Hymns for Christian Devotion Especially Adapted to the Universalist Denomination (part 3 of 3)

Hymns for Christian Devotion Especially Adapted to the Universalist Denomination (part 3 of 3)

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.

2 From eastern shores, from northern lands, From western hill and plain, From southern climes, the brother-bands May hope to meet again; It is the hope, the blissful hope, Which love divine hath given: The hope, when life and time are o'er, We all shall meet in heaven.

3 No hope deferred, no parting sigh, That blessed meeting knows; There friendship beams from every eye, And hope immortal grows. It is the hope, the precious hope, Which boundless grace hath given: The hope, when time shall be no more, We all shall meet in heaven.

732. C. M. W. Ward.

Prayer for the Success of the Gospel.

1 Great God, the nations of the earth Are by creation thine; And in thy works, by all beheld, Thy radiant glories shine.

2 But, Lord, thy greater love has sent Thy gospel to mankind, Unveiling what rich stores of grace Are treasured in thy mind.

3 O, when shall these glad tidings spread The spacious earth around, Till every tribe and every soul Shall hear the joyful sound?

4 Smile, Lord, on each divine attempt To spread the gospel's rays, And build on sin's demolished throne The temples of thy praise.

733. 7s. & 6s. M. Heber.

Missionary Hymn.

1 From Greenland's icy mountains, From India's coral strand,-- Where Afric's sunny fountains Roll down their golden sand,-- From many an ancient river, From many a palmy plain,-- They call us to deliver Their land from error's chain.

2 What though the spicy breezes Blow soft o'er Ceylon's isle; Though every prospect pleases, And only man is vile; In vain with lavish kindness The gifts of God are strown; The heathen in his blindness Bows down to wood and stone.

3 Shall we, whose souls are lighted By wisdom from on high, Shall we to men benighted The lamp of life deny? Salvation! O, salvation! The joyful sound proclaim, Till each remotest nation Has learnt Messiah's name.

734. 7s. M. Pratt's Coll.

The Same.

1 Go! ye messengers of God, Like the beams of morning, fly; Take the wonder-working rod, Wave the Banner-Cross on high! Where th' lofty minaret Gleams along the morning skies, Wave it till the crescent set, And the "Star of Jacob" rise.

2 Go! to many a tropic isle, In the bosom of the deep; Where the skies forever smile, And th' oppressed forever weep! O'er the negro's night of care Pour the living light of heaven; Chase away the fiend despair, Bid him hope to be forgiven!

3 When the golden gates of day Open on the palmy east, Wide the bleeding cross display, Spread the gospel's richest feast: Circumnavigate the ball, Visit every soil and sea; Preach the Cross of Christ to all-- Jesus' love is full and free!

735. C. M. S. W. Livermore.

The Western Churches.

1 Our pilgrim brethren dwelling far,-- O God of truth and love, Light thou their path with thine own star, Bright beaming from above.

2 Wide as their mighty rivers flow, Let thine own truth extend; Where prairies spread and forests grow, O Lord, thy gospel send.

3 Then will a mighty nation own A union firm and strong;-- The sceptre of th' eternal throne Shall rule its councils long.

736. C. P. M. Episcopal Coll.

On Western Missions.

1 When, Lord, to this our western land, Led by thy providential hand, Our wandering fathers came, Their ancient homes, their friends in youth Sent forth the heralds of thy truth, To keep them in thy name.

2 Then, through our solitary coast, The desert features soon were lost; Thy temples there arose; Our shores, as culture made them fair, Were hallowed by thy rites, by prayer, And blossomed as the rose.

3 And O, may we repay this debt To regions solitary yet Within our spreading land! There brethren, from our common home, Still westward, like our fathers, roam, Still guided by thy hand.

4 Father, we own this debt of love; O, shed thy Spirit from above, To move each Christian breast, Till heralds shall thy truth proclaim, And temples rise, to fix thy name, Through all our boundless West!

737. L. M. Winchell's Sel.

Missionaries Encouraged.

1 Ye Christian heralds,--go, proclaim Salvation in Immanuel's name: To distant climes the tidings bear, And plant the rose of Sharon there.

2 He'll shield you with a wall of fire, With holy zeal your hearts inspire, Bid raging winds their fury cease, And calm the savage breast to peace.

3 And when our labors all are o'er, Then shall we meet to part no more,-- Meet, with the ransomed throng to fail, And crown the Saviour Lord of all.

EARLY RELIGIOUS CULTURE.

738. 7s. M. Campbell's Coll.

Prayer for Children.

1 God of mercy, hear our prayer For the children thou hast given; Let them all thy blessings share-- Grace on earth and bliss in heaven.

2 In the morning of their days May their hearts be drawn to thee; Let them learn to lisp thy praise In their earliest infancy.

3 When we see their passions rise, Sinful habits unsubdued, Then to thee we lift our eyes, That their hearts may be renewed.

4 For this mercy, Lord, we cry; Bend thine ever-gracious ear; While on thee our souls rely, Hear our prayer--in mercy hear.

739. C. M. Bp. Heber.

Early Religion.

1 By cool Siloam's shady rill How sweet the lily grows! How sweet the breath beneath the hill Of Sharon's dewy rose!

2 Lo, such the child whose early feet The paths of peace have trod; Whose secret heart, with influence sweet, Is upward drawn to God!

3 By cool Siloam's shady rill The lily must decay; The rose that blooms beneath the hill Must shortly fade away.

4 And soon, too soon, the wintry hour Of man's maturer age Will shake the soul with sorrow's power, And stormy passion's rage!

5 O Thou, who giv'st us life and breath, We seek thy grace alone, In childhood, manhood, age, and death; To keep us still thine own!

740. 7s. & 6s. M. S. F. Smith.

"Remember thy Creator."

1 "Remember thy Creator" While youth's fair spring is bright, Before thy cares are greater, Before comes age's night; While yet the sun shines o'er thee, While stars the darkness cheer, While life is all before thee, Thy great Creator fear.

741. C. M. Watts.

Early Piety.

1 When children give their hearts to God, 'Tis pleasing in his eyes; A flower, when offered in the bud, Is no vain sacrifice.

2 It saves us from a thousand snares To mind religion young; Grace will preserve our following years, And make our virtues strong.

3 To thee, Almighty God, to thee May we our hearts resign; 'Twill please us to look back and see, That our whole lives were thine.

742. C. M. Gibbons.

The Same.

1 In the soft season of thy youth, In Nature's smiling bloom, Ere age arrive, and trembling wait Its summons to the tomb;

2 Remember thy Creator, God; For him thy powers employ; Make him thy fear, thy love, thy hope, Thy confidence, thy joy.

3 He shall defend and guide thy course Through life's uncertain sea, Till thou art landed on the shore Of blessed eternity.

4 Then seek the Lord betimes, and choose The path of heavenly truth: The earth affords no lovelier sight Than a religious youth.

743. L. M. Landon.

Permanence of Early Religious Impressions.

1 While yet the youthful spirit bears The image of its God within, And uneffaced that beauty wears So soon to be destroyed by sin;--

2 Then is the time for faith and love To take in charge their precious care, Teach the young eye to look above, Teach the young knee to bend in prayer.

3 The world will come with care and crime, And tempt too many a heart astray; Still the seed sown in early time Will not be wholly cast away.

4 The infant prayer, the infant hymn, Within the darkened soul will rise, When age's weary eye is dim, And the grave's shadow round us lies.

5 Lord, grant our hearts be so inclined, Thy work to seek, thy will to do; And while we teach the youthful mind, Our own be taught thy lessons too.

744. C. M. Watts.

Importance of the Bible to the Young.

1 How shall the young secure their hearts, And guard their lives, from sin? Thy word the choicest rules imparts To keep the conscience clean.

2 'Tis, like the sun, a heavenly light, That guides us all the day, And, through the dangers of the night, A lamp to lead our way.

3 Thy precepts make us truly wise; We hate the sinner's road: We hate our own vain thoughts that rise, But love thy law, O God!

4 Thy word is everlasting truth: How pure is every page! That holy book shall guide our youth, And well support our age.

745. S. M. Anonymous.

Youth and the Spring-time.

1 Sweet is the time of spring, When nature's charms appear; The birds with ceaseless pleasure sing, And hail the opening year: But sweeter far the spring Of wisdom and of grace, When children bless and praise their King, Who loves the youthful race.

2 Sweet is the dawn of day, When light just streaks the sky; When shades and darkness pass away, And morning's beams are nigh: But sweeter far the dawn Of piety in youth; When doubt and darkness are withdrawn, Before the light of truth.

3 Sweet is the early dew, Which gilds the mountain tops, And decks each plant and flower we view, With pearly, glittering drops; But sweeter far the scene On Zion's holy hill, When there the dew of youth is seen Its freshness to distil.

746. C. M. Episcopal Coll.

"Remember thy Creator."

1 In the glad morn of life, when youth With generous ardor glows, And shines in all the fairest charms That beauty can disclose;

2 Deep on thy soul,--before its powers Are yet by vice enslaved,-- Be thy Creator's lofty name And character engraved.

3 For soon the shades of grief may cloud The sunshine of thy days; And cares and toils, an endless round, Encompass all thy ways.

4 True wisdom, early sought and gained, In age will give thee rest; O then, improve the morn of life, To make its evening blest!

747. 8s. & 7s. M. R. Streeter.

Children's Prayer.

1 God of mercy and of wisdom, Hear thy children's lisping cry; Let thy presence, Lord, be with them, Teaching lessons from on high.

2 Here, beneath thy wing, we seat us, Up to heaven for wisdom look; Lord, in mercy deign to meet us,-- Meet us in thy sacred book.

3 Since thy truth doth gild its pages, May that truth, Lord, make us free; On the Rock of endless ages Let our faith established be.

4 To our faith we'll add the graces, Virtue, knowledge, patience, love; When on earth we leave our places, Raise us all to seats above.

748. 7s. M. Grey.

Sabbath School Hymn.

1 Suppliant, lo! thy children bend, Father, for thy blessing now; Thou canst teach us, guide, defend,-- We are weak, almighty thou.

2 With the peace thy word imparts, Be the taught and teacher blest; In their lives and on their hearts, Father, be thy laws imprest.

3 Pour into each longing mind Light and knowledge from above: Charity for all mankind-- Trusting faith, enduring love.

749. 8s. & 7s. M. Anonymous.

Opening of the School.

1 We have met in peace together In this house of God again; Constant friends have led us hither, Here to chant the solemn strain, Here to breathe our adoration, Here the Saviour's praise to sing: May the Spirit of salvation Come with healing in his wing.

2 We have met, and Time is flying; We shall part, and still his wing, Sweeping o'er the dead and dying, Will the changeful seasons bring: Let us, while our hearts are lightest, In our fresh and early years, Turn to Him whose smile is brightest, And whose grace will calm our fears.

3 He will aid us, should existence With its sorrows sting the breast; Gleaming in the onward distance, Faith will mark the land of rest: There, 'midst day-beams round him playing, We our Father's face shall see, And shall hear him gently saying, "Little children, come to me."

750. C. M. William Cutter.

Youthful Example.

1 What if the little rain should say, So small a drop as I Can ne'er refresh these thirsty fields, I'll tarry in the sky?

2 What if a shining beam of noon Should in its fountain stay, Because its feeble light alone Cannot create a day?

3 Doth not each rain-drop help to form The cool, refreshing shower, And every ray of light to warm And beautify the flower?

4 Go thou, and strive to do thy share-- One talent,--less than thine,-- Improved with steady zeal and care, Would gain rewards divine.

751. L. M. Montgomery.

Sabbath School Anniversary.

1 From year to year in love we meet; From year to year in peace we part; The tongues of children uttering sweet The thrilling joy of every heart.

2 But time rolls on; and, year by year, We change, grow up, or pass away; Not twice the same assembly here Have hailed the children's festal day.

3 Death, ere another year, may strike Some in our number marked to fall: Be young and old prepared alike; The warning is to each, to all.

4 Oft broke, our failing ranks renew; Send teachers, children, in our place, More humble, docile, faithful, true, More like thy Son, from race to race.

752. L. M. Anonymous.

For the Close of a Sabbath School.

1 Father, once more let grateful praise And humble prayer to thee ascend; Thou Guide and Guardian of our ways, Our early and our only Friend.

2 Since every day and hour that's gone Has been with mercy richly crowned, Mercy, we know, shall still flow on, Forever sure as time rolls round.

3 Hear then the parting prayers we pour, And bind our hearts in love alone; And if we meet on earth no more, May we at last surround thy throne.

753. 6s. & 4s. M. J. G. Adams.

Sabbath School Anniversary.

1 Creation's sovereign Lord! Be thy glad name adored Through earth and sky! Hear, as in youthful days To thee we humbly raise Songs of our grateful praise, Holy and high!

2 Thanks for thy light so free, Causing our eyes to see Thy truth and grace; Love, that dispels our fear, Mercy, to sinners dear, Life, dying souls to cheer, For all our race.

3 Thanks, that on hearts like ours Thy loving kindness showers Knowledge divine; O let its influence be Fruitful in works for thee, Causing in purity Our lives to shine.

4 Bless this our childhood band, And let us ever stand Truthful and strong; Christians in deed and love, Such as thou wilt approve, Till we in worlds above Thy praise prolong!

754. 7s. & 6s. M. S. S. Choir.

The Same.

1 When, his salvation bringing, To Zion Jesus came, The children all stood singing Hosanna to his name. Nor did their zeal offend him, But, as he rode along, He bade them still attend him, And smiled to hear their song.

2 And since the Lord retaineth His love for children still, Though now as king he reigneth On Zion's heavenly hill, We'll flock around his banner, Who sits upon the throne; And cry aloud, "Hosanna To David's royal Son."

3 For should we fail proclaiming Our great Redeemer's praise, The stones, our silence shaming, Might well hosanna raise. But shall we only render The tribute of our words? No! while our hearts are tender, They, too, shall be the Lord's.

755. 7s. & 6s. M. Boston S. S. H. Book.

Anniversary of Independence.

1 We come with joy and gladness To breathe our songs of praise, Nor let one note of sadness Be mingled in our lays; For 'tis a hallowed story, This theme of freedom's birth: Our fathers' deeds of glory Are echoed round the earth.

2 The sound is waxing stronger, And thrones and nations hear-- Proud men shall rule no longer, For God the Lord is near: And he will crush oppression, And raise the humble mind, And give the earth's possession Among the good and kind.

3 And then shall sink the mountains Where pride and power are crowned, And peace, like gentle fountains, Shall shed its pureness round. O God! we would adore thee, And in thy shadow rest; Our fathers bowed before thee, And trusted and were blest.

