviour and our King,
Thy hand, from every snare and foe,
Shall great deliverance bring.

5 Sure as thy truth shall last,
To Zion shall be given
The brightest glories earth can yield,
And brighter bliss of heaven.

658. C. M. S. F. Smith.

Christian Fellowship.

1 Planted in Christ, the living vine,
This day with one accord,
Ourselves, with humble faith and joy,
We yield to thee, O Lord.

2 Joined in one body may we be:
One inward life partake;
One be our heart; one heavenly hope
In every bosom wake.

3 In prayer, in effort, tears, and toils,
One Wisdom be our guide;
Taught by one Spirit from above,
In thee may we abide.

4 Around this feeble, trusting band
Thy sheltering pinions spread,
Nor let the storms of trial beat
Too fiercely on our head.

5 Then, when, among the saints in light,
Our joyful spirits shine,
Shall anthems of immortal praise,
O Lamb of God, be thine.

659. S. M. Fawcett.

Christian Fellowship.

1 Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.

2 Before our Father's throne
We pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,
Our comforts and our cares.

3 We share our mutual woes,
Our mutual burdens bear;
And often for each other flows
The sympathizing tear.

4 From sorrow, toil, and sin,
Soon shall we all be free,
And perfect love and friendship reign
Through all eternity.

660. 7s. M. Montgomery.

Joined to God's People.

1 People of the living God,
I have sought the world around,
Paths of sin and sorrow trod,
Peace and comfort nowhere found.

2 Now to you my spirit turns,--
Turns, a fugitive unblest;
Brethren, where your altar burns,
O, receive me into rest.

3 Lonely I no longer roam,
Like the cloud, the wind, the wave;
Where you dwell shall be my home,
Where you die shall be my grave.

661. L. M. Anonymous.

On Receiving Members.

1 Lord, we adore thy wondrous grace,
Who crown'st the gospel with success;
Subjecting sinners to thy yoke,
And bringing to the fold thy flock.

2 May those who have thy truth confessed
As their own faith, and hope, and rest,
From day to day still more increase
In faith, in love, and holiness.

3 As living members, may they share
The joys and griefs which others bear,
And active in their stations prove
In all the offices of love.

4 From all temptations now defend,
And keep them steadfast to the end,
While in thy house they still improve,
Until they join the church above.

662. L. M. Kelly.

A Welcome to Christian Fellowship.

1 Come in, thou blesséd of the Lord,
O, come in Jesus' precious name;
We welcome thee with one accord,
And trust the Saviour does the same.

2 Those joys which earth cannot afford,
We'll seek in fellowship to prove,
Joined in one spirit to our Lord,
Together bound by mutual love.

3 And while we pass this vale of tears,
We'll make our joys and sorrows known;
We'll share each other's hopes and fears,
And count a brother's care our own.

4 Once more our welcome we repeat;
Receive assurance of our love:
O, may we all together meet
Around the throne of God above!

663. C. M. Montgomery.

A Welcome to Fellowship.

1 Approach thou blesséd of the Lord;
Stranger nor foe art thou:
We welcome thee with warm accord,
Our friend, our brother, now.

2 The hand of fellowship, the heart
Of love, we offer thee:
Leaving the world, thou dost but part
From lies and vanity.

3 The cup of blessing which we bless,
The heavenly bread we break,
Our Saviour's blood and righteousness,--
Freely with us partake.

664. L. M. Doddridge.

On Joining the Church.

1 O, happy day, that fixed my choice
On thee, my Saviour and my Lord!
Well may this glowing heart rejoice,
And tell its raptures all abroad!

2 O, happy bond, that seals my vows
To Him who merits all my love!
Let cheerful anthems fill the house,
While to his altar now I move.

3 Now rest, my long-divided heart;
Fixed on this blissful centre, rest;
Here have I found a nobler part;
Here heavenly pleasures fill my breast.

4 High Heaven, that hears the solemn vow,
That vow renewed shall daily hear;
Till in life's latest hour I bow,
And bless in death a bond so dear.

665. C. M. Doddridge.

Dedication of Children to God and Christ.

1 See Israel's gentle Shepherd stand,
With all-engaging charms;
Hark! how he calls the tender lambs,
And folds them in his arms!

2 "Permit them to approach," he cries,
"Nor scorn their humble name;
For 'twas to bless such souls as these,
The Lord of angels came."

3 We bring them, Lord, in thankful hands,
And yield them up to thee;
Joyful that we ourselves are thine,
Thine let our offspring be.

4 Ye little flock, with pleasure hear;
Ye children, seek his face,
And fly with transport to receive
The blessings of his grace.

5 If orphans they are left behind,
God's guardian care we trust;
That care shall heal our bleeding hearts,
If weeping o'er their dust.

666. C. M. Stennett.

Infants, living or dying, in the Arms of Christ.

1 Thy life I read, my dearest Lord,
With transport all-divine;
Thine image trace in every word,
Thy love in every line.

2 With joy, I see a thousand charms
Spread o'er thy lovely face;
While infants in thy tender arms
Receive the smiling grace.

3 "I take these little lambs," said he,
"And lay them on my breast;
Protection they shall find in me,--
In me be ever blest.

4 "Death may the bands of life unloose,
But can't dissolve my love;
Millions of infant souls compose
The family above."

5 His words, ye happy parents, hear,
And shout, with joys divine,
"Dear Saviour! all we have and are
Shall be forever thine."

667. L. M. W. Boston Coll.

Dedication of Children.

1 This child we dedicate to thee,
O God of grace and purity;
Shield it from sin and threatening wrong,
And let thy love its life prolong.