756. 8s. & 7s. M. Horne.

Autumn Warnings.

1 See the leaves around us falling, Dry and withered, to the ground; Thus to thoughtless mortals calling, In a sad and solemn sound:--

2 "Youth, on length of days presuming, Who the paths of pleasure tread,-- View us, late in beauty blooming, Numbered now among the dead.

3 "What though yet no losses grieve you, Gay with health and many a grace, Let not cloudless skies deceive you: Summer gives to autumn place."

4 On the tree of life eternal, Let our highest hopes be staid: This alone, forever vernal, Bears a leaf that shall not fade.

757. C. M. Anonymous.

Death of a Teacher.

1 Farewell, dear friend! a long farewell! For we shall meet no more Till we are raised with thee to dwell On Zion's happy shore.

2 Our friend and brother, lo! is dead! The cold and lifeless clay Has made in dust its silent bed, And there it must decay.

3 Farewell, dear friend, again farewell,-- Soon we shall rise to thee; And when we meet, no tongue can tell How great our joys shall be.

4 No more we'll mourn thee, parted friend, But lift our ardent prayer, And every thought and effort bend To rise and join thee there.

758. 12s. & 11s. M. Anonymous.

The Same.

1 Though lost to our sight, we may not deplore thee, The clear light of faith shall illumine thy road; All through the dark valley shall angels watch o'er thee, And guide thee in peace to the home of thy God.

2 Thy heart, while on earth, in his praises delighted, Thy voice ever spoke of his fatherly love; And now, by life's shadows no longer benighted, Thou wilt love him and praise him in heaven above.

3 And there may we meet when life shall be ended, All tears wiped away, and all errors forgiven, And there may our prayers together be blended In the sweet song of praise to our Master in heaven.

759. L. M. S. S. Choir.

Death of a Scholar.

1 We come our Sabbath hymn to raise, Our earnest, humble prayer to pour; One voice is hushed, its notes of praise Shall mingle here with ours no more.

2 The lips are still, the eye is dim, That brightly beamed with joy and love; The spirit, it hath gone to Him Who freely gave it from above.

3 We will not weep, for Jesus said, "Let little children to me come;" But pray that our young hearts be led To seek our everlasting home.

760. C. M. Boston S. S. H. Book.

The Same.

1 Death has been here, and borne away A brother from our side: Just in the morning of his day, As young as we he died.

2 We cannot tell who next may fall Beneath thy chastening rod; One must be first, but let us all Prepare to meet our God.

3 May each attend with willing feet The means of knowledge here; And wait around thy mercy seat, With hope as well as fear.

4 Lord, to thy wisdom and thy care May we resign our days; Content to live and serve thee here, Or die and sing thy praise.

761. 8s. & 7s. M. R. C. Waterston.

On the Death of a Female Scholar.

1 One sweet flower has drooped and faded, One sweet infant's voice has fled, One fair brow the grave has shaded, One dear school-mate now is dead.

2 But we feel no thought of sadness, For our friend is happy now; She has knelt in soul-felt gladness, Where the blessed angels bow.

3 She has gone to heaven before us, But she turns and waves her hand, Pointing to the glories o'er us, In that happy spirit-land.

4 God, our Father, watch above us, Keep us all from danger free; Do thou guard, and guide, and love us, Till like her we go to thee.

762. C. M. Anonymous.

A Child's Prayer.

1 Lord, teach a little child to pray, And, O, accept my prayer; Thou canst hear all the words I say, For thou art everywhere.

2 A little sparrow cannot fall Unnoticed, Lord, by thee; And though I am so young and small, Thou dost take care of me.

3 Teach me to do whate'er is right, And, when I sin, forgive; And make it still my chief delight To serve thee while I live.

763. L. M. S. S. H. Book.

God--Our Father.

1 Great God! and wilt thou condescend To be my Father and my Friend? I but a child, and thou so high, The Lord of earth and air and sky!

2 Art thou my Father?--Let me be A meek, obedient child to thee; And try, in every deed and thought, To serve and please thee as I ought.

3 Art thou my Father?--I'll depend Upon the care of such a friend; And only wish to do and be Whatever seemeth good to thee.

4 Art thou my Father?--Then, at last, When all my days on earth are past, Send down and take me, in thy love, To be thy better child above.

PHILANTHROPIC SUBJECTS.

764. 7s. M. J. Taylor.

Acceptable Offering.

1 Father of our feeble race, Wise, beneficent, and kind! Spread o'er nature's ample face, Flows thy goodness unconfined. Musing in the silent grove, Or the busy walks of men, Still we trace thy wondrous love, Claiming large returns again.

2 Lord, what offering shall we bring, At thine altars when we bow? Hearts, the pure unsullied spring Whence the kind affections flow; Soft compassion's feeling soul, By the melting eye expressed; Sympathy, at whose control Sorrow leaves the wounded breast;

3 Willing hands to lead the blind, Bind the wounded, feed the poor; Love, embracing all our kind; Charity, with liberal store:-- Teach us, O thou heavenly King, Thus to show our grateful mind, Thus the accepted offering bring, Love to thee and all mankind.

765. C. M. Watts.

Kindness to the Poor.

1 How blest is he who fears the Lord, And follows his commands, Who lends the poor without reward, Or gives with liberal hands.

2 As pity dwells within his breast To all the sons of need, So God shall answer his request With blessings on his seed.

3 In times of danger and distress, Some beams of light shall shine, To show the world his righteousness, And give him peace divine.

4 His works of piety and love Remain before the Lord; Sweet peace on earth, and joys above, Shall be his sure reward.

766. C. M. H. Martineau.

All Men are equal.

1 All men are equal in their birth, Heirs of the earth and skies; All men are equal when that earth Fades from their dying eyes.

2 God meets the throngs who pay their vows In courts that hands have made, And hears the worshipper who bows Beneath the plantain shade.

3 'Tis man alone who difference sees, And speaks of high and low, And worships those, and tramples these, While the same path they go.

4 O, let man hasten to restore To all their rights of love; In power and wealth exult no more; In wisdom lowly move.

5 Ye great, renounce your earth-born pride, Ye low, your shame and fear: Live, as ye worship, side by side; Your brotherhood revere.

767. C. M. Lutheran Coll.

Charity.

1 Go to the pillow of disease, Where night gives no repose, And on the cheek where sickness preys, Bid health to plant the rose.

2 Go where the friendless stranger lies; To perish is his doom: Snatch from the grave his closing eyes. And bring his blessing home.

3 Thus what our Heavenly Father gave Shall we as freely give; Thus copy him who lived to save, And died that we might live.

768. C. M. Mrs. Barbauld.

"Ye are the Salt of the Earth."

1 Salt of the earth! ye virtuous few Who season human kind; Light of the world! whose cheering ray Illumes the realms of mind.

2 Where misery spreads her deepest shade Your strong compassion glows; From your blest lips the balm proceeds That softens human woes.

3 Yours is the large expansive thought, The high heroic deed; Exile and chains to you are dear, To you 'tis sweet to bleed.

4 Proceed! your race of glory run, Your virtuous toils endure; You come commissioned from on high, And your reward is sure.

769. L. M. Watts.

All Things vain without Love.

1 Had I the tongues of Greeks and Jews, And nobler speech than angels use, If love be absent, I am found Like tinkling brass, an empty sound.

2 Were I inspired to preach and tell All that is done in heaven and hell; Or could my faith the world remove, Still I am nothing without love.

3 Should I distribute all my store To feed the cravings of the poor; Or give my body to the flame To gain a martyr's glorious name;

4 If love to God and love to men Be absent, all my hopes are vain: Nor tongues, nor gifts, nor fiery zeal, The works of love can e'er fulfil.

770. C. M. Mrs. Sigourney.

The Sower and the Seed.

1 All hail! ye servants of the Lord! On mercy's mission bound; Who, like the sower of the word, Strew precious gifts around.

2 What though your seed 'mid thorns be sown, Where tares and brambles thrive, Still One is able, One alone, To save its germ alive.

3 Ye fear, what falls on stony earth Will mock your prayerful toil; But sometimes plants of holiest birth Bear fruit in sterile soil.

4 The seed that by the way-side fell, Perchance you counted dead; Yet birds, that sing in heaven, may tell, They on its sweetness fed.

5 And some a hundred fold shall bear, To glorify the Lord; How blessed, then, will be your care! How glorious your reward!

771. 8s. & 7s. M. Hastings.

The Sower and his Sheaves.

1 He, that goeth forth with weeping, Bearing still the precious seed, Never tiring, never sleeping, Soon shall see his toil succeed: Showers of rain will fall from heaven, Then the cheering sun will shine, So shall plenteous fruit be given, Through an influence all divine.

2 Sow thy seed, be never weary, Let not fear thy mind employ; Though the prospect be most dreary, Thou may'st reap the fruits of joy: Lo! the scene of verdure bright'ning, See the rising grain appear; Look again! the fields are whit'ning, Harvest-time is surely near.

772. S. M. Montgomery.

Active Effort to do Good.

1 Sow in the morn thy seed; At eve hold not thy hand; To doubt and fear give thou no heed; Broadcast it o'er the land;--

2 And duly shall appear, In verdure, beauty, strength, The tender blade, the stalk, the ear, And the full corn at length.

3 Thou canst not toil in vain; Cold, heat, and moist, and dry, Shall foster and mature the grain For garners in the sky.

773. L. M. Drummond.

Faith without Works is Dead.

1 As body when the soul has fled, As barren trees, decayed and dead, Is faith; a hopeless, lifeless thing, If not of righteous deeds the spring.

2 One cup of healing oil and wine, One tear-drop shed on mercy's shrine, Is thrice more grateful, Lord, to thee, Than lifted eye or bended knee.

774. C. P. M. Blacklock.

Christian Beneficence.

1 Hail, love divine! joys ever new, While thy kind dictates we pursue, Our souls delighted share, Too high for sordid minds to know, Who on themselves alone bestow Their wishes and their care.

2 By thee inspired, the generous breast, In blessing others only blest, With kindness large and free, Delights the widow's tears to stay, To teach the blind their smoothest way, And aid the feeble knee.

3 O God, with sympathetic care, In others' joys and griefs to share, Do thou our hearts incline; Each low, each selfish wish control, Warm with benevolence the soul, And make us wholly thine.

775. C. M. Watts.

Liberality Rewarded. Ps. 112.

1 Happy is he that fears the Lord, And follows his commands; Who lends the poor without reward, Or gives with liberal hands.

2 As pity dwells within his breast To all the sons of need, So God shall answer his request With blessings on his seed.

3 No evil tidings shall surprise His well-established mind; His soul to God, his refuge, flies, And leaves his fears behind.

4 In times of general distress, Some beams of light shall shine To show the world his righteousness, And give him peace divine.

776. C. M. Watts.

Love and Charity.

1 Let Pharisees of high esteem Their faith and zeal declare,-- All their religion is a dream, If love be wanting there.

2 Love suffers long with patient eye, Nor is provoked in haste; She lets the present injury die, And long forgets the past.

3 Malice and rage, those fires of hell, She quenches with her tongue; Hopes and believes, and thinks no ill, Though she endures the wrong.

4 Love is the grace that keeps her power In all the realms above; There faith and hope are known no more, But saints forever love.

777. L. M. E. H. Chapin.

Anniversary of a Charitable Association.

1 When long the soul had slept in chains, And man to man was stern and cold; When love and worship were but strains That swept the gifted chords of old-- By shady mount and peaceful lake, meek and lowly stranger came, The weary drank the words he spake, The poor and feeble blessed his name.

2 No shrine he reared in porch or grove, No vested priests around him stood-- He went about to teach, and prove The lofty work of doing good. Said he, to those who with him trod, "Would ye be my disciples? Then Evince your ardent love for God By the kind deeds ye do for men."

3 He went where frenzy held its rule, Where sickness breathed its spell of pain; By famed Bethesda's mystic pool; And by the darkened gate of Nain. He soothed the mourner's troubled breast, He raised the contrite, sinner's head, And on the loved ones' lowly rest, The light of better life he shed.

4 Father, the spirit Jesus knew, We humbly ask of thee to-night, That we may be disciples too Of him whose way was love and light. Bright be the places where we tread Amid earth's suffering and its poor, Till we shall come where tears are shed And broken sighs are heard no more.

778. C. M. W. Croswell.

Imitation of Christ's Kindness.

1 Lord, lead the way the Saviour went By lane and cell obscure, And let our treasures still be spent, Like his, upon the poor.

2 Like him, through scenes of deep distress, Who bore the world's sad weight, We, in their gloomy loneliness, Would seek the desolate.

3 For thou hast placed us side by side In this wide world of ill; And that thy followers may be tried, The poor are with us still.

4 Small are the offerings we can make; Yet thou hast taught us, Lord, If given for the Saviour's sake, They lose not their reward.

779. C. M. Peabody.

For a Charitable Occasion.

1 Who is thy neighbor? he whom thou Hast power to aid or bless; Whose aching heart or burning brow Thy soothing hand may press.

2 Thy neighbor? 'tis the fainting poor, Whose eye with want is dim; O enter thou his humble door, With aid and peace for him.

3 Thy neighbor? he who drinks the cup When sorrow drowns the brim; With words of high sustaining hope, Go thou and comfort him.

4 Thy neighbor? 'tis the weary slave, Fettered in mind and limb; He hath no hope this side the grave; Go thou, and ransom him.

5 Thy neighbor? pass no mourner by; Perhaps thou canst redeem A breaking heart from misery; Go, share thy lot with him.

780. L. M. Pratt's Coll.

The Blessedness of considering the Poor. Ps. 41:1-3.

1 Blest who with generous pity glows, Who learns to feel another's woes; Bows to the poor man's wants his ear, And wipes the helpless orphan's tear! In every want, in every woe, Himself thy pity, Lord, shall know.

2 Thy love his life shall guard, thy hand Give to his lot the chosen land; Nor leave him, in the troubled day, To unrelenting foes a prey. In sickness thou shall raise his head, And make with tenderest care his bed.

781. L. M. J. G. Adams.

For a Charitable Meeting.

1 God of the poor! whose listening ear Is sought by want's imploring cry,-- Whose bounty and whose grace are near, Thy needy children to supply:--

2 To whom with more acceptance rise The words of mercy's voice divine, Than pompous rites, or sacrifice Of flocks and herds, of oil and wine.

3 Where'er the poor our aid demand, Teach us with ready steps to move, Give us the zealous heart and hand To do the work of Christian love;--

4 The downcast spirit to revive, The fainting heart with joy to bless; To bid the solitary live-- The widow and the fatherless.