2 O, may thy Spirit gently draw
Its willing soul to keep thy law;
May virtue, piety and truth
Dawn even with its dawning youth.

3 Grant that, with true and faithful heart,
We too may act the Christian's part,
Cheered by each promise thou hast given,
And laboring for the prize in heaven.

668. 8s. & 7s. M. Anonymous.

Children commended to Christ.

1 Saviour, who thy flock art feeding
With the shepherd's kindest care,
All the feeble gently leading,
While the lambs thy bosom share,--

2 Now, these little ones receiving,
Fold them in thy gracious arm;
There, we know--thy word believing,--
Only there, secure from harm.

3 Never, from thy pasture roving,
Let them be the lion's prey;
Let thy tenderness, so loving,
Keep them all life's dangerous way.

4 Then within thy fold eternal
Let them find a resting-place;
Feed in pastures ever vernal,
Drink the rivers of thy grace.

669. S. M. Doddridge.

Christ calling Children to Himself.

1 The Saviour gently calls
Our children to his breast;
He folds them in his gracious arms;
Himself declares them blest.

2 "Let them approach," he cries,
"Nor scorn their humble claim;
The heirs of heaven are such as these,--
For such as these I came."

3 Gladly we bring them, Lord,
Devoting them to thee:
Imploring, that, as we are thine,
Thine may our offspring be.

670. 7s. M. Bowring.

Infant Baptism.

1 Drop the limpid waters now
On the infant's sinless brow;
Dedicate the unfolding gem
Unto Him, who blessed the stem.

2 Let our aspirations be
Innocent as infancy;
Pure the prayers that force their way,
As the child for whom we pray.

3 In the Christian garden we
Plant another Christian tree;
Be its blossoms and its fruit
Worthy of the Christian root.

4 To that garden now we bring
Waters from the living spring;
Bless the tree, the waters bless,
Holy One! with holiness.

5 When life's harvests all are past,
Oh, transplant the tree at last,
To the fields where flower and tree
Blossom through eternity.

671. C. M. Doddridge.

Hymn for Baptism.

1 Baptized into our Saviour's death,
Our souls to sin must die;
With Christ our Lord we live anew,
With Christ ascend on high.

2 There, by his Father's side he sits,
Enthroned divinely fair,
Yet owns himself our Brother still,
And our Forerunner there.

3 Rise from these earthly trifles, rise
On wings of faith and love;
Above our choicest treasure lies,--
And be our hearts above.

4 But earth and sin will draw us down,
When we attempt to fly;
Lord, send thy strong, attractive power
To fix our souls on high.

672. S. M. L. H. Sigourney.

Baptism.

1 Saviour, thy law we love,
Thy pure example bless,
And with a firm, unwavering zeal,
Would in thy footsteps press.

2 Not to the fiery pains
By which the martyrs bled;
Not to the scourge, the thorn, the cross,
Our favored feet are led;--

3 But, at this peaceful tide,
Assembled in thy fear,
The homage of obedient hearts
We humbly offer here.

673. C. M. Jas. Newton.

After Baptism.

1 Let plenteous grace descend on those,
Who, hoping in thy word,
This day have solemnly declared
That Jesus is their Lord.

2 With cheerful feet may they advance,
And run the Christian race,
And, through the troubles of the way,
Find all-sufficient grace.

3 Lord, plant us all into thy death,
That we thy life may prove,--
Partakers of thy cross beneath,
And of thy crown above.

674. L. M. Doddridge.

The Same.

1 'Tis done; the great transaction's done;
I am my Lord's, and he is mine:
He drew me, and I followed on,
Rejoiced to own the call divine.

2 Now rest, my long divided heart;
Fixed on this blissful centre, rest:
Here have I found a nobler part;
Here heavenly pleasures fill my breast.

3 High heaven, that hears the solemn vow,
That vow renewed shall daily hear,
Till in life's latest hour I bow,
And bless in death a bond so dear.

675. C. M. Pratt's Coll.

Before Communion.

1 Prepare us, Lord, to view thy cross,
Who all our griefs hast borne;
To look on thee, whom we have pierced,--
To look on thee, and mourn.

2 While thus we mourn we would rejoice;
And, as thy cross we see,
Let each exclaim in faith and hope,
"The Saviour died for me!"

676. C. M. E. Taylor.

Proper Dispositions for the Communion.

1 O here, if ever, God of love!
Let strife and hatred cease;
And every thought harmonious move,
And every heart be peace.

2 Not here, where met to think on him,
Whose latest thoughts were ours,
Shall mortal passions come to dim
The prayer devotion pours.

3 No, gracious Master, not in vain
Thy life of love hath been;
The peace thou gav'st may yet remain,
Though thou no more art seen.

4 "Thy kingdom come;" we watch, we wait,
To hear thy cheering call;
When heaven shall ope its glorious gate.
And God be all in all.

677. L. M. Watts.

Institution of the Lord's Supper.

1 'Twas on that dark, that doleful night,
When all the powers of darkness rose
Against the Son of God's delight,
And friends betrayed him to his foes:

2 Before the mournful scene began,
He took the bread, and blessed, and brake:
What love through all his actions ran!
What wondrous words of grace he spake!

3 "This is my body broke for sin;
Receive and eat the living food:"
Then took the cup and blessed the wine,--
"'Tis the new covenant in my blood."

4 "Do this," he said, "till time shall end,
In memory of your dying Friend;
Meet at my table, and record
The love of your departed Lord."

5 Jesus! thy feast we celebrate;
We show thy death, we sing thy name,
Till thou return, and we shall eat
The marriage supper of the Lamb.

678. L. M. Dublin Coll.

"This do in remembrance of me."

1 "Eat, drink, in memory of your Friend!"
Such was our Master's last request;
Who all the pangs of death endured,
That we might live forever blest.

2 Yes, we'll record thy matchless love,
Thou dearest, tenderest, best of friends!
Thy dying love the noblest praise
Our hearts can offer thee transcends.

3 'Tis pleasure more than earth can give
Thy goodness through these veils to see,
Thy table food celestial yields,
And happy they who sit with thee.

679. 7s. M. Bowring.

A Communion Hymn.

1 Not with terror do we meet
At the board by Jesus spread;
Not in mystery drink and eat
Of the Saviour's wine and bread.

2 'Tis his memory we record,
'Tis his virtues we proclaim;
Grateful to our honored Lord,
Here we bless his sacred name.

3 Yes, we will remember thee,
Friend and Saviour; and thy feast
Of all services shall be
Holiest and welcomest.

680. 10s. M. Beard's Coll.

"And all that believed were together." Acts 4:44.

1 Restore, O Father! to our times restore
The peace which filled thine infant church of yore;
Ere lust of power had sown the seeds of strife,
And quenched the new-born charities of life.

2 O never more may differing judgments part
From kindly sympathy a brother's heart;
But linked in one, believing thousands kneel,
And share with each the sacred joy they feel.

3 From soul to soul, quick as the sunbeam's ray,
Let concord spread one universal day;
And faith, by love lead all mankind to thee,
Parent of peace, and fount of harmony!

681. 7s. M. Pratt's Coll.

Spiritual Nourishment.

1 Bread of heaven! on thee we feed,
For thy flesh is meat indeed;
Ever let our souls be fed
With this true and living bread!

2 Vine of heaven! thy blood supplies
This blest cup of sacrifice;
Lord, thy wounds our healing give;
To thy cross we look and live.

3 Day by day with strength supplied,
Through the life of him who died;
Lord of Life! oh, let us be
Rooted, grafted, built on thee!

682. S. M. Furness.

A Communion Hymn.

1 Here, in the broken bread,
Here, in the cup we take,
His body and his blood behold,
Who suffered for our sake.

2 O Thou, who didst allow
Thy Son to suffer thus,
Father, what more couldst thou have done
Than thou hast done for us?

3 We are persuaded now
That nothing can divide
Thy children from thy boundless love,
Displayed in him who died;--

4 Who died to make us sure
Of mercy, truth and peace,
And from the power and pains of sin
To bring a full release.

683. C. M. Dale.

Christ Blessing the Bread.

1 Behold, amid his little flock,
The Saviour stands serene,
Unawed by suffering yet to be,
Unchanged by what hath been.

2 Still beams the light of love undimmed
In that benignant eye,
Nor, save his own prophetic word,
Aught speaks him soon to die.

3 He pours within the votive cup
The rich blood of the vine,
And "Drink ye all the hallowed draught,"
He cries, "This blood is mine."

4 He breaks the bread; then clasps his hands,
And lifts his eyes in prayer,
Receive ye this and view by faith
My body symbolled there.

684. C. M. Anonymous.

Christ's Law of Love.

1 Ye followers of the Prince of peace,
Who round his table draw!
Remember what his spirit was,
What his peculiar law.

2 The love which all his bosom filled
Did all his actions guide;
Inspired by love, he lived and taught;
Inspired by love, he died.

3 And do you love him? do you feel
Your warm affection move?
This is the proof which he demands,--
That you each other love.

685. S. M. Paradise St. Coll.

The Saviour Commemorated.

1 Jesus, the Friend of man.
Invites us to his board:
The welcome summons we obey,
And own our gracious Lord.

2 Here we survey that love
Which spoke in every breath,
Which crowned each action of his life,
And triumphed in his death.

3 Then let our powers unite,
His sacred name to raise;
Let grateful joy fill every mind,
And every voice be praise.

4 And while we share the gifts
Which from his gospel flow,
O, may our hearts to all mankind
With warm affection glow.

686. S. M. Doddridge.

Communion with God and Christ.

1 Our heavenly Father calls,
And Christ invites us near;
With both my friendship shall be sweet,
And my communion dear.

2 God pities all my griefs;
He pardons every day;
Almighty to protect my soul,
And wise to guide my way.

3 Jesus, my living Head,
I bless thy faithful care;
My Advocate before the throne,
And my Forerunner there.

4 Here fix my roving heart;
Here wait my warmest love,
Till the communion be complete,
In nobler scenes above.

687. 8s. & 7s. M. Anonymous.

The Eucharist.

1 As in solemn congregation
We attend upon thy house,
For the sweet commemoration
And renewal of our vows;
Let thy favor, with us resting,
Consecrate the bread and wine;
May we, of thy goodness tasting,
All be filled with love divine!

2 Jesus gave the sacred token
Of his passion, wine and bread,
Symbols of his body broken,
And his blood for sinners shed.
To the rite we come, confessing
Free redemption, grace unbought;
His be every name of blessing,
For his love, surpassing thought!

3 May thy counsels, King of glory!
Grateful awe and rapture move,
As we meditate the story
Of the Saviour's dying love;
Hear us, Lord, of thee entreating
Strength to walk in Jesus' ways!
God of light, shine on our meeting!
God of grace, accept our praise!

688. C. M. Doddridge.

Room at the Lord's Table.

1 Millions of souls, in glory now,
Were fed and feasted here;
And millions more, still on the way,
Around the board appear.

2 Yet is his house and heart so large
That millions more may come;
Nor could the whole assembled world
O'erfill the spacious room.

3 All things are ready; come away,
Nor weak excuses frame;
Crowd to your places at the feast,
And bless the Founder's name.

689. S. M. Furnesy.

A Communion Hymn.