5 Thus will we thank thee that thy grace Inclined our feet in paths to go Where shines that brightness of thy face, Which the obedient only know.

782. L. M. Ch. Psalmody.

Care of Widows and Orphans.

1 Thou God of hope, to thee we bow; Thou art our refuge in distress; The husband of the widow thou, The father of the fatherless.

2 The poor are thy peculiar care; To them thy promises are sure: Thy gifts the poor in spirit share; O, may we always thus be poor.

3 May we thy law of love fulfil, To bear each other's burdens here, Endure and do thy righteous will, And walk in all thy faith and fear.

4 Thou God of hope, to thee we bow; Thou art our refuge in distress; The husband of the widow thou, The father of the fatherless.

783. L. M. Pratt's Coll.

For a Charitable Occasion.

1 Help us, O Lord! thy yoke to wear, Delighting in thy perfect will; Each other's burdens learn to bear, And thus thy law of love fulfil.

2 Who sparingly his seed bestows, He sparingly shall also reap; But whoso plentifully sows, The plenteous sheaves his hands shall heap.

3 Teach us, with glad and cheerful hearts, As thou hast blessed our various store, From our abundance to impart A liberal portion to the poor.

4 To thee our all devoted be, In whom we breathe, and move, and live: Freely we have received from thee; Freely may we rejoice to give.

784. 7s. & 6s. M. J. G. Adams.

The Same.

1 How blest, amid all blessing This changing world bestows, That soul in truth possessing Pity for others' woes; Ready to move and lighten The load affliction bears-- Want's face with joy to brighten, In deed, as with its prayers.

2 Thus Christ, the Friend and Servant Of man, depressed and poor-- With ready soul and fervent-- With patience to endure-- Lived, labored without measure In mercy's holy name, God's will his highest pleasure, Our good his only fame.

3 And those who in his spirit Would seek to live and move, His virtue must inherit, And labor in his love; Labor where poor, forsaken, And lowly, sufferers lie; In faith and hope unshaken; Celestial ministry!

4 God of all times and stations! Teach us this lesson true,-- Proclaim it to all nations In life and power anew,-- That high above all praises-- All prayers--is that unfeigned, Glad offering Mercy raises, By living deeds sustained!

785. C. M. Boden.

Kindness to the Afflicted.

1 What shall we render, bounteous Lord, For all the grace we see? The goodness feeble man can yield Extendeth not to thee.

2 To scenes of woe, to beds of pain, We'll cheerfully repair, And, with the gifts thy hand bestows, Relieve the sufferers there.

3 The widow's heart shall sing for joy; The orphan shall be glad; And hungering souls we'll gladly point To Christ, the living bread.

4 Thus what our heavenly Father gave Shall we as freely give; Thus copy him who lived to save, And died that we might live.

786. L. M. Miss Woodman.

Prayer for a Beneficent Spirit.

1 God guard the poor! We may not see The deepest sorrows of the soul; These are laid open, Lord, to thee, And subject to thy wise control.

2 Make us thy messengers to shed Within the home of want and woe, The blessings of thy bounty, spread So freely on thy world below.

3 Let us go forth with joyful hand To strengthen, comfort and relieve; Then in thy presence may we stand, And hope thy blessing to receive.

787. L. M. Montgomery.

For a Public Hospital or Asylum.

1 When, like a stranger on our sphere, The lowly Jesus wandered here, Where'er he went, affliction fled. And sickness reared her fainting head.

2 Demoniac madness, dark and wild, In his inspiring presence smiled; The storm of horror ceased to roll, And reason lightened through the soul.

3 Through paths of loving-kindness led, Where Jesus triumphed, we would tread; To all, with willing hands, dispense The crumbs of our benevolence.

4 Here the whole family of woe Shall friends, and home, and comfort know; The blasted form and shipwrecked mind Shall here a tranquil haven find.

5 And Thou, dread Power, whose sovereign breath Is health or sickness, life or death, This favored mansion deign to bless; The cause is thine--send thou success!

788. L. M. Mrs. Nichols.

Anniversary of an Orphan Asylum.

1 Our Father! we may lisp that name, When lowly at thy feet we bow; Thy little children lightly blame, For thou'rt our only parent now!

2 We are a stricken, humble band, With hearts that thrill to words of love, And cling confiding to the hand That points us to a home above.

3 Though 'mong the lowly of the earth, Contented with our homely fare, How cheerful was the orphan's hearth Before cold Death had entered there

4 No mother's voice soothes us to rest-- No father's smile our vision greets: Yet we've a home in every breast That with a tender feeling beats.

5 And thou hast raised us many a friend, Not bound by ties of kindred blood; Then let our hearts in prayer ascend To thee, our Father--Saviour--God!

789. L. M. Mrs. Sigourney.

For a Temperance Anniversary.

1 We praise thee, if one rescued soul, While the past year prolonged its flight, Turned, shuddering, from the poisonous bowl, To health, and liberty, and light.

2 We praise thee, if one clouded home, Where broken hearts despairing pined, Beheld the sire and husband come Erect and in his perfect mind.

3 No more a weeping wife to mock, Till all her hopes in anguish end; No more the trembling child to shock, And sink the father in the fiend.

4 Still give us grace, almighty King! Unwavering at our posts to stand, Till grateful to thy shrine we bring The tribute of a ransomed land.

790. S. M. M. W. Hale.

The Same.

1 Praise for the glorious light, Which crowns this joyous day; Whose beams dispel the shades of night, And wake our grateful lay!

2 Praise for the mighty band, Redeemed from error's chain, Whose echoing voices, through our land, Join our triumphant strain!

3 Ours is no conquest gained Upon the tented field; Nor hath the flowing life-blood stained The victor's helm and shield.

4 But the strong might of love, And truth's all-pleading voice, As angels bending from above, Have made our hearts rejoice.

5 Lord! upward to thy throne Th' imploring voice we raise; The might, the strength, are thine alone! Thine be our loftiest praise.

791. L. M. Anonymous.

Temperance Hymn.

1 God of our fathers, 'tis thy hand Hath turned the tide of death away, That rolled in madness o'er the land, And filled thy people with dismay.

2 Thy voice awaked us from our dream: Thy spirit taught our hearts to feel; 'Twas thy own light, whose radiant beam Came down our duty to reveal.

3 Almighty Parent, still in thee Our spirits trust for strength divine; Gird us with heaven's own energy, And o'er our paths let wisdom shine.

4 The work of man's destruction stay; The tide of fire still backward press; Drive each delusive mist away, And every humble effort bless.

792. 7s. M. P. H. Sweetser.

The Same.

1 Hark! the voice of choral song Floats upon the breeze along, Chanting clear, in solemn lays,-- "Man redeemed--to God the praise!"

2 Angels, strike the golden lyre! Mortals, catch the heavenly fire! Thousands ransomed from the grave, Millions yet our pledge shall save!

3 Save from sin's destructive breath, Save from sorrow, shame and death-- From intemperance and strife, Save the husband, children, wife!

4 Courage! let no heart despair-- Mighty is the truth we bear! Forward then, baptized in love, Led by wisdom from above!

793. L. M. Sargent.

The Same.

1 Slavery and death the cup contains; Dash to the earth the poisoned bowl! Softer than silk are iron chains Compared with those that chafe the soul.

2 Hosannas, Lord, to thee we sing, Whose power the giant fiend obeys. What countless thousands tribute bring, For happier homes and brighter days!

3 Thou wilt not break the bruised reed, Nor leave the broken heart unbound: The wife regains a husband freed! The orphan clasps a father found!

4 Spare, Lord, the thoughtless; guide the blind, Till man no more shall deem it just To live, by forging chains to bind His weaker brother in the dust.

794. 8s. & 7s. M. Pierpont.

Morning Hymn for Family Worship.

1 Pillows, wet with tears of anguish, Couches, pressed in sleepless woe, Where the sons of Belial languish, Father, may we never know!

2 For, the maddening cup shall never To our thirsting lips be pressed, But, our draft shall be, forever, The cold water thou hast blessed.

3 This shall give us strength to labor, This, make all our stores increase; This, with thee and with our neighbor, Bind us in the bonds of peace.

4 For the lake, the well, the river, Water-brook and crystal spring, Do we now, to thee, the Giver, Thanks, our daily tribute, bring.

795. L. M. Logan.

God's Blessing Implored on the Temperance Cause.

1 For all who love thee and thy cause, O Lord, thy blessing we implore; Who fear thy name, obey thy laws, From this to earth's remotest shore.

2 O grant, that, freed from low desire, And filled with joy, and love, and fear, Each breast may glow with holy fire, While seeking heaven, to serve thee here.

3 Pity, O God, the heedless wretch, Who staggers to a dreadful grave; Thy arm of love around him stretch, And show that thou art strong to save.

4 Breathe upon those who scorn our cause, Thy cause, O Lord, for thou hast blest; Show them he honors most thy laws Who loves his God and neighbor best.

796. L. M. Mrs. Sigourney.

The Upas Tree.

1 There sprang a tree of deadly name: Its poisonous breath, its baleful dew Scorched the green earth like lava-flame, And every plant of mercy slew.

2 From clime to clime its branches spread Their fearful fruits of sin and woe; The prince of darkness loved its shade, And toiled its fiery seeds to sow.

3 Faith poured her prayer at midnight hour; The hand of zeal at noon-day wrought; An armor of celestial power The children of the cross besought.

4 Behold the axe its pride doth wound; Through its cleft boughs the sun doth shine; Its blasted blossoms strew the ground: Give glory to the arm divine.

5 And still Jehovah's aid implore, From isle to isle, from sea to sea, From peopled earth's remotest shore, To root that deadly Upas Tree.

797. 7s. & 6s. M. J. G. Adams.

Dedication of a Temperance Hall.

1 'Mid homes and shrines forsaken Of joy and peace divine, Faint hearts new strength have taken, A light is seen to shine! Its beaming revelations Are shed in mercy far; A guide to all the nations-- The glorious Temperance star!

2 Hushed be that wail of sadness, Life, life has come again; Awake the song of gladness, Swell high the choral strain! The lost returns from straying In sin's destructive way; That curse is turned to praying, That night to blissful day!

3 God of this day! Our Father! In humble praise to thee, Within these walls we gather-- The spared, the blest, the free; To hail thy grace far-sounding-- Our Temple dedicate To hope and life abounding In Man regenerate!

4 Rest thou within it ever, As o'er the ark of old; And here, O may we never In our great strife wax cold. Nerve every arm and spirit For each successful blow, Till Temperance shall inherit All temples here below!

798. 6s. & 4s. M. Pierpont.

Prayer for the Abolition of Slavery.

1 With thy pure dews and rains, Wash out, O God! the stains From Afric's shore; And while her palm trees bud, Let not her children's blood, With her broad Niger's flood, Be mingled more.

2 Quench, righteous God! the thirst, That Congo's sons hath cursed-- The thirst for gold; Shall not thy thunders speak, Where Mammon's altars reek, Where maids and matrons shriek, Bound, bleeding, sold?

3 Hear'st thou, O God! those chains, That clank on Freedom's plains, By Christians wrought? Those who these chains have worn, Christians from home have torn, Christians have hither borne, Christians have bought!

4 Lord! wilt thou not, at last, From thine own image cast Away all cords, Save those of love, which brings Man, from his long wand'rings, Back--to the King of kings,-- The Lord of lords?

799. L. M. Mrs. Chapman.

For Faithfulness in the Cause of Human Freedom.

1 O God of freedom! hear us pray For steadfast hearts to toil as one; Till thy pure law hath boundless sway-- Thy will in heaven and earth be done.

2 A piercing voice of grief and wrong Goes upward from the groaning earth; Most true and holy Lord! how long?-- In majesty and might come forth.

3 Yet, Lord! remembering mercy too, Behold th' oppressor in his sin; Make all his actions just and true, Renew his wayward heart within.

800. L. M. Anonymous.

Prayer for Zeal and Love.

1 O Lord! whose forming hand one blood To all the tribes and nations gave, And giv'st to all their daily food, Look down in pity on the slave!

2 Fetters and chains and stripes remove, Deliv'rance to the captives give; And pour the tide of light and love Upon their souls, and bid them live.

3 Oh! kindle in our hearts a flame Of zeal, thy holy will to do; And bid each one, who loves thy name, Love all his bleeding brethren too.

4 Through all thy temples, let the stain Of prejudice each bosom flee; And, hand in hand, let Afric's train, With Europe's children, worship thee.

801. 8s. & 7s. M. Mrs. Livermore.

Prayer for the Slave.

1 Father, who of old descended From thy throne above the sky, And thine Israel's rights defended, Hear the bondman's anguished cry!

2 Hear how Ethiopia crieth, Kneeling on the blood-stained sod; And how sable Afric' sigheth, Lifting up her hands to God!

3 From the grasp of strong oppression, From the tyrant's rusting chain, And from slavery's deep depression, With its life-long hours of pain;

4 From our country's wide savannas, Let the cry come up to thee, Let the prayers become hosannas-- Father, set thy children free!

802. 7s. M. Mrs. Follen.

That God Would hear the Cries of the Slave.

1 Lord! deliver; thou canst save; Save from evil, Mighty God! Hear--oh! hear the kneeling slave, Break--oh! break th' oppressor's rod.

2 May the captive's pleading fill All the earth, and all the sky; Every other voice be still, While he pleads with God on high.

3 He, whose ear is everywhere, Who doth silent sorrow see, Will regard the captive's prayer, Will from bondage set him free.

4 From the tyranny within, Save thy children, Lord! we pray; Chains of iron, chains of sin, Cast forever, cast away.

5 Love to man, and love to God, Are the weapons of our war; These can break the oppressor's rod-- Burst the bonds that we abhor.

803. L. M. J. G. Whittier.

For a Liberty Meeting on the Fourth of July.

1 O Thou! whose presence went before Our fathers in their weary way, As with thy chosen moved of yore The fire by night--the cloud by day!

2 When, from each temple of the free, A nation's song ascends to heaven, Most Holy Father! unto thee, May not our humble prayer be given,--

3 For those to whom this day can bring, Not, as to us, the joyful thrill;-- For those, who, under freedom's wing, Are bound in slavery's fetters still:--

4 And grant, O Father! that the time Of Earth's deliverance may be near, When every land, and tongue, and clime, The message of thy love shall hear.

5 When smitten, as with fire from heaven, The captive's chain shall sink in dust, And to his fettered soul be given The glorious freedom of the just.

804. L. M. Miss Weston.

"'Tis good to be merciful."

1 'Tis good to weep and mourn for those, Crushed down by Slavery's iron hand, And feel, while numbering o'er their woes, Strength for the just and true to stand.

2 'Tis good and true to say to those, Who claim a right in human kind, "Mercy and Justice are your foes, And they shall certain triumph find."

3 'Tis good--'tis blessed, to say to all, "Arise, to help the wretched slave, Upon your God for courage call, And in his strength go forth and save."

4 Lord! this is what we seek to do; Grant us thy grace to do it well; Help us thy glory to pursue, And of thy promises to tell.

805. P. M. H. Ware, Jr.

The Progress of Freedom.

1 Oppression shall not always reign; There comes a brighter day; When freedom, burst from every chain, Shall have triumphant way. Then right shall over might prevail, And truth, like hero armed in mail, The hosts of tyrant wrong assail, And hold eternal sway.

2 What voice shall bid the progress stay Of truth's victorious car? What arm arrest the growing day, Or quench the solar star? What reckless soul, though stout and strong, Shall dare bring back the ancient wrong, Oppression's guilty night prolong, And freedom's morning bar?

3 The hour of triumph comes apace, The fated, promised hour, When earth upon a ransomed race Her bounteous gifts shall shower. Ring, Liberty, thy glorious bell! Bid high thy sacred banner swell! Let trump on trump the triumph tell Of Heaven's redeeming power.

806. 6s. & 10s. M. Milton, Gardner, and Dwight.

Peace.

1 No war nor battle's sound Was heard the earth around,-- No hostile chiefs to furious combat ran; But peaceful was the night In which the Prince of Light His reign of peace upon the earth began.

2 No conqueror's sword he bore, Nor warlike armor wore, Nor haughty passions roused to contest wild; In peace and love he came, And gentle was the reign, Which o'er the earth he spread by influence mild.

3 Unwilling kings obeyed, And sheathed the battle blade, And called their bloody legions from the field; In silent awe they wait, And close the warrior's gate, Nor know to whom their homage thus they yield.

4 The peaceful conqueror goes, And triumphs o'er his foes, His weapons drawn from armories above; Behold the vanquished sit Submissive at his feet, And strife and hate are changed to peace and love.

807. 6s. & 4s. M. E. Davis.

For an Anniversary Meeting of the Friends of Peace.

1 Not with the flashing steel-- Not with the cannon's peal, Or stir of drum, But in the bonds of love; Our white flag floats above, Her emblem is the dove, 'Tis thus we come.

2 The laws of Christian light, These are our weapons bright, Our mighty shield; Christ is our leader high, And the broad plains which lie Beneath the blesséd sky, Our battle field.

3 On, then, in God's great name, Let each pure spirit's flame Burn bright and clear: Stand firmly in your lot, Cry ye aloud, "Doubt not," Be every fear forgot, Christ leads us here.

4 So shall Earth's distant lands In happy, holy bands, One brotherhood, Together rise and sing, And joyful offerings bring, And Heaven's Eternal King Pronounce it good.

808. C. M. Gibbons.

Prayer for Universal Peace.

1 Lord, send thy word, and let it run, Armed with thy Spirit's power; Ten thousand shall confess its sway, And bless the saving hour.

2 Beneath the influence of thy grace The barren wastes shall rise, With sudden greens and fruits arrayed, A blooming paradise.

3 True holiness shall strike its root In each regenerate heart, Shall in a growth divine arise, And heavenly fruits impart.

4 Peace, with her olives crowned, shall stretch Her wings from shore to shore; No trump shall rouse the rage of war, Nor murderous cannon roar.

5 Lord, for those days we wait;--those days Are in thy word foretold; Fly swifter, sun and stars, and bring This promised age of gold!

809. C. M. Anonymous.

The Gospel of Peace.

1 Joy to the earth! the Prince of Peace His banner has unfurled; Let strife, and sin, and error cease, And joy pervade the world!

2 Praise ye the Lord! for truth and grace His word and life display; Let every soul his love embrace, And own its gentle sway.

3 Peace on the earth, good will to men, Embraced the Gospel plan; Let that sweet strain be heard again, Which angel-tones began.

4 Joy to the isles and lands afar, Messiah reigns above; Let every eye behold the star, The star of light and love.

810. C. M. Mrs. Livermore.

Peace.

1 No warlike sounds awoke the night, Announcing Jesus' birth, But angels borne on wings of light, Who chanted "Peace to earth!"

2 Not in the warrior's armor mailed Was Christ the Saviour found; Not striving, when by wrath assailed Not with the laurel crowned.

3 But meek and lowly was his life, The gentle Prince of Peace, Whose law condemns the hostile strife, And bids dissensions cease.

4 Then let the war-cry ne'er be rung Beneath the smiling sky, Nor to the clouds the banner flung That tells of victory.

5 But let the blissful period haste, When, hushed the cannon's roar, The sword shall cease mankind to waste, And war shall be no more.

811. C. M. Anonymous.

Prospect of Universal Peace.

1 O'er mountain tops, the mount of God, In latter days, shall rise Above the summits of the hills, And draw the wondering eyes.

2 The beams that shine from Zion's hill Shall lighten every land; The King who reigns in Salem's towers Shall the whole world command.

3 Nor war shall rage, nor hostile strife Disturb those happy years; To ploughshares men shall beat their swords, To pruning-hooks their spears.

4 No longer host, encountering host, Shall crowds of slain deplore; They'll lay the martial trumpet by, And study war no more.

812. 7s. M. Lewins Mead Coll.

The Blessings of Peace.

1 Peace! the welcome sound proclaim, Dwell with rapture on the theme; Loud, still louder, swell the strain: Peace on earth, good will to men.

2 Breezes! whispering soft and low, Gently murmur as ye blow, Breathe the sweet celestial strain, Peace on earth, good will to men.

3 Ocean's billows! far and wide Rolling in majestic pride: Loud still louder, swell the strain, Peace on earth, good will to men.

4 Christians! who these blessings feel, And in adoration kneel; Loud, still louder, swell the strain, Praise to God, good will to men.

813. 8s. 7s. & 6s. M. Miss Fletcher.

Compassion for the Sinning.

1 Think gently of the erring! Lord, let us not forget, However darkly stained by sin, He is our brother yet. Heir of the same inheritance! Child of the self-same God! He hath but stumbled in the path, We have in weakness trod.

2 Speak gently to him, brother; Thou yet mayst lead him back, With holy words, and tones of love, From misery's thorny track. Forget not thou hast often sinned, And sinful yet must be: Deal gently with the erring one, As God hath dealt with thee.

814. 10s. M. Anonymous.

The Same.

1 Breathe thoughts of pity o'er a brother's fall, But dwell not with stern anger on his fault; The grace of God alone holds thee, holds all; Were that withdrawn, thou, too, wouldst swerve and halt.

2 Send back the wand'rer to the Saviour's fold; That were an action worthy of a saint; But not in malice let the crime be told, Nor publish to the world the evil taint.

3 The Saviour suffers when his children slide; Then is his holy name by men blasphemed And he afresh is mocked and crucified, Even by those his bitter death redeemed.

4 Rebuke the sin, and yet in love rebuke; Feel as one member in another's pain; Win back the soul that his fair path forsook, And mighty and rejoicing is thy gain!

815. L. M. Mrs. Livermore.

Reclaiming Power of Love.

1 Jesus, what precept is like thine, "Forgive, as ye would be forgiven!" If heeded, O what power divine Would then transform our earth to heaven.

2 Not by the harsh or scornful word, Should we our brother seek to gain, Not by the prison or the sword, The shackle, or the clanking chain.

3 But from our spirits there must flow A love that will his wrong outweigh; Our lips must only blessings know, And wrath and sin shall die away.

4 'Twas heaven that formed the holy plan To bring the wanderer back by love; Thus let us win our brother, man, And imitate thee, God above!

816. L. M. Miss Fletcher.

For the Prisoner.

1 Father! we pray for those who dwell Within the prison's gloomy cell! For those whose souls are bending low Beneath the weight of guilt and woe.

2 Thy love hath kept our thorny way And saved us from sin's iron sway; Our brethren in a weaker hour Have yielded to temptation's power.

3 Teach us with humble hearts to feel, How darkly on our brows the seal Of guilt might now perchance be set, Had we the same temptation met.

4 Then while the error we would shun, We still would aid the erring one To turn from sin's unpitying sway, To virtue's fair and pleasant way.

817. L. M. Miss Edgarton.

The Same.

1 Oh shut not out sweet Pity's ray From souls now clouded o'er by sin; Touch their deep springs, and let the day Of Christian love flow freely in.

2 Send them kind missions, though their feet No more again the world may tread; Some pulse of better life may beat In hearts that seem unmoved and dead.

3 'Tis just that they should bear the pain Of keen remorse and guilty shame; But scorn may drive to crime again-- 'Tis only love that can reclaim.

818. S. M. Miss Fletcher.

The Same.

1 We come to thee, O God, With hushed and solemn strain; We come to plead for those who lie Bound with the prisoner's chain.

2 O, give them contrite hearts, To feel their fearful sin, And give to us a patient faith Those erring ones to win.

3 Give us to love thy law, The paths of vice to shun, But never harshly dare to spurn The suffering sinful one.

819. S. M. Miss Martineau, alt.

The Coming of Christ in Power.

1 Lord Jesus, come; for here Our path through wilds is laid! We watch as for the day-spring near, Amid the breaking shade.

2 Lord Jesus, come; for hosts Meet on the battle plain: The patriot mourns, the tyrant boasts, And tears are shed like rain.

3 Lord Jesus, come; for chains Are still upon the slave; Bind up his wounds, relieve his pains, The pining bondman save.

4 Hark! herald voices near, Lead on thy happier day: Come, Lord, and our hosannas hear; We wait to strew thy way.

5 Come, as in days of old, With words of grace and power; Gather us all within thy fold, And let us stray no more.

820. C. M. R. Nicoll.

Honor all Men.

1 I may not scorn the meanest thing That on the earth doth crawl; The slave who would not burst his chain, The tyrant in his hall.

2 The vile oppressor who hath made The widowed mother mourn, Though worthless, soulless he may stand, I cannot, dare not scorn.

3 The darkest night that shrouds the sky, Of beauty hath a share: The blackest heart hath sighs to tell That God still lingers there.

821. C. M. Whittier.

The Call of Truth.

1 Oh! not alone with outward sign, Of fear, or voice from heaven, The message of a truth divine, The call of God, is given; Awakening in the human heart, Love for the true and right, Zeal for the Christian's better part, Strength for the Christian's fight.

2 Though heralded by nought of fear, Or outward sign or show; Though only to the inward ear It whisper soft and low; Though dropping as the manna fell, Unseen, yet from above, Holy and gentle, heed it well: The call to truth and love.

822. C. M. Lond. Inquirer.

Encouragement to Christian Effort.

1 Scorn not the slightest word or deed, Nor deem it void of power; There's fruit in each wind-wafted seed, Waiting its natal hour.

2 A whispered word may touch the heart, And call it back to life; A look of love bid sin depart, And still unholy strife.

3 No act falls fruitless; none can tell How vast its power may be; Nor what results enfolded dwell Within it silently.

4 Work and despair not: bring thy mite, Nor care how small it be; God is with all that serve the right, The holy, true, and free.

823. S. M. Enfield.

Forgiveness.

1 I hear the voice of woe! I hear a brother's sigh! Then let my heart with pity flow, With tears of love, my eye.

2 I hear the thirsty cry! The hungry beg for bread! Then let my spring its stream supply, My hand its bounty shed.

3 The debtor humbly sues, Who would, but cannot pay; And shall I lenity refuse, Who need it every day?

4 And shall not wrath relent, Touched by that humble strain, My brother crying, "I repent, Nor will offend again?"

5 How else, on soaring wing, Can hope bear high my prayer, Up to thy throne, my God, my King, To plead for pardon there?

824. 7s. M. Milman.

"And he arose and rebuked the winds and sea."

1 Lord! thou didst arise and say, To the troubled waters, "Peace," And the tempest died away, Down they sank, the foaming seas; And a calm and heaving sleep Spread o'er all the glassy deep, All the azure lake serene Like another heaven was seen!

2 Lord! thy gracious word repeat To the billows of the proud! Quell the tyrant's martial heat, Quell the fierce and changing crowd! Then the earth shall find repose, From oppressions, and from woes; And another heaven appear On our world of darkness here!

SEAMEN'S HYMNS.

825. L. M. C. Wesley.

"They that go down to the sea in ships."

1 Lord of the wide extended main! Whose power the winds and seas controls, Whose hand doth earth and heaven sustain, Whose spirit leads believing souls;

2 Throughout the deep thy footsteps shine; We own thy way is in the sea, O'erawed by majesty divine, And lost in thine immensity!

3 Infinite God! thy greatness spanned These heavens, and meted out the skies; Lo' in the hollow of thy hand The measured waters sink and rise.

4 Thee to perfection who can tell? Earth and her sons beneath thee lie, Lighter than dust within thy scale, And less than nothing in thine eye.

826. L. M. Watts.

The Seaman's Song.

1 Would you behold the works of God, His wonders in the world abroad? With hardy mariners survey The unknown regions of the sea.

2 They leave their native shores behind, And seize the favor of the wind; Till God command, and tempests rise, That heave the ocean to the skies.

3 When land is far, and death is nigh, Bereaved of hope, to God they cry: His mercy hears their loud address, And sends salvation in distress.

4 He bids the winds their wrath assuage, And stormy tempests cease to rage; The grateful band their fears give o'er And hail with joy their native shore.

5 O, may the sons of men record The wondrous goodness of the Lord; Let them their purest offerings bring, And in the church his glory sing.

827. C. M. Mrs. Hemans.

"These see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep."

1 Oh God! thy name they well may praise, Who to the deep go down, And trace the wonders of thy ways, Where rocks and billows frown.

2 For many a fair majestic sight Hath met their wandering eyes, Beneath the streaming northern light Or blaze of Indian skies.

3 If glorious be that awful deep, No human power can bind, What then art thou, who bid'st it keep Within its bounds confined!

4 Let heaven and earth in praise unite, Eternal praise to thee, Whose word can rouse the tempest's might, Or still the raging sea!

828. L. M. 6l. Anonymous.

The Mariner's Hymn.

1 Lord of the sea!--thy potent sway Old ocean's wildest waves obey; The gale that whistles through the shrouds, The storm that drives the frighted clouds,-- If but thy whisper order peace, How soon their rude commotions cease!

2 Lord of the sea!--the seaman keep From all dangers of the deep! When high the white-capped billows rise, When tempests roar along the skies, When foes or shoals awaken fear,-- O, in thy mercy be thou near.