1 O, for a prophet's fire,
O, for an angel's tongue,
To speak the mighty love of Him
Who on the cross was hung.

2 In vain our hearts attempt,
In language meet, to tell
How through a thousand sorrows burned
That flame unquenchable.

3 Yet would we praise that love,
Beyond expression dear:
Come, gather round this table, then,
And celebrate it here.

690. C. M. Montgomery.

"This do in remembrance of me."

1 According to thy gracious word,
In meek humility,
This will I do, my dying Lord,
I will remember thee.

2 Thy body broken for my sake,
My bread from heaven shall be;
Thy testamental cup I take,
And thus remember thee.

3 When to the cross I turn mine eyes,
And rest on Calvary,
O Lamb of God, my sacrifice!
I must remember thee.

4 Remember thee, and all thy pains,
And all thy love to me;
Yea, while a breath, a pulse remains,
Will I remember thee.

691. C. M. Noel.

"We love him because he first loved us."

1 If human kindness meets return,
And owns the grateful tie;
If tender thoughts within us burn
To feel that friends are nigh;

2 O, shall not warmer accents tell
The gratitude we owe
To Him who died, our fears to quell,
And save from death and woe?

3 While yet in anguish he surveyed
Those pangs he would not flee,
What love his latest words displayed;
"Meet, and remember me."

4 Remember thee! thy death, thy shame,
Our sinful hearts to share!
O, memory, leave no other name
But his, recorded there.

692. S. M. Watts.

"Whosoever will, let him come!"

1 Jesus invites his friends
To meet around his board,
And join in blest communion here
With him their gracious Lord.

2 For us he gave his life;
For us he gave his blood;
To save from sin our thankless race,
And bring them back to God.

3 Our heavenly Father calls
Christ and his members one;
We the young children of his grace,
And he the elder Son.

4 Let all our souls unite
A grateful song to raise;
Pleasure and love fill every mind,
And every voice be praise.

693. L. M. Watts.

A View of the Cross.

1 When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

2 Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ, my Lord;
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to his blood.

3 See from his head, his hands, his feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet?
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

4 Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

694. C. M. Lutheran Coll.

Close of Communion Service.

1 Pity the nations, O our God,
Constrain the earth to come;
Send thy victorious word abroad,
And bring the strangers home.

2 We long to see thy churches full,
That all thy faithful race
May with one voice, and heart, and soul,
Sing thy redeeming grace.

695. 8s. & 7s. M. Anonymous.

The Same.

1 From the table now retiring,
Which for us the Lord hath spread,
May our souls, refreshment finding,
Grow in all things like our Head.

2 His example by beholding,
May our lives his image bear;
Him our Lord and Master calling,
His commands may we revere.

3 Love to God and man displaying,
Walking steadfast in his way,--
Joy attend us in believing!
Peace from God, through endless day!

DEDICATIONS; ORDINATIONS; INSTALLATIONS.

696. L. M. Montgomery.

On Laying the Corner-stone of a Church.

1 This stone to thee in faith we lay,--
We build the temple, Lord, to thee,
Thine eye be open night and day,
To guard this house from error free.

2 Here, when thy people seek thy face,
And dying sinners pray to live,
Hear thou, in heaven thy dwelling-place,
And when thou hearest, Lord, forgive.

3 Here, when thy messengers proclaim
The blesséd gospel of thy Son,
Still by the power of his great name
Be mighty signs and wonders done.

4 When children's voices raise the song,
Hosanna! to their Heavenly King,
Let heaven with earth the strain prolong;
Hosanna! let the angels sing.

5 Thy glory never hence depart;
Yet choose not, Lord, this house alone;
Thy kingdom come to every heart;
In every bosom fix thy throne.

697. L. M. Willis.

Dedication Hymn.

1 The perfect world by Adam trod,
Was the first temple,--built by God;
His fiat laid the corner-stone,
And heaved its pillars, one by one.

2 He hung its starry roof on high,--
The broad, illimitable sky;
He spread its pavement, green and bright
And curtained it with morning light.

3 The mountains in their places stood,--
The sea, the sky,--and "all was good;"
And when its first pure praises rang,
The "morning stars together sang."

4 Lord! 'tis not ours to make the sea,
And earth and sky a house for thee;
But in thy sight our offering stands,
A humbler temple, "made with hands."

698. L. M. Pierpont.

The Same.

1 O, bow thine ear, Eternal One!
On thee our heart adoring calls;
To thee the followers of thy Son
Have raised and now devote these walls.

2 Here let thy holy days be kept;
And be this place to worship given,
Like that bright spot where Jacob slept,
The house of God, the gate of heaven.

3 Here may thine honor dwell; and here,
As incense, let thy children's prayer,
From contrite hearts and lips sincere,
Rise on the still and holy air.

4 Here be thy praise devoutly sung;
Here let thy truth beam forth to save,
As when, of old, thy spirit hung,
On wings of light, o'er Jordan's wave.

5 And when the lips, that with thy name
Are vocal now, to dust shall turn,
On others may devotion's flame
Be kindled here, and purely burn!

699. 7s. M. E. H. Chapin.

The Same.

1 Father, lo! we consecrate
Unto thee this house and shrine,
Oh! may Jesus visit here,
As he did in Palestine.
Here may blind eyes see his light,
Deaf ears hear his accents sweet,
And we, like those groups of old,
Sit and linger at his feet.

2 And to learn of faith and love,
Strong in sorrow, pain and loss,
May we come and find them here,
In the garden, on the cross.
Like the spices that enfold
Him we love in rich perfume,
May our thoughts embalm him here,
While he slumbers in the tomb.