3 Lord of the sea!--a sea is life Of care and sorrow, woe and strife! With watchful pains we steer along, To keep the right path, shun the wrong: God grant, that, when we cease to roam, We gain an everlasting home!

829. 7s. M. Mrs. Sigourney.

The Same.

1 When the parting bosom bleeds, When our native shore recedes, When the wild and faithless main Takes us to her trust again, Father! view a sailor's woe-- Guide us wheresoe'er we go.

2 When the lonely watch we keep, Silent on the mighty deep, While the boisterous surges hoarse Bear us daily on our course, Eye that never slumbers! shed Holy influence on our head.

3 When the Sabbath's peaceful ray, O'er the ocean's breast doth play, Though no throngs assemble there, No sweet church-bell warns to prayer, Spirit! let thy presence be Sabbath to the unresting sea.

4 When in foreign lands we roam, Far from kindred, far from home, Stranger-eyes our conduct view, Heathen-bands our steps pursue, Let our conversation be Fitting those who follow thee.

5 Should pale death, with arrow dread, Make the ocean-cave our bed, Though no eye of love might see Where that shrouded grave shall be-- God! who hear'st the surges roll, Deign to save the sailor's soul.

830. C. M. Madan's Coll.

Thanksgiving for Deliverance in a Storm.

1 Our little bark, on boisterous seas, By cruel tempests tossed, Without one cheerful beam of hope, Expecting to be lost,--

2 We to the Lord, in humble prayer, Breathed out our sad distress; Though feeble, yet with contrite hearts, We begged return of peace.

3 Then ceased the stormy winds to blow; The surges ceased to roll; And soon again a placid sea Spoke comfort to the soul.

4 O, may our grateful, trembling hearts Their hallelujahs sing To him who hath our lives preserved,-- Our Father and our King.

831. 8s. M. H. F. Gould.

Hymn at Sea.

1 O Thou who hast spread out the skies, And measured the depths of the sea, 'Twixt heavens and ocean shall rise Our incense of praises to thee.

2 We know that thy presence is near While heaves our bark far from the land;-- We ride o'er the deep without fear;-- The waters are held in thy hand.

3 Eternity comes in the sound Of billows that never can sleep! There's Deity circling us round,-- Omnipotence walks o'er the deep!

4 O Father, our eye is to thee, As on for the haven we roll; And faith in our Pilot shall be An anchor to steady the soul.

832. L. M. Cowper.

Temptation compared to a Storm.

1 The billows swell; the winds are high; Clouds overcast my wintry sky: Out of the depths to thee I call; My fears are great, my strength is small.

2 O Lord, the pilot's part perform, And guide and guard me through the storm; Defend me from each threatening ill; Control the waves: say, "Peace! be still."

833. L. M. L. H. Signourney.

Prayer at Sea.

1 Prayer may be sweet in cottage homes, Where sire and child devoutly kneel, While through the open casement nigh The vernal blossoms fragrant steal.

2 Prayer may be sweet in stately halls, Where heart with kindred heart is blent, And upward to th' eternal throne The hymn of praise melodious sent.

3 But he who fain would know how warm The soul's appeal to God may be, From friends and native land should turn, A wanderer on the faithless sea;--

4 Should hear its deep, imploring tone Rise heavenward o'er the foaming surge, When billows toss the fragile bark, And fearful blasts the conflict urge.

5 Naught, naught appears but sea and sky; No refuge where the foot may flee: How will he cast, O Rock divine, The anchor of his soul on thee!

834. C. M. Anonymous.

The Sailor's Grave.

1 Not in the church-yard shall he sleep, Amid the silent gloom,-- His home was on the mighty deep, And there shall be his tomb.

2 He loved his own bright, deep blue sea, O'er it he loved to roam; And now his winding sheet shall be That same bright ocean's foam.

3 No village bell shall toll for him Its mournful, solemn dirge; The winds shall chant a requiem To him beneath the surge.

4 For him, break not the grassy turf, Nor turn the dewy sod; His dust shall rest beneath the surf, His spirit with its God.

835. C. M. Select Hymns.

Prayer for Seamen.

1 We come, O Lord, before thy throne, And, with united pleas, We meet and pray for those who roam Far off upon the seas.

2 O, may the Holy Spirit bow The sailor's heart to thee, Till tears of deep repentance flow Like rain-drops in the sea.

3 Then may a Saviour's dying love Pour peace into his breast, And waft him to the port above Of everlasting rest.

NATIONAL HYMNS.

836. 6s. & 4s. M. S. F. Smith.

National Hymn.

1 My country 'tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing; Land where my fathers died, Land of the pilgrim's pride, From every mountain side Let freedom ring.

2 My native country, thee-- Land of the noble, free-- Thy name--I love; I love thy rocks and rills, Thy woods and templed hills; My heart with rapture thrills Like that above.

3 Let music swell the breeze, And ring from all the trees Sweet freedom's song: Let mortal tongues awake; Let all that breathe, partake; Let rocks their silence break,-- The sound prolong.

4 Our fathers' God, to thee, Author of liberty, To thee we sing: Long may our land be bright With freedom's holy light; Protect us by thy might, Great God, our King.

837. C. M. Wreford.

Prayer for our Country.

1 Lord, while for all mankind we pray, Of every clime and coast, O, hear us for our native land,-- The land we love the most.

2 O guard our shores from every foe, With peace our borders bless, With prosperous times our cities crown, Our fields with plenteousness.

3 Unite us in the sacred love Of knowledge, truth, and thee; And let our hills and valleys shout The songs of liberty.

4 Here may religion pure and mild Smile on our Sabbath hours; And piety and virtue bless The home of us and ours.

5 Lord of the nations, thus to thee Our country we commend; Be thou her refuge and her trust, Her everlasting friend.

838. L. M. 6l. H. Ware, Jr.

The God of our Fathers.

1 Like Israel's hosts to exile driven, Across the flood the pilgrims fled; Their hands bore up the ark of Heaven, And Heaven their trusting footsteps led, Till on these savage shores they trod, And won the wilderness for God.

2 Then, where their weary ark found rest, Another Zion proudly grew; In more than Judah's glory dressed, With light that Israel never knew. From sea to sea her empire spread, Her temple Heaven, and Christ her head.

3 Then let the grateful church, to-day Its ancient rite with gladness keep; And still our fathers' God display His kindness, though the fathers sleep. O, bless, as thou hast blessed the past, While earth, and time, and heaven shall last.

839. C. M. Watts.

"Thou shall teach them to thy children."

1 Let children hear the mighty deeds Which God performed of old: Which in our younger years we saw, And which our fathers told.

2 He bids us make his glories known-- His works of power and grace; And we'll convey his wonders down To every rising race.

3 Our lips shall tell them to our sons, And they again to theirs; That generations yet unborn May teach them to their heirs.

4 Thus shall they learn, in God alone Their hope securely stands; That they may ne'er forget his works, But practise his commands.

840. L. M. Flint.

"We have a goodly heritage."

1 In pleasant lands have fallen the lines That bound our goodly heritage, And safe beneath our sheltering vines Our youth is blest, and soothed our age.

2 What thanks, O God, to thee are due, That thou didst plant our fathers here; And watch and guard them as they grew, A vineyard, to the planter dear.

3 The toils they bore, our ease have wrought; They sowed in tears--in joy we reap; The birthright they so dearly bought We'll guard, till we with them shall sleep.

4 Thy kindness to our fathers shown In weal and woe through all the past, Their grateful sons, O God, shall own While here their name and race shall last.

841. L. M. Presbyterian Coll.

God Acknowledged in National Blessings.

1 Great God of nations, now to thee Our hymn of gratitude we raise; With humble heart and bending knee, We offer thee our song of praise.

2 Here freedom spreads her banner wide, And casts her soft and hallowed ray; Here thou our fathers' steps didst guide In safety through their dangerous way.

3 We praise thee that the gospel's light Through all our land its radiance sheds, Dispels the shades of error's night, And heavenly blessings round us spreads.

4 Great God, preserve us in thy fear; In dangers still our guardian be; O, spread thy truth's bright precepts here, Let all the people worship thee.

842. L. M. Roscoe.

Remembrance of our Fathers.

1 Great God! beneath whose piercing eye The world's extended kingdoms lie; Whose favoring smile upholds them all, Whose anger smites them, and they fall;

2 We bow before thy heavenly throne; Thy power we see, thy goodness own; But, cherished by thy milder voice, Our bosoms tremble and rejoice.

3 Thy kindness to our fathers shown, Their children's children long shall own; To thee with grateful hearts shall raise Their tribute of exulting praise.

4 Our God, our Guardian, and our Friend! Oh still thy sheltering arm extend; Preserved by thee for ages past, For ages may thy kindness last.

843. C. M. C. Sprague.

The Pilgrims.

1 Our fathers, Lord, to seek a spot Where they might kneel to thee, Their own fair heritage forgot, And braved an unknown sea.

2 Here found their pilgrim souls repose Where long the heathen roved; And here their humble anthems rose To bless the Power they loved.

3 They sleep in dust,--but where they trod, A feeble, fainting band, Glad millions catch the strain, O God, And sound it through the land.

844. 8s. & 7s. M. Pierpont.

Anniversary Hymn.

1 God of mercy, do thou never From our offering turn away, But command a blessing ever On the memory of this day.

2 Light and peace do thou ordain it; O'er it be no shadow flung, Let no deadly darkness stain it, And no clouds be o'er it hung.

3 May the song this people raises, And its vows to thee addressed, Mingle with the prayers and praises, That thou hearest from the blest.

4 When the lips are cold that sing thee, And the hearts that love thee dust, Father, then our souls shall bring thee Holier love and firmer trust.

845. C. M. Aspland's Coll.

The Virtuous Love of Country.

1 Parent of all, omnipotent! In heaven and earth below! Through all creation's vast extent Whose streams of goodness flow:

2 Teach me to know from whence I rose, And unto what designed; No private aims may I propose, That injure human kind.

3 To hear my country's lawful voice May my best thoughts incline; 'Tis reason's law, 'tis virtue's choice, 'Tis nature's call, and thine.

4 Me from fair freedom's sacred cause May nothing e'er divide; Nor grandeur, gold, nor vain applause, Nor friendship false, misguide.

5 To duty, honor, virtue true, In all my country's weal, Let me my public walk pursue: So, God, thy favor deal.

846. 6s. & 4s. M. S. F. Smith.

Anniversary Hymn.

1 Auspicious morning, hail! Voices from hill and vale Thy welcome sing: Joy on thy dawning breaks; Each heart that joy partakes, While cheerful music wakes, Its praise to bring.

2 Long o'er our native hills, Long by our shaded rills, May freedom rest; Long may our shores have peace, Our flag grace every breeze, Our ships the distant seas, From east to west.

3 Peace on this day abide, From morn till even-tide; Wake tuneful song; Melodious accents raise; Let every heart, with praise, Bring high and grateful lays, Rich, full, and strong.

847. 6s. & 4s. M. J. G. Adams.

The Same.

1 Loud raise the notes of joy; Freemen, your songs employ, As well ye may;-- Let your full hearts go out In the exulting shout, And with your praise devout, Greet this glad day!

2 Children of lisping tongue, Those whose full hearts are young Lift up the song! Manhood and hoary age, Let naught your joy assuage, In the high theme engage, Praises prolong!

3 God of our fathers' land! Long may our temples stand Sacred to thee! Let thy bright light divine On all the people shine, Make us forever thine, From sin set free!

848. L. P. M. Kippis.

National Praise and Prayer.

1 With grateful hearts with joyful tongues, To God we raise united songs; His power and mercy we proclaim: Through every age, O, may we own Jehovah here has fixed his throne, And triumph in his mighty name.

2 Long as the moon her course shall run, Or men behold the circling sun, Lord, in our land support thy reign; Crown her just counsels with success, With truth and peace her borders bless, And all thy sacred rights maintain.

849. 6s. & 4s. M. Anonymous.

Prayer for our Country.

1 God bless our native land, Firm may she ever stand Through storm and night; When the wild tempests rave, Ruler of winds and wave, Do thou our country save, By thy great might.

2 For her our prayer shall rise To God above the skies; On him we wait; Thou who hast heard each sigh, Watching each weeping eye, Be thou forever nigh;-- God save the state.

850. 7s. & 6s. M. Christian Ballads.

Our Country.

Now pray we for our country, Pray that it long may be The holy and the happy, And the gloriously free! Who blesseth her is blesséd! So peace be in her walls; And joy in all her villages, Her cottages and halls.

THE SEASONS, ANNUAL OCCASIONS, ETC.

851. L. M. Heginbotham.

The God of the Seasons.

1 Great God! let all our tuneful powers Awake and sing thy mighty name; Thy hand rolls on our circling hours, The hand from which our being came.

2 Seasons and moons revolving round In beauteous order speak thy praise; And years with smiling mercy crowned, To thee successive honors raise.

3 Each changing season on our souls Its sweetest, kindest influence sheds; And every period, as it rolls, Showers countless blessings on our heads.

4 Our lives, our health, our friends, we owe All to thy vast unbounded love; Ten thousand precious gifts below, And hope of nobler joys above.

852. L. M. Enfield's Sel.

The Goodness of God in the Seasons.

1 Great God! at whose all-powerful call At first arose this beauteous frame, By thee the seasons change, and all The changing seasons speak thy name.

2 Thy bounty bids the infant year, From winter storms recovered, rise; When thousand grateful scenes appear, Fresh opening to our wondering eyes.

3 O, how delightful 'tis to see The earth in vernal beauty dressed! While in each herb, and flower, and tree, Thy bright perfections shine confessed!

4 Indulgent God! from every part, Thy plenteous blessings largely flow; We see,--we taste;--let every heart With grateful love and duty glow.

853. C. M. Watts.

Seasons.

1 With songs and honors sounding loud, Address the Lord on high; O'er all the heavens he spreads his cloud, And waters veil the sky.

2 He sends his showers of blessings down, To cheer the plains below; He makes the grass the mountains crown, And corn in valleys grow.

3 His steady councils change the face Of each declining year; He bids the sun cut short his race, And wintry days appear.

4 On us his providence has shone, With gentle, smiling rays; O, may our lips and lives make known His goodness and his praise.

854. H. M. J. Taylor.

Providence acknowledged in the Seasons.

1 Rejoice! the Lord is King: Your Lord and King adore; Mortals! give thanks and sing, And triumph evermore: Lift up your hearts, lift up your voice; Rejoice, in sacred lays rejoice.

2 His wintry north winds blow, Loud tempests rush amain; Yet his thick showers of snow Defend the infant grain: Lift up your hearts, lift up your voice; Rejoice, in sacred lays rejoice.

3 He wakes the genial spring, Perfumes the balmy air; The vales their tribute bring, The promise of the year: Lift up your hearts, lift up your voice Rejoice, in sacred lays rejoice.

4 He leads the circling year; His flocks the hills adorn; He fills the golden ear, And loads the field with corn; O happy mortals! raise your voice; Rejoice, in sacred lays rejoice.

855. 7s. M. Barbauld.

The Seasons.

1 Praise to God, immortal praise, For the love that crowns our days! Bounteous Source of every joy, Let thy praise our tongues employ.

2 All that Spring, with bounteous hand, Scatters o'er the smiling land,-- All that liberal Autumn pours From her rich o'erflowing stores,--

3 These to that dear Source we owe Whence our sweetest comforts flow; These, through all my happy days, Claim my cheerful songs of praise.

4 Lord, to thee my soul should raise Grateful, never-ending praise, And, when every blessing's flown, Love thee for thyself alone.

856. L. M. Doddridge.

The Same.

1 Eternal Source of every joy! Well may thy praise our lips employ, While in thy temple we appear, To hail thee Sovereign of the year.

2 Wide as the wheels of nature roll, Thy hand supports and guides the whole; By thee the sun is taught to rise, And darkness when to veil the skies.

3 The flowery spring, at thy command, Perfumes the air and paints the land; The summer suns with vigor shine, To raise the corn and cheer the vine.

4 Thy hand, in autumn, richly pours Through all our coasts redundant stores; And winters, softened by thy care, No more the face of horror wear.

5 Seasons, and months, and weeks, and days, Demand successive songs of praise; And be the grateful homage paid, With morning light and evening shade.

857. L. M. Watts.

The Goodness of God in the Seasons. Ps. 65.

1 At God's command, the morning ray Smiles in the east, and leads the day; He guides the sun's declining wheels Over the tops of western hills.

2 Seasons and times obey his voice; The evening and the morn rejoice To see the earth made soft with showers, Laden with fruit, and dressed in flowers.

3 The desert grows a fruitful field; Abundant food the valleys yield; The valleys shout with cheerful voice, And neighboring hills repeat their joys.

4 Thy works pronounce thy power divine; O'er every field thy glories shine; Through every month thy gifts appear: Great God! thy goodness crowns the year.

858. C. M. Fergus.

The Promises of the Year.

1 The year begins with promises Of joyful days to come, Of Sabbath bells, of times of prayer, Of thoughts on heaven, our home:

2 Of seed-time, with its gentle winds, Soft dews and healthful showers, And streamlets gushing from the hills, And birds and opening flowers:

3 Of summer, with its warbling choir Amid the balmy leaves; Of autumn, with its fragrant herbs And fruits and bending sheaves:

4 Of countless mercies from our God, Who rules the changeful years, Both here and in the world of love, Beyond the heavenly spheres.

859. S. M. Watts.

Blessings of Spring.

1 Good is the heavenly King, Who makes the earth his care, Visits the pastures every spring, And bids the grass appear.

2 Like rivers raised on high, The clouds, at thy command, Pour out their blessings from the sky, To cheer the thirsty land.

3 The hills, on every side, Rejoice at falling showers: The meadows, dressed in all their pride, Perfume the air with flowers.

4 The ridges drink their fill, And ranks of corn appear; Thy ways abound with blessings still, Thy goodness crowns the year.

860. C. M.

Spring.

1 When verdure clothes the fertile vale, And blossoms deck the spray, And fragrance breathes in every gale, How sweet the vernal day!

2 Hark! how the feathered warblers sing! 'Tis nature's cheerful voice; Soft music hails the lovely spring, And woods and fields rejoice.

3 O God of nature and of grace, Thy heavenly gifts impart; Then shall my meditation trace Spring blooming in my heart.

4 Inspired to praise, I then shall join Glad nature's cheerful song, And love and gratitude divine Attune my joyful tongue.

861. C. M. Peabody.

Spring.

1 When brighter suns and milder skies Proclaim the opening year, What various sounds of joy arise! What prospects bright appear!

2 Earth and her thousand voices give Their thousand notes of praise; And all, that by his mercy live, To God their offering raise.

3 The streams, all beautiful and bright, Reflect the morning sky; And there, with music in his flight, The wild bird soars on high.

4 Thus, like the morning, calm and clear, That saw the Saviour rise, The spring of heaven's eternal year Shall dawn on earth and skies.

5 No winter there, no shades of night, Obscure those mansions blest, Where, in the happy fields of light, The weary are at rest.

862. L. M. Fergus.

Spring-Time.

1 The spring, the joyous spring is come With lovely flowers of early bloom; The warbling birds, on every tree, Fill all the air with melody.

2 Once more, unsealed, the fountains run, Sparkling, beneath a brighter sun; Green leaves and tender herbs arise, Cheered by the glow of warmer skies.

3 Oh Lord, the changes of the year At thy Almighty word appear; And all the seasons, as they roll, Declare thy name from pole to pole.

4 Spring showers, descending from above, Bear down glad tidings of thy love, And every blossom on the tree Bespeaks our gratitude to thee.

863. S. M. Anonymous.

Summer.

1 Great God, at thy command, Seasons in order rise: Thy power and love in concert reign Through earth, and seas, and skies.

2 How balmy is the air! How warm the sun's bright beams! While, to refresh the ground, the rains Descend in gentle streams.

3 With grateful praise we own Thy providential hand, While grass, and herbs, and waving corn, Adorn and bless the land.

4 But greater still the gift Of thy belovéd Son; By him forgiveness, peace, and joy, Through endless ages run.

864. C. M. T. Richardson.

"The Hymn of Summer."

1 How glad the tone when summer's sun Wreathes the gay world with flowers, And trees bend down with golden fruit, And birds are in the bowers!

2 The moon sends silent music down Upon each earthly thing; And always, since creation's dawn, The stars together sing.

3 Shall man remain in silence, then, While all beneath the skies The chorus joins? no, let us sing, And while our voices rise,

4 O, let our lives, great God, breathe forth A constant melody; And every action be a tone In that sweet hymn to thee!

865. 7s. & 6s. M. Brit. Magazine.

Autumn.

1 The leaves, around me falling, Are preaching of decay; The hollow winds are calling, "Come, pilgrim, come away:" The day, in night declining, Says I must, too, decline; The year its bloom resigning, Its lot foreshadows mine.

2 The light my path surrounding, The loves to which I cling, The hopes within me bounding, The joys that round me wing,-- All, all, like stars at even, Just gleam and shoot away, Pass on before to heaven, And chide at my delay.

3 The friends gone there before me Are calling from on high, And happy angels o'er me Tempt sweetly to the sky: "Why wait," they say, "and wither, 'Mid scenes of death and sin? O, rise to glory, hither, And find true life begin."

866. C. M. Watts.

Winter.

1 The hoary frost, the fleecy snow, Descend, and clothe the ground; The liquid streams forbear to flow, In icy fetters bound.

2 When, from his dreadful stores on high, God pours the sounding hail, The man that does his power defy Shall find his courage fail.

3 God sends his word and melts the snow; The fields no longer mourn; He calls the warmer gales to blow, And bids the spring return.

4 The changing wind, the flying cloud, Obey his mighty word; With songs and honors sounding loud, Praise ye the sovereign Lord.

867. H. M. Freeman.

The Same.

1 Lord of the worlds below! On earth thy glories shine; The changing seasons show Thy skill and power divine. The rolling years Are full of thee; In all we see A God appears.

2 In winter, awful thou! With storms around thee cast; The leafless forests bow Beneath thy northern blast. While tempests lower, To thee, dread King, We homage bring, And own thy power.

868. L. M. H. Ballou.

The Acceptable Fast.

1 This is the fast the Lord doth choose; Each heavy burden to undo, The bands of wickedness to loose, And bid the captive freely go.

2 Let every vile and sinful yoke Of servile bondage and of fear, By mercy, love and truth be broke; And from each eye wipe every tear.

3 Yes, to the hungry deal thy bread; Bring to thine house the outcast poor; There let the fainting soul be fed, Nor spurn the needy from thy door.

4 And when thou seest the naked, spare The raiment that his wants demand; Since all mankind thy kindred are, To all thy charity expand.

5 Thus did the Saviour of our race: Himself, the Bread of Life, he gave; He clothed us with his righteousness, And broke the fetters from the slave.

869. C. M. S. Streeter.

Humiliation and Prayer.

1 Here in thy temple, Lord, we meet, And bow before thy throne; Abased and guilty, at thy feet We seek thy grace alone.

2 Our sins rise up in dread array, And fill our hearts with fear; Our trembling spirits melt away, But find no helper near.

3 O, send thy pity from on high With pardon all-divine; Bring now thy gracious spirit nigh, And make us wholly thine.

4 We humbly mourn our follies past, Each guilty path deplore; Resolved, while feeble life shall last, To tread those paths no more.

870. C. M. Anonymous.

The Same.

1 Now let our prayers ascend to thee, Thou great and holy One; Above the world raise thou our hearts; In us, thy will be done.

2 O, let us feel how frail we are, How much we need thy grace; O, strengthen, Lord, our fainting souls, While here we seek thy face.

3 Our sins, alas! before thee rise; Thou knowest all our guilt; Let not our faith, our hope, our trust, On earthly things be built.

4 Forgive our sins, thy spirit grant, Let love our souls refine, And heavenly peace and holy hope Assure that we are thine.

871. S. M. Drummond.

"Is it such a fast that I have chosen?"

1 "Is this a fast for me?"-- Thus saith the Lord our God;-- "A day for man to vex his soul, And feel affliction's rod?--

2 "Like bulrush low to bow His sorrow-stricken head, With sackcloth for his inner vest, And ashes round him spread?

3 "Shall day like this have power To stay th' avenging hand, Efface transgression, or avert My judgments from the land?

4 "No; is not this alone The sacred fast I choose,-- Oppression's yoke be burst in twain, The bands of guilt unloose?--

5 "To nakedness and want Your food and raiment deal, To dwell your kindred race among, And all their sufferings heal?

6 "Then, like the morning ray, Shall spring your health and light; Before you, righteousness shall shine, Behind, my glory bright!"

872. L. M. Dyer.

Public Humiliation.

1 Great Maker of unnumbered worlds, And whom unnumbered worlds adore,-- Whose goodness all thy creatures share, While nature trembles at thy power,--

2 Thine is the hand that moves the spheres, That wakes the wind, and lifts the sea; And man, who moves the lord of earth, Acts but the part assigned by thee.

3 While suppliant crowds implore thine aid, To thee we raise the humble cry; Thine altar is the contrite heart, Thine incense the repentant sigh.

4 O may our land, in this her hour, Confess thy hand, and bless the rod, By penitence make thee her friend, And find in thee a guardian God.

873. C. M. Rippon's Coll.

Public Supplication.

1 When Abrah'm, full of sacred awe, Before Jehovah stood, And, with an humble, fervent prayer, For guilty Sodom sued,--

2 With what success, what wondrous grace, Was his petition crowned! The Lord would spare, if in this place Ten righteous men were found.

3 And could a single pious soul So rich a boon obtain? Great God, and shall a nation cry, And plead with thee in vain?

4 Are not the righteous dear to thee Now, as in ancient times? Or does this sinful land exceed Gomorrah in her crimes?

5 Still we are thine; we bear thy name; Here yet is thine abode: Long has thy presence blessed our land: Forsake us not, O God.

874. C. M. Rippon's Coll.

Judgments for National Sins Deprecated.

1 Almighty Lord, before thy throne Thy mourning people bend; 'Tis on thy pardoning grace alone Our dying hopes depend.

2 Dark judgments, from thy heavy hand, Thy dreadful power display; Yet mercy spares our guilty land, And still we live to pray.

3 How changed, alas! are truths divine, For error, guilt, and shame! What impious numbers, bold in sin, Disgrace the Christian name!

4 O, turn us, turn us, mighty Lord; Convert us by thy grace; Then shall our hearts obey thy word, And see again thy face.

5 Then, should oppressing foes invade, We will not yield to fear, Secure of all-sufficient aid, When thou, O God, art near.

875. L. M. Aikin.

In time of War.

1 While sounds of war are heard around, And death and ruin strow the ground, To thee we look, on thee we call, The Parent and the Lord of all.

2 Thou, who hast stamped on human kind The image of a heaven-born mind, And in a Father's wide embrace Hast cherished all the kindred race,--

3 Great God, whose powerful hand can bind The raging waves, the furious wind, O, bid the human tempest cease, And hush the maddening world to peace.

4 With reverence may each hostile land Hear and obey that high command, Thy Son's blest errand from above,-- "My creatures, live in mutual love!"

876. 6s. & 4s. M. Montgomery.

Thanksgiving Hymn.

1 The God of harvest praise; In loud thanksgivings raise Hand, heart, and voice; The valleys smile and sing, Forests and mountains ring, The plains their tribute bring, The streams rejoice.

2 Yea, bless his holy name, And purest thanks proclaim Through all the earth; To glory in your lot Is duty,--but be not God's benefits forgot, Amidst your mirth.

3 The God of harvest praise; Hands, hearts, and voices raise, With sweet accord; From field to garner throng, Bearing your sheaves along, And in your harvest song Bless ye the Lord.

877. C. M. Christian Psalmist.

The Same.

1 Fountain of mercy, God of love, How rich thy bounties are! The rolling seasons, as they move, Proclaim thy constant care.

2 When in the bosom of the earth The sower hid the grain, Thy goodness marked its secret birth, And sent the early rain.

3 The spring's sweet influence, Lord, was thine The plants in beauty grew; Thou gav'st refulgent suns to shine, And mild, refreshing dew.

4 These various mercies from above Matured the swelling grain; A kindly harvest crowns thy love, And plenty fills the plain.

5 We own and bless thy gracious sway; Thy hand all nature hails; Seed-time nor harvest, night nor day, Summer nor winter, fails.

878. L. M. Anonymous.

The Same.

1 Great God! as seasons disappear, And changes mark the rolling year, Thy favor still has crowned our days, And we would celebrate thy praise.

2 The harvest song we would repeat; "Thou givest us the finest wheat;" "The joy of harvest" we have known; The praise, O Lord! is all thine own.

3 Our tables spread, our garners stored, O give us hearts to bless thee, Lord! Forbid it, Source of light and love, That hearts and lives should barren prove.

4 Another harvest comes apace; Ripen our spirits by thy grace, That we may calmly meet the blow The sickle gives to lay us low.