3 When we watch by shrouded hopes,
Weeping at death's marble door,
May the angels meet us here--
Lo! your Christ has gone before!
And while we stand "looking up,"
In our faith and wonder lost,
Here send down thy Spirit's power,
Like the tongues of Pentecost.

700. L. M. Sir J. E. Smith.

God's Temple in the Heart.

1 Who shall a temple build for him,
Who fills the heaven of heavens alone?
Who shall exalt his glorious name,
Fixed in his everlasting throne?

2 Yet many a lowly fane shall rise,
Which God himself will not disdain:
He will accept the sacrifice;
Nor shall the offering e'er be vain.

3 No gorgeous dome, nor boastful vow,
Can e'er find favor in his sight:
The humble votary, meek and low,--
The holy soul, are his delight.

4 On these his grace and mercy rest,
Nor from their shrines will he depart:
His temple is the righteous breast;
His altar is the pious heart.

701. H. M. O. A. Skinner.

Dedication Hymn.

1 Thou Fount of love and grace,
Whose throne is fixed on high,
Unveil thy smiling face,
And to our souls draw nigh;
And let our prayers and praise arise,
Like grateful incense to the skies.

2 This house to thee we give--
Thine may it ever be--
Here bid the sinner live,
Here set the captive free,
Here let thy word its beams display
And safely guide to endless day.

3 Here may the stricken heart
By truth be cheered and blessed,
And here thy grace impart,
To all by grief oppressed--
And streams of peace and plenty flow,
To all who seek thy joy to know.

4 Long may these walls resound
With thy salvation, Lord,
And grace to all abound,
Who hear thy holy word--
And youth and age their offerings raise.
In songs of ardent, cheerful praise.

702. L. M. J. G. Adams.

Dedication of a Country Church.

1 On this fair spot where nature pays
From hill, and vale, and flower, and tree,
In morning beams, in evening rays,
Its homage, God of all, to thee;--

2 Thy children meet to dedicate
This temple to thy gracious name;
Our hearts and songs to elevate,--
Thy grace and glory to proclaim.

3 Descend--and with thy spirit bless
The offering; may it ever be
Sacred to truth and righteousness,
From error's dread dominion free.

4 Here let the standard of thy word
Be raised and held by gospel hands;
Hither bring hearts with one accord,
To learn and do thy great commands.

5 And when we leave these courts below,
To join the hosts in praise above,
May others here rejoice to know
Thy boundless, everlasting love.

703. C. M. Bryant.

Dedication Hymn.

1 O Thou, whose own vast temple stands,
Built over earth and sea,
Accept the walls that human hands
Have raised to worship thee.

2 Lord, from thine inmost glory send,
Within these courts to bide,
The peace that dwelleth, without end,
Serenely by thy side.

3 May erring minds that worship here
Be taught the better way,
And they who mourn, and they who fear,
Be strengthened as they pray!

4 May faith grow firm, and love grow warm,
And pure devotion rise,
While round these hallowed walls the storm
Of earth-born passion dies!

704. L. M. Watts.

A House for God.

1 Where shall we go to seek and find
A habitation for our God?
A dwelling for th' Eternal Mind
Among the sons of flesh and blood?

2 The God of Jacob chose the hill
Of Zion for his ancient rest;
And Zion is his dwelling still;
His church is with his presence blest.

3 Here will he meet the hungry poor,
And fill their souls with living bread;
Here sinners, waiting at his door,
With sweet provision shall be fed.

4 "Here will I fix my gracious throne,
And reign forever," saith the Lord;
"Here shall my power and love be known,
And blessings shall attend my word."

705. H. M. Francis.

Prayer for God's Presence and Blessing.

1 Great King of glory, come,
And with thy favor crown
This temple as thy home,
This people as thine own:
Beneath this roof, O deign to show
How God can dwell with men below.

2 Here may thine ears attend
Our interceding cries,
And grateful praise ascend,
Like incense to the skies:
Here may thy word melodious sound,
And spread celestial joys around.

3 Here may our unborn sons
And daughters sound thy praise,
And shine, like polished stones,
Through long-succeeding days:
Here, Lord, display thy saving power,
While temples stand and men adore.

4 Here may the listening throng
Imbibe thy truth and love;
Here Christians join the song
Of seraphim above;
Till all, who humbly seek thy face,
Rejoice in thy abounding grace.

706. L. M. E. H. Chapin.

The Same.

1 Our Father God! not face to face
May mortal sense commune with thee,
Nor lift the curtains of that place
Where dwells thy secret Majesty.
Yet whereso'er our spirits bend
In rev'rent faith and humble prayer,
Thy promised blessing will descend,
And we shall find thy spirit there.

2 Lord! be the spot where now we meet,
An open gateway into heaven;
Here may we sit at Jesus' feet,
And feel our deepest sins forgiven.
Here may desponding care look up;
And sorrow lay its burden down,
Or learn, of him, to drink the cup,
To bear the cross, and win the crown.

3 Here may the sick and wandering soul,
To truth still blind, to sin a slave,
Find better than Bethesda's pool,
Or than Siloam's healing wave.
And may we learn, while here apart
From the world's passion and its strife
That thy true shrine's a loving heart,
And thy best praise a holy life!

707. L. M. Pierpont.

Ordination Hymn.

1 O Thou, who art above all height!
Our God, our Father, and our Friend!
Beneath thy throne of love and light,
Let thine adoring children bend.

2 We kneel in praise, that here is set
A vine that by thy culture grew;
We kneel in prayer, that thou wouldst wet
Its opening leaves with heavenly dew.

3 Since thy young servant now hath given
Himself, his powers, his hopes, his youth
To the great cause of truth and heaven,
Be thou his guide, O God of truth!