5 That so, when angel reapers come To gather sheaves to thy blest home, Our spirits may be borne on high To thy safe garner in the sky.

879. L. M. Brettell.

Harvest Home.

1 The last full wain has come,--has come! And brought the golden harvest home: The labors of the year are done: Accept our thanks, all-bounteous One!

2 For the green spring, her herbs and flowers, For the warm summer's blooming bowers, For all the fruits that flush the boughs, When russet autumn decks her brows;

3 For the bright sun, whose fervid ray Ripens the corn, and cheers the day; For the round moon, whose yellow light Gilds the long labors of the night;

4 For the rich sea of shining grain, That spreads its waves o'er hill and plain, For the cool breeze, whose light wings fan The weary, sun-burnt husbandman;

5 For the soft herbage of the soil, For ruddy health, the child of toil; For all the good the year displays, Accept, O God, our grateful praise.

880. 8s. & 7s. M. Crosse.

The Sacrifice of Thanksgiving.

1 Lord of heaven, and earth, and ocean, Hear us from thy bright abode, While our hearts, with true devotion, Own their great and gracious God.

2 Health and every needful blessing Are thy bounteous gifts alone; Comforts undeserved possessing, Here we bend before thy throne.

3 Thee, with humble adoration, Lord, we praise for mercies past; Still to this most favored nation May those mercies ever last.

881. 7s. M. Sacred Lyrics.

Thanksgiving.

1 Swell the anthem, raise the song; Praises to our God belong; Saints and angels, join to sing Praises to the Heavenly King.

2 Blessings from his liberal hand Flow around this happy land: Kept by him, no foes annoy; Peace and freedom we enjoy.

3 Here, beneath a virtuous sway, May we cheerfully obey,-- Never feel oppression's rod,-- Ever own and worship God.

4 Hark! the voice of nature sings Praises to the King of kings; Let us join the choral song, And the grateful notes prolong.

882. 7s. M. Ev. Magazine.

"Thou crownest the year with goodness."

1 Praise on thee, in Zion's gates, Daily, O Jehovah! waits; Unto thee, O God! belong Grateful words and holy song.

2 Thou the hope and refuge art Of remotest lands apart, Distant isles and tribes unknown, 'Mid the ocean-waste, and lone.

3 Thou dost visit earth, and rain Blessings on the thirsty plain, From the copious founts on high, From the rivers of the sky.

4 Thus the clouds thy power confess, And thy paths drop fruitfulness: And the voice of song and mirth Rises from the tribes of earth.

883. L. M. Presbyterian Coll.

Goodness of God Celebrated.

1 Join, every tongue, to praise the Lord; All nature rests upon his word; Mercy and truth his courts maintain, And own his universal reign.

2 Seasons and times obey his voice; The evening and the morn rejoice To see the earth made soft with showers, Enriched with fruit, and dressed in flowers.

3 Thy works pronounce thy power divine; In all the earth thy glories shine; Through every month thy gifts appear; Great God, thy goodness crowns the year.

884. L. M. L. H. Sigourney.

Harvest.

1 God of the year! with songs of praise And hearts of love, we come to bless Thy bounteous hand, for thou hast shed Thy manna o'er our wilderness.

2 In early spring-time thou didst fling O'er earth its robe of blossoming; And its sweet treasures, day by day, Rose quickening in thy blessed ray.

3 God of the seasons! thou hast blest The land with sunlight and with showers, And plenty o'er its bosom smiles To crown the sweet autumnal hours.

4 Praise,--praise to thee! Our hearts expand To view these blessings of thy hand, And on the incense-breath of love Ascend to their bright home above.

885. L. P. M. Kippis.

Thanksgiving for National Prosperity.

1 How rich thy gifts, Almighty King! From thee our public blessings spring; Th' extended trade, the fruitful skies, The treasures liberty bestows, Th' eternal joys the gospel shows,-- All from thy boundless goodness rise.

2 Here commerce spreads the wealthy store, Which pours from every foreign shore; Science and art their charms display; Religion teaches us to raise Our voices to our Maker's praise, As truth and conscience point the way.

3 With grateful hearts, with joyful tongues, To God we raise united songs; His power and mercy we proclaim; This land through every age shall own, Jehovah here has fixed his throne, And triumph in his mighty name.

4 Long as the moon her course shall run, Or man behold the circling sun, O, still may God amidst us reign; Crown our just counsels with success, With peace and joy our borders bless, And all our sacred rights maintain.

886. L. M. Doddridge.

New Year's Day.

1 Great God, we sing that mighty hand, By which, supported still, we stand: The opening year thy mercy shows; Let mercy crown it till it close.

2 By day, by night, at home, abroad, Still we are guarded by our God; By his incessant bounty fed, By his unerring counsel led.

3 With grateful hearts the past we own: The future, all to us unknown, We to thy guardian care commit, And peaceful leave before thy feet,

4 In scenes exalted or depressed, Be thou our joy, and thou our rest: Thy goodness all our hopes shall raise, Adored through all our changing days.

5 When death shall interrupt these songs, And seal in silence mortal tongues, Our Helper, God, in whom we trust, In better worlds our souls shall boast.

887. C. M. Doddridge.

Reflections for a New Year.

1 Remark, my soul, the narrow bounds Of the revolving year; How swift the weeks complete their rounds! How short the months appear!

2 Yet like an idle tale we pass The swift advancing year; And study artful ways t' increase The speed of its career.

3 Waken, O God, my trifling heart, Its great concerns to see; That I may act the Christian part, And give the year to thee.

4 Thus shall their course more grateful roll, If future years arise; Or this shall bear my peaceful soul To joy that never dies.

888. 7s. M. Newton.

New Year's Day.

1 While, with ceaseless course, the sun Hasted through the former year, Many souls their race have run, Never more to meet us here: Fixed in an eternal state, They have done with all below: We a little longer wait, But how little none can know.

2 As the wingéd arrow flies, Speedily the mark to find; As the lightning from the skies Darts and leaves no trace behind;-- Swiftly thus our fleeting days Bear us down life's rapid stream: Upward, Lord, our spirits raise; All below is but a dream.

3 Thanks for mercies past receive; Pardon of our sins renew; Teach us, henceforth, how to live, With eternity in view; Bless thy word to old and young; Fill us with a Saviour's love; When our life's short race is run, May we dwell with thee above.

889. L. M. Doddridge.

The Same.

1 My helper, God, I bless his name; The same his power, his grace the same; The tokens of his friendly care Open, and crown, and close, the year.

2 I 'midst ten thousand dangers stand, Supported by his guardian hand, And see, when I survey my ways, Ten thousand monuments of praise.

3 Thus far his arm hath led me on; Thus far I make his mercy known; And, while I tread this mortal land, New mercies shall new songs demand.

890. C. M. Heginbotham.

New Year. Providential Goodness.

1 God of our lives, thy various praise Our voices shall resound: Thy hand directs our fleeting days, And brings the seasons round.

2 To thee shall grateful songs arise, Our Father and our Friend, Whose constant mercies from the skies In genial streams descend.

3 In every scene of life, thy care, In every age, we see; And constant as thy favors are, So let our praises be.

4 Still may thy love, in every scene, In every age, appear; And let the same compassion deign To bless the opening year.

5 If mercy smile, let mercy bring Our wandering souls to God: In our affliction we shall sing, If thou wilt bless the rod.

891. L. M. John Fawcett.

"He holdeth our soul in life."

1 O God, my helper, ever near! Crown with thy smile the present year; Preserve me by thy favor still, And fit me for thy sacred will.

2 My safety, each succeeding hour, Depends on thy supporting power: Accept my thanks for mercies past, And be my guard, while life shall last.

3 My moments move with wingéd haste, Nor know I which shall be the last: Danger and death are ever nigh, And I this year perhaps may die.

4 Prepare me for the trying day; Then call my willing soul away: I'll quit the world at thy command, And trust my spirit to thy hand.

892. C. M. Newton.

New Year. Prayer for a Blessing.

1 Now, gracious Lord, thine arm reveal, And make thy glory known; Now let us all thy presence feel, And soften hearts of stone.

2 From all the guilt of former sin May mercy set us free; And let the year we now begin, Begin and end with thee.

3 Send down thy spirit from above, That saints may love thee more, And sinners now may learn to love, Who never loved before.

4 And when before thee we appear, In our eternal home, May growing numbers worship here, And praise thee in our room.

893. C. M. Bp. Middleton.

Self-Examination. New Year.

1 As o'er the past my memory strays, Why heaves the secret sigh? 'Tis that I mourn departed days, Still unprepared to die.

2 The world, and worldly things beloved, My anxious thoughts employed; And time unhallowed, unimproved, Presents a fearful void.

3 Yet, Holy Father! wild despair Chase from my laboring breast; Thy grace it is which prompts the prayer. That grace can do the rest.

4 My life's brief remnant all be thine; And when thy sure decree Bids me this fleeting breath resign, O speed my soul to thee!

894. 7s. M. Newton.

Invocation. New Year.

1 Bless, O Lord, each opening year To the souls assembling here: Clothe thy word with power divine, Make us willing to be thine.

2 Where thou hast thy work begun, Give new strength the race to run; Scatter darkness, doubts, and fears, Wipe away the mourners' tears.

3 Bless us all, both old and young; Call forth praise from every tongue: Let our whole assembly prove All thy power and all thy love!

895. C. M. Browne.

The Closing Year.

1 And now, my soul, another year Of my short life is past: I cannot long continue here; And this may be my last.

2 Part of my doubtful life is gone, Nor will return again; And swift my fleeting moments run-- The few which yet remain!

3 Awake, my soul! with all thy care Thy true condition learn; What are thy hopes--how sure, how fair, And what thy great concern?

4 Now a new space of life begins, Set out afresh for heaven; Seek pardon for thy former sins, Through Christ, so freely given.

5 Devoutly yield thyself to God, And on his grace depend; With zeal pursue the heavenly road, Nor doubt a happy end.

896. 7s. M. Anonymous.

The Same.

1 Time by moments steals away, First the hour and then the day; Small the daily loss appears, Yet it soon amounts to years.

2 Thus another year is flown; Now it is no more our own, If it brought or promised good, Than the years before the flood.

3 But may none of us forget It has left us much in debt; Who can tell the vast amount Placed to every one's account!

4 Favors, from the Lord received, Sins, that have his spirit grieved, Marked by an unerring hand, In his book recorded stand.

5 If we see another year, May thy blessing meet us here: Sun of righteousness, arise, Warm our hearts and bless our eyes.

897. C. M. Watts.

The Same.

1 Time! what an empty vapor 'tis! And days, how swift they are! Swift as an Indian arrow flies, Or like a shooting star.

2 The present moments just appear, Then slide away in haste; That we can never say, they're here; But only say, they're past.

3 Our life is ever on the wing, And death is ever nigh; The moment when our lives begin We all begin to die.

4 Yet, mighty God! our fleeting days Thy lasting favors share; Yet, with the bounties of thy grace, Thou load'st the rolling year.

5 'Tis sovereign mercy finds us food, And we are clothed with love; While grace stands pointing out the road Which leads our souls above.

898. L. M. Watts.

God eternal, and Man mortal. Ps. 90.

1 Through every age, eternal God, Thou art our rest, our safe abode! High was thy throne ere heaven was made, Or earth thy humble footstool laid.

2 Long hadst thou reigned ere time began, Or dust was fashioned into man; And long thy kingdom shall endure, When earth and time shall be no more.

3 A thousand of our years amount Scarce to a day in thine account; Like yesterday's departed light, Or the last watch of ending night.

4 Death, like an overflowing stream, Sweeps us away; our life's a dream, An empty tale, a morning flower Cut down and withered in an hour.

899. L. M. Doddridge.

The Closing Year.

1 God of our life! thy constant care With blessings crowns each opening year: These lives so frail thy love prolongs; Be this the burden of our songs.

2 How many precious souls are fled To the vast regions of the dead, Since, from this day, the changing sun Through his last yearly course has run!

3 We yet survive, but who can say, Or through the year, or month, or day, We shall retain this vital breath, Secure from all the shafts of death?

4 We hold our lives from thee alone, On earth, or in the worlds unknown; To thee our spirits we resign, Make them and own them all as thine.

5 Great Source of wisdom, teach my heart To know the price of every hour, That time may bear me on to joys Beyond its measure and its power.

900. C. M.

The Same.

1 Mark how the swift-winged minutes fly, And hours still hasten on! How swift the circling months run round! How soon the year is gone!

2 How is our debt of love increased To that sustaining Power, Who hath upheld our feeble frame, And blest each rolling hour.

3 For all thy favors, O our God, Thy goodness we adore; Thou hast our cup with blessings filled, And made that cup run o'er.

4 What shall befall in future life, We would not, Lord, inquire: To be prepared for all thy will. Be this our chief desire.

901. 8s. & 7s. M. Estlin.

Reliance for the Future.

1 Gracious Source of every blessing! Guard our breasts from anxious fears; May we still thy love possessing, Sink into the vale of years.

2 All our hopes on thee reclining, Peace companion of our way; May our sun, in smiles declining, Rise in everlasting day.

SOCIAL AND DOMESTIC WORSHIP.

902. C. M. Ancient Hymns.

The Joy of Social Worship.

1 How good and pleasant is the sight, How great the bliss they share, When Christ's assembled flock unite In acts of social prayer! God thither, with paternal care, His face benignant bends; And Jesus, by his spirit there, On faithful hearts descends.

2 To such, by hallowed lips expressed, His grace confirms his word, As once Cornelius' house it blest, From holy Peter heard: On prayer and praise, in faith preferred, His heavenly dew is shed; And he to all, who come prepared, Dispenses heavenly bread.

3 To God, adored in ages past, Enthroned in majesty,-- To God, whose worship aye shall last Throughout eternity,-- To thee, Great God, we bend the knee, And in the Holy Ghost, Through Christ, all glory give to thee, With all thy heavenly host.

903. C. M. Ancient Hymns.

The Joy of Social Devotion.

1 O, it is joy in one to meet Whom one communion blends, Council to hold in converse sweet, And talk as Christian friends.

2 'Tis joy to think the angel train, Who 'mid heaven's temple shine, To seek our earthly temples deign, And in our anthems join.

3 But chief, 'tis joy to think that He, To whom his church is dear, Delights her gathered flock to see, Her joint devotions hear.

4 Then who would choose to walk abroad, While here such joys are given? "This is indeed the house of God, And this the gate of heaven!"

904. 7s. M. Anonymous.

For a Prayer Meeting.

1 Father, hear us when we pray, Look in mercy from above; Turn not, Lord, thy face away, Hear, and grant thy pardoning love.