4 Here may his doctrines drop like rain,
His speech like Hermon's dew distil,
Till green fields smile, and golden grain,
Ripe for the harvest, waits thy will.

5 And when he sinks in death,--by care,
Or pain, or toil, or years oppressed,--
O God! remember then our prayer,
And take his spirit to thy rest.

708. 8s. & 6s. M. S. F. Smith.

Benefits of the Ministry.

1 Blest is the hour when cares depart,
And earthly scenes are far,--
When tears of woe forget to start,
And gently dawns upon the heart
Devotion's holy star.

2 Blest is the place where angels bend
To hear our worship rise,
Where kindred thoughts their musings blend,
And all the soul's affections tend
Beyond the veiling skies.

3 Blest are the hallowed vows that bind
Man to his work of love,--
Bind him to cheer the humble mind,
Console the weeping, lead the blind,
And guide to joys above.

4 Sweet shall the song of glory swell,
Spirit divine to thee,
When they whose work is finished well,
In thy own courts of rest shall dwell,
Blest through eternity.

709. L. M. H. Ware, Jr.

Ordination or Installation.

1 O Thou, who on thy chosen Son
Didst send thy Spirit like a dove,
To mark the long expected one,
And seal the messenger of love;

2 And when the heralds of his name
Went forth his glorious truth to spread,
Didst send it down in tongues of flame
To hallow each devoted head;

3 So, Lord, thy servant now inspire
With holy unction from above;
Give him the tongue of living fire,
Give him the temper of the dove.

4 Lord, hear thy suppliant church to-day;
Accept our work, our souls possess,
'Tis ours to labor, watch, and pray;
Be thine to cheer, sustain, and bless.

710. C. M. E. H. Chapin.

Ordination Hymn.

1 O Thou, who didst ordain the Word,
And its strong heralds send,
We draw the holy veil of prayer,
And in thy presence bend.
To this young warrior of the cross,
Who takes his station here,
Be thou a teacher and a guide,
And be thy Spirit near.

2 A pure disciple, let him tread
The ways his Master trod--
Giving the weary spirits rest,
Leading the lost to God--
Stooping to lend the sufferer aid,
Crushed sorrow's wail to hear,
To bind the widow's broken heart,
And dry the orphan's tear.

3 For war with error, make him strong,
And sin, the soul's dark foe--
But let him humbly seek for truth,
Where'er its waters flow.
And when, O Father, at the grave
He lays his armor down,
Give him the victor's glistening robe,
The palm-wreath and the crown.

711. L. M. Montgomery.

A Pastor Welcomed.

1 We bid thee welcome in the name
Of Jesus, our exalted Head:
Come as a servant; so he came;
And we receive thee in his stead.

2 Come as an angel, hence to guide
A band of pilgrims on their way;
That, safely walking at thy side,
We never fail, nor faint, nor stray.

3 Come as a teacher sent from God,
Charged his whole counsel to declare;
Lift o'er our ranks the prophet's rod,
While we uphold thy hands with prayer.

4 Come as a messenger of peace,
Filled with the Spirit, fired with love;
Live to behold our large increase,
And die to meet us all above.

712. 8s. & 7s. M. J. G. Adams.

Charge to a Pastor.

1 Herald of the Lord's salvation,
Watchful in thy station stand;
Heed the heavenly proclamation,
Heed the Master's great command.
Mark old error's gathering forces
Compassing our Zion round;
Know in truth thine own resources,
Give the trumpet's certain sound!

2 Christ proclaim in the new station,
Herald, now assigned to thee;
That the waiting congregation
God's salvation here may see.
Christ proclaim--no line abating
Of the counsel of the Lord;
From no promise deviating;
From no precept; "preach the word."

3 Then, God's blessing resting o'er thee,
And his truth, by night, by day,
Cloud and pillar bright before thee,
Shall make glad thy gospel way;
Till thy work well done, the greeting
Of the Master will be given;
Till we rise to that one meeting--
Pastor--people--all--in heaven!

713. 7s. M. E. Peabody.

Ordination or Installation.

1 Lift aloud the voice of praise!
God, our Father and our Friend,
Hear the prayer and song we raise,
Weak, yet trusting, we would bend.

2 Lo! another servant brought
To the heritage of God;--
May he teach as Christ hath taught,
Tread the path his Saviour trod.

3 To the vineyard may he come
Girded with celestial might;
Skilled to draw thy children home,
Taught to give the darkened light.

4 Unto thee, a people bend,--
Bind us heart to heart in love;
Flock and pastor, we would tend
Ever toward our home above.

714. H. M. Mrs. Case.

The Same.

1 Lord! on thy Zion's wall
A faithful watchman stands,
And hears the solemn call
Of anxious, waiting bands,
Who seek along the waning night
For heralds of thy coming light.

2 Oh, may he never sleep
Upon his weary post,
Nor shrink, though round him sweep
The storm's embattled host;
But, whatsoe'er the night may be,
Stand firm in duty and in thee!

3 And let his visioned eye
Rest on the truth sublime,
That sin and woe shall fly
Before advancing time,
Till in thine own eternal day
The latest tear hath passed away.

4 And when his watch is done,
Oh, let unclouded light,
From heaven's all glorious sun
Gleam on his closing sight:--
That all who see his death, shall know
His spirit walked with thee below.

715. 6s. & 4s. M. J. G. Adams.

The Same.

1 Sovereign of worlds above!
From thy blest throne of love,
To us appear;
Help, as we raise to thee,
Prayers of humility,
Praises of spirits free;
And wilt thou hear.

2 Be thy rich blessing shed
On thy young servant's head,
In this bright hour,
Who at thine altar stands,
With trusting heart and hands,
Waiting thy true commands,--
Seeking thy power.

3 Grant him thy wisdom, Lord,
And with thy mighty word
Armed may he be;
Faithful in teaching here,
Moved by thy holy fear,--
May his great charge be dear,
Father, to thee.

4 And when, his toilings ceased,
To heaven, from earth released,
Thou bid him come;
Then, where no sin-cloud lowers,
Be his glad theme and ours,
Love's high redeeming powers,
Man's endless home!

716. 8s. 7s. & 4s. M. L. C. Browne.

The Same.

1 As the evening shadows gather
O'er us, from thy holy hill
May thy blessing, righteous Father,
Like the evening dew distil;
And thy presence
Every heart with rapture fill!

2 While in summer's warmth and beauty,
We our brother set apart
To the pastor's solemn duty,
May thy spirit warm his heart;
Without measure,
Wisdom, strength and love impart.

3 To perform the sacred function
As thy servant we ordain,
Father, may the holy unction
Fall on him, like summer rain!
Make him fertile,
Bearing fruit like golden grain.

4 In the path of duty guide him,
Firm in virtue may he stand;
And from storm and peril, hide him
In the hollow of thy hand;
Keep his footsteps
Till he tread the better land.

5 When at last his toils are over,
Summer ended, autumn near,
May he and his flock, like clover
Ripened for the scythe, appear;
And when falling,
Guardian angels linger near.

717. 8s. 7s. & 4s. M. E. H. Chapin.

The Same.

1 Father! at this altar bending,
Set our hearts from world-thoughts free;
Prayer and praise their incense blending,
May our rites accepted be:
Father, hear us,
Gently draw our souls to thee.

2 Deign to smile upon this union
Of a pastor and a flock;
Sweet and blest be their communion:
May he sacred truths unlock--
And this people
Plant their feet on Christ the Rock.

3 Be his life a living sermon,
Be his thoughts one ceaseless prayer:
Like the dews that fell on Hermon,
Making green the foliage there,
May his teachings
Drop on souls beneath his care.

4 Here may Sin repent its straying,
Here may Grief forget to weep,
Here may Hope its light displaying,
And blest Faith, their vigils keep,
And the dying
Pass from hence in Christ to sleep.

5 When _his_ heart shall cease its motion,
All its toils and conflicts o'er;
When _they_ for an unseen ocean,
One by one, shall leave the shore;
Pastor, people, there--in heaven,
May they meet to part no more.

718. C. M. H. Bacon.

The Same.

1 Not for the prophet tongue of fire,
Nor voice of trumpet tone,
We lift our prayer, Immortal Sire,
For him before thy throne.

2 We ask for wisdom's gifts and grace,
The heart alive to love,
The earnest zeal to save our race,
All selfish aims above.

3 Lord, bless him now! By holy rite,
We consecrate to thee!
Make to his eye the chief delight
Christ's prospering work to see.

4 Bold let him be for truth and man,
For God and righteousness!
Free let him speak the gospel plan,
And the whole truth confess.

5 Be cloud and fire about his way,
Till Canaan's land is trod!
Then o'er his grave thy church shall say,
He led us to our God!

ASSOCIATIONS, CONVENTIONS, AND MISSIONARY MEETINGS.

719. C. M. Doddridge.

For a Meeting of Ministers.

1 Let Zion's watchmen all awake,
And take the alarm they give:
Now let them, from the mouth of God,
Their solemn charge receive.

2 'Tis not a cause of small import
The pastor's care demands;
But what might fill an angel's heart,
And filled a Saviour's hands.

3 May they, that Jesus whom they preach,
Their own Redeemer see;
And watch thou daily o'er their souls,
That they may watch for thee.

720. 8s. & 7s. M. Anonymous.

Burden and Conflict of the Ministry.

1 Onward, Christian, though the region
Where thou art be drear and lone;
God hath set a guardian legion
Very near thee,--press thou on!

2 By the thorn-wood, and none other,
Is the mount of vision won;
Tread it without shrinking, brother!
Jesus trod it,--press thou on!

3 By thy trustful, calm endeavor,
Guiding, cheering, like the sun,
Earth-bound hearts thou shalt deliver
O, for their sake, press thou on!

4 Be this world the wiser, stronger,
For thy life of pain and peace;
While it needs thee, O, no longer
Pray thou for thy quick release.

5 Pray thou, Christian, daily, rather,
That thou be a faithful son;
By the prayer of Jesus,--"Father,
Not my will, but thine, be done!"

721. L. M. A. Balfour.

Ministers Charged and Encouraged.

1 Go, messengers of peace and love,
To people plunged in shades of night;
Like angels sent from fields above,
Be yours to shed celestial light.

2 Go to the hungry,--food impart;
To paths of peace the wanderer guide;
And lead the thirsty panting heart
Where streams of living water glide.

3 O faint not in the day of toil,
When harvest waits the reaper's hand;
Go, gather in the glorious spoil,
And joyous in his presence stand.

4 Thy love a rich reward shall find
From him who sits enthroned on high;
For they who turn the erring mind
Shall shine like stars above the sky.

722. S. M. Wesleyan.

Call to Labor in God's Vineyard.

1 The vineyard of the Lord
Before his laborers lies;
And, lo! we see the vast reward
Which waits us in the skies.

2 O let us then proceed
In God's great work below,
And following our triumphant Head,
To further conquests go.

3 And let our heart and mind
Continually ascend,
That haven of repose to find,
Where all our labors end.

4 What honor to behold,
In that sublime abode,
The patriarchs and prophets old,
And all the men of God!

5 Then spend our days beneath,
Toiling in cheerful hope;
And fearless pass the vale of death,
And gain the mountain top.

723. L. M. Episcopal Coll.

For Laborers in God's Harvest.

1 O Spirit of the living God,
In all thy plenitude of grace,
Where'er the foot of man hath trod,
Descend on our degenerate race!

2 Give tongues of fire and hearts of love,
To preach the reconciling word;
Give power and unction from above,
Where'er the joyful sound is heard.

3 Be darkness, at thy coming, light;
Confusion, order, in thy path;
Souls without strength inspire with might;
Bid mercy triumph over wrath.

4 Convert the nations; far and nigh
The triumphs of the cross record;
The name of Jesus glorify,
Till every people call him Lord.

724. 7s. M. Byrant.

A Blessing invoked on Christian Teachers.

1 Mighty One, before whose face,
Wisdom had her glorious seat,
When the orbs that people space
Sprang to birth beneath thy feet;

2 Source of truth, whose rays alone
Light the mighty world of mind;
God of love, who from thy throne
Kindly watchest all mankind;

3 Shed on those, who in thy name
Teach the way of truth and right,
Shed that love's undying flame,
Shed that wisdom's guiding light.

725. L. M. H. Ballou.

At an Annual Convention.

1 Dear Lord, behold thy servants, here,
From various parts together meet,
To tell their labors through the year,
And lay the harvest at thy feet.

2 The reapers cry, "Thy fields are white,
All ready to be gathered in,
And harvests wave in changing light,
Far as the eye can trace the scene."

3 Lord, bless us while we here remain;
With holy love our bosoms fill;
O may thy doctrine drop like rain,
And like the silent dew distil.

4 While we attend thy churches' care
O grant us wisdom from above;
With prudent thought and humble prayer,
May we fulfil the works of love.

726. L. M. Hymns of Zion.

The Same.

1 Brethren, beloved for Jesus' sake,
A hearty welcome here receive;
May we together now partake
The joys which he alone can give.

2 May he by whose kind care we meet,
Send his good Spirit from above,
Make our communion pure and sweet,
And cause our hearts to burn with love.

3 Forgotten be each worldly theme,
When thus we meet, to pray and praise;
We but desire to speak of him,
And of his holy word and ways.

4 Thus as the moments pass away,
We'll love, and wonder and adore;
Then hasten on, the glorious day,
When we shall meet to part no more.

727. C. M. Hymns of Zion.

The Same.

1 Joined in a union firm and strong,
No foe our ranks can break;
To victory we press along,
And glorious warfare make.
Our fervent prayers shall still prevail
Against a host of sins;
And angels every Christian hail
Whose love a conquest wins.

2 Then let our ranks, more closely joined,
With shield and buckler stand;
A kingdom we at last shall find,
The promised spirit-land.
Let all with harmony of voice,
In lofty praises join;
Let every soul in Christ rejoice,
With rapture all divine.

3 The kindling flame begins to glow,
Each heart grows warm with love;
And we enjoy on earth below,
The bliss of heaven above!
O thus forever may we feel,
And evermore display
Devotion's pure and holy zeal,
In Zion's chosen way.

728. 7s. & 6s. M. J. G. Adams.

The Same.

1 Our Father--ever living!
Once more thy children come,
In joy and true thanksgiving,
To this their gospel home.
United--from dissension
Kept by thy goodness free--
Again in glad Convention
Our vows we pay to thee.

2 The Past! Its ways are beaming
With thy sure mercies, Lord--
Thy truth and grace redeeming,
Sent o'er the earth abroad,
The hoary shrines of error
Have cast aside; and free
From darkness, doubt, and terror
Its children come to thee.

3 The Present! Loudly sounding,
Its cheering tones are heard;
Be our full hearts abounding
In its strong Hope and Word!
Be strength and wisdom, Father!
Bestowing what we need,
Truth's harvest-sheaves to gather--
Christ's kingdom here to speed.

4 The Future! Indications
Of mightier works are there:--
Truth's promised revelations;
Thine arm of power made bare;
From sin's dread reign exemption:
Man's life in Christ, divine;
The erring world's redemption;
The glory, Father, thine!

729. C. M. Mrs. Sawyer.

The Same.

1 We gather in the name of God,
And, bowing down the head,
We stretch our waiting hands abroad,
And humbly ask for aid:
For aid, when o'er the spirit's day,
Thick clouds of darkness rest,
That we may chase the gloom away,
And light the darkened breast.

2 For strength to lead the poor, the weak
Who tread the vale of years,--
For pity's hand to dry the cheek
Where sorrow sits in tears;
For hope, the beautiful and bright,
That whispers, "Ne'er despond!"
For faith, that through the darkest night
Still sees a star beyond.

3 Bold heralds of the cross, O God,
Undaunted send us forth;
Salvation be our rallying word,--
Our field, the boundless earth;
Love on our lips, and in our soul,
Our labors never done;
O Sovereign Helper! till the goal
By all at last be won.

730. 7s. M. H. K. White.

Closing Hymn at an Association.

1 Christians! brethren! ere we part,
Every voice and every heart
Join, and to our Father raise
One last hymn of grateful praise.

2 Though we here should meet no more,
Yet there is a brighter shore;
There, released from toil and pain,
There we all may meet again.

3 Now to him who reigns in heaven
Be eternal glory given;
Grateful for thy love divine,
O may all our hearts be thine!

731. C. M. Sutton.

The Same.

1 Hail, sweetest, dearest tie that binds
Our glowing hearts in one;
Hail, sacred hope, that tunes our minds
To sing what God hath done.
It is the hope, the blissful hope,
Which gospel grace hath given;
The hope, when days and years are past,
We all shall meet in heaven.