2 In the name of Christ we come, Asking grace and seeking peace, Raise our hearts to heaven, our home, And from worldly cares release.

3 Pure and holy may we be, Far removed all vain desire; From all hate and envy free, Let our souls to thee aspire.

4 While we love the Saviour's name, And his words with zeal obey, His sweet promise we may claim;-- "He will meet us when we pray."

905. 7s. M. Methodist Coll.

Call to Social Worship.

1 Let us join, as God commands, Let us join our hearts and hands, Help to gain our calling's hope; Help to build each other up; Carry on the Christian's strife; Walk in holiness of life; Faithfully our gifts improve For the sake of him we love;--

2 Still forget the things behind; Follow Christ in heart and mind; Toward the mark unwearied press; Seize the crown of righteousness, While we walk with God in light, God our hearts will still unite; Dearest fellowship we prove-- Fellowship in Jesus, love.

3 Still, O Lord, our faith increase; Cleanse from all unrighteousness: Thee th' unholy cannot see: Make, O make us meet for thee: Every vile affection kill; Root out every seed of ill; Utterly abolish sin; Write thy law of love within.

906. C. M. Ancient Hymns.

Call to Social Worship.

1 O, come, and let th' assembly all To serve our God unite, And, mindful of the social call, Partake the social rite.

2 In token of the common vow, Be ours, with one consent, The worship of the lowly brow, And knees devoutly bent!

3 But chief, inflamed with heavenly fire, Devotion's better part, Be ours instinct with one desire, The worship of the heart!

4 Let each, let all, their prayers above, In one oblation bend, And God, the God of peace and love, On all, on each descend!

907. C. M. Methodist Coll.

Call to Worship.

1 Father, united by thy grace, And each to each endeared With confidence we seek thy face, And know our prayer is heard.

2 Still let us own our common Lord, And bear his easy yoke, A band of love, a three-fold cord Which never can be broke.

3 Make us into one spirit drink; Baptize into one name; And let us always kindly think, And sweetly speak the same.

4 Touched by the loadstone of thy love, Let all our hearts agree; And ever towards each other move, And ever move towards thee.

908. 7s. M. Wesley's Coll.

For Brotherly Love.

1 God of love, we look to thee; Let us in thy Son agree; Show to us the Prince of Peace; Bid our jars forever cease. By thy reconciling love, Every stumbling-block remove; Each to each unite, endear; Come, and spread thy banner here.

2 Make us of one heart and mind, Courteous, pitiful, and kind; Lowly, meek, in thought and word, Altogether like our Lord. Let us for each other care; Each the other's burden bear; To thy church the pattern give; Show how true believers live.

3 Free from anger and from pride, Let us thus in God abide; All the depths of love express, All the heights of holiness. Let us, then, with joy remove To the family above; On the wings of angels fly; Show how true believers die.

909. L. M. Newton.

Meeting of Christian Friends.

1 Kindred in Christ, for his dear sake, A hearty welcome here receive; May we together now partake The joys which only he can give.

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

3 Forgotten be each worldly theme, When Christians meet together thus; We only wish to speak of him Who lived, and died, and reigns, for us.

4 We'll talk of all he did, and said, And suffered, for us here below, The path he marked for us to tread, And what he's doing for us now.

910. L. M. Cowper.

For Social Worship.

1 Our God, where'er thy people meet, There they behold thy mercy-seat; Where'er they seek thee, thou art found, And every place is hallowed ground.

2 For thou, within no walls confined, Inhabitest the humble mind; Such ever bring thee where they come, And, going, take thee to their home.

3 Here may we prove the power of prayer To strengthen faith, and sweeten care; To teach our faint desires to rise, And bring all heaven before our eyes.

4 Lord, we are few, but thou art near; Nor short thine arm, nor deaf thine ear: O, rend the heavens, comes quickly down, And make a thousand hearts thine own!

911. L. M. Ancient Hymns.

Commendatory of Christian Union.

1 Blest with unearthly bliss were they Who saw the church's infant day, And strove their Christian part to bear, By sign and spirit joined with her.

2 The truth, which Christ's apostles taught, Then ruled each faithful convert's thought; Each aimed in unity to keep Unrent th' apostles' fellowship.

3 The bread, with rites harmonious broke, The union of all hearts bespoke; And prayer, with lips united prayed, The union of all minds displayed.

4 O thus that Christians still would live, And thus delightful witness give, How well the debt of love they know, To Christ and to his church they owe!

912. 6s. & 8s. M. Methodist Coll.

For Union.

1 Thou God of truth and love, We seek thy perfect way, Ready thy choice t' approve, Thy providence t' obey; Enter into thy wise design, And sweetly lose our will in thine.

2 Why hast thou cast our lot In the same age and place? And why together brought To see each other's face? To join with softest sympathy, And mix our friendly souls in thee?

3 Didst thou not make us one, That we might one remain, Together travel on, And bear each other's pain; Till all thy utmost goodness prove And rise renewed in perfect love?

913. 7s. M. Methodist Coll.

For Union of Heart.

1 God, from whom all blessings flow, Perfecting the saints below, Hear us, who thy nature share, Who thy loving children are. Join us, in one spirit join, Let us still receive of thine: Still for more on thee we call, Thou who fillest all in all!

2 Closer knit us to our Head; Nourish us, in Christ, and feed; Let us daily growth receive, More and more in Jesus live. Move, and actuate, and guide; Divers gifts to each divide: Placed according to thy will, Let us all our work fulfil;

3 Sweetly may we all agree, Touched with softest sympathy; Kindly for each other care; Every member feel its share. Love, like death, hath all destroyed, Rendered our distinctions void! Names, and sects, and parties fall: Thou, O God, art all in all!

914. C. M. Milton.

The Blessedness of the Devout.

1 How lovely are thy dwellings, Lord, From noise and trouble free; How beautiful the sweet accord Of souls that pray to thee.

2 Lord God of hosts, that reign'st on high, They are the truly blest, Who only will on thee rely, In thee alone will rest.

3 They pass refreshed the thirsty vale, The dry and barren ground, As through a fruitful, watery dale, Where springs and showers abound.

4 They journey on from strength to strength, With joy and gladsome cheer, Till all before our God at length. In Zion do appear.

5 For God, the Lord, both sun and shield, Gives grace and glory bright; No good from him shall be withheld Whose ways are just and right.

915. C. M. Wesley's Coll.

For Mutual Edification.

1 Help us to help each other, Lord, Each other's cross to bear! Let each his friendly aid afford, And feel his brother's care.

2 Help us to build each other up; Our little stock improve; Increase our faith, confirm our hope, And perfect us in love.

3 Up into thee, our living Head, Let us in all things grow, Till thou hast made us free indeed, And spotless here below.

916. 7s. M. Methodist Coll.

Invocation.

1 Father, at thy footstool see Those who now are one in thee: Draw us by thy grace alone; Give, O give us to thy Son.

2 Jesus, friend of human kind, Let us in thy name be joined; Each to each unite and bless; Keep us still in perfect peace.

3 Heavenly, all-alluring Dove, Shed thy overshadowing love; Love, the sealing grace impart; Dwell within our single heart.

917. C. M. Anonymous.

The Love of the Brethren.

1 A holy air is breathing round, A savor from above; Be every soul from sense unbound, Be every spirit love.

2 O God, unite us heart to heart, In sympathy divine, That we be never drawn apart, And love nor thee nor thine.

3 But, by the cross of Jesus taught, And all thy gracious word, Be nearer to each other brought, And nearer to our Lord.

918. C. M. Watts.

Christian Union.

1 Lo! what an entertaining sight Those friendly brethren prove, Whose cheerful hearts in bands unite Of harmony and love!

2 Where streams of bliss from Christ, the spring, Descend to every soul, And heavenly peace, with balmy wing, Shades and bedews the whole.

3 'Tis pleasant as the morning dews That fall on Zion's hill, Where God his mildest glory shows, And makes his grace distil.

919. S. M. Sacred Lyrics.

Morning Prayer Meeting.

1 How sweet the melting lay, Which breaks upon the ear, When, at the hour of rising day, Christians unite in prayer!

2 The breezes waft their cries Up to Jehovah's throne; He listens to their humble sighs, And sends his blessings down.

3 So Jesus rose to pray Before the morning light,-- Once on the chilling mount did stay, And wrestle all the night.

4 Glory to God on high, Who sends his blessings down To rescue souls condemned to die, And make his people one.

920. C. M. Ancient Hymns.

Social Evening Worship.

1 O, 'Tis a scene the heart to move, When, at the close of day, Whom God unites in Christian love Unite their thanks to pay.

2 What though the number be but small; Whenever two or three Join on the Saviour's name to call, There in the midst is he.

3 When faithful and repentant hearts His heavenly grace ensue, His grace, intreated, he imparts To many or to few.

4 O, come, then, and, with joint accord, In social worship meet; And, mindful of the Saviour's word, The Saviour's boon intreat.

921. 7s. M. Newton.

Parting Hymn.

1 For a season called to part, Let us then ourselves commend To the gracious eye and heart Of our ever-present Friend.

2 Father, hear our humble prayer! Tender shepherd of thy sheep, Let thy mercy and thy care All our souls in safety keep.

3 In thy strength may we be strong; Sweeten every cross and pain; Give us, if we live, ere long, Here to meet in peace again.

922. C. M. Methodist Coll.

The Same.

1 Through thee we now together came, In singleness of heart; We met, O, Jesus, in thy name, And in thy name we part.

2 We part in body, not in mind; Our minds continue one; And, each to each in Jesus joined, We hand in hand go on.

3 Present we still in spirit are, And intimately nigh, While on the wings of faith and prayer We each to other fly.

4 Our life is hid with Christ in God; Our life shall soon appear, And shed his glory all abroad In all his members here.

923. L. M. Doddridge.

The Christian Farewell.

1 Thy presence, everlasting God! Wide o'er all nature spreads abroad: Thy watchful eyes, which cannot sleep, In every place thy children keep.

2 While near each other we remain, Thou dost our lives and souls sustain; When sep'rate, happy if we share Thy smiles, thy counsels, and thy care.

3 To thee we all our ways commit, And seek our comforts near thy feet; Still on our souls vouchsafe to shine, And guard and guide us still as thine.

4 Give us in thy belovéd house, Again to pay our grateful vows; Or, if that joy no more be known, Give us to meet around thy throne.

924. 8s. & 7s. M. C. Wesley.

Domestic Worship.

1 Peace be to this habitation; Peace to all that dwell therein; Peace, the earnest of salvation; Peace, the fruit of pardoned sin; Peace, that speaks the heavenly Giver; Peace, to worldly minds unknown; Peace divine, that lasts forever; Peace, that comes from God alone.

2 Jesus, Prince of Peace, be near us; Fix in all our hearts thy home; With thy gracious presence cheer us; Let thy sacred kingdom come; Raise to heaven our expectation, Give our favored souls to prove Glorious and complete salvation, In the realms of bliss above.

925. L. M. Doddridge & Merrick.

The Same. Ps. 128.

1 Blest is the man who fears the Lord, And walks by his unerring word; Comfort and peace his days attend, And God will ever prove his friend.

2 To him who condescends to dwell With saints in their obscurest cell, Be our domestic altars raised, And daily let his name be praised.

3 To him may each assembled house Present their night and morning vows; And children of the rising race Be taught his precepts and his grace.

4 When nature droops, our aged eyes Shall see our children's children rise; Till pleased and thankful we remove, And join the family above.

926. L. M. Scott.

Family Religion.

1 Where'er the Lord shall build my house, An altar to his name I'll raise; There, morn and evening, shall ascend The sacrifice of prayer and praise.

2 With duteous mind, the social band Shall search the records of thy law; There learn thy will, and humbly bow With filial reverence and awe.

3 Here may he fix his sacred seat, And spread the banner of his love; Till, ripened for a happier state, We meet the family above.

927. L. M. 6l. Methodist Coll.

Religion at Home.

1 When quiet in my house I sit Thy book be my companion still; My joy thy sayings to repeat, Talk o'er the records of thy will, And search the oracles divine, Till every heart-felt word be mine.

2 O may the gracious words divine Mingled with all my converse be: So will the Lord his follower join, And walk and talk himself with me; So shall my heart his presence prove And burn with everlasting love.

3 Oft as I lay me down to rest, O, may the reconciling word Sweetly compose my weary breast, While, trusting in my gracious Lord, I sink in peaceful dreams away, And visions of eternal day!

4 Rising to sing my Father's praise, Thee may I publish all day long; And let thy precious word of grace Flow from my heart and fill my tongue; Fill all my life with purest love, And join me to the church above.

928. S. M. Watts.

Family Affection from Religious Principles.

1 How pleasing, Lord! to see, How pure is the delight, When mutual love, and love to thee, A family unite!

2 From these celestial springs Such streams of comfort flow, As no increase of riches brings, Nor honors can bestow.

3 No bliss can equal theirs, Where such affections meet; While mingled praise and mingled prayers Make their communion sweet.

4 'Tis the same pleasure fills The breast in worlds above; Where joy like morning dew distils, And all the air is love.

929. C. M. Taylor's Coll.

The Family Altar.

1 Great God! where'er we pitch our tent, Let us an altar raise, And there, with humble frame, present Our sacrifice of praise.

2 To thee we give our health and strength, While health and strength shall last, For future mercies humbly trust, Nor e'er forget the past.

930. C. M. Barry Cornwall.

For a Sick Child.

1 Send down thy wingéd angel; God! Amidst this night so wild, And bid him come where now we watch, And breathe upon our child!

2 It lies upon its pillow, pale, And moans within its sleep, Or wakeneth with a patient smile, And striveth not to weep!

3 How gentle and how good a child It is, we know too well; And dearer to its parents' hearts Than our weak words can tell.

4 We love,--we watch throughout the night, To aid, where need may be; We hope,--and have despaired at times; But now we turn to thee!

5 Send down thy sweet-souled angel, God! Amidst the darkness wild, And bid him soothe our souls to-night, And heal our gentle child!

931. C. M. Heber.

In Times of Domestic Distress.

1 O God, that madest earth and sky! The darkness and the day! Give ear to this thy family, And help us when we pray! For wide the waves of bitterness Around our vessel roar, And heavy grows the pilot's heart To view the rocky shore!

2 The cross our Master bore for us, For him we fain would bear, But mortal strength to weakness turns, And courage to despair! Then mercy on our failings, Lord! Our sinking faith renew! And when thy sorrows visit us, O send thy patience too.

932. C. M. Doddridge.

Sickness and Recovery.

1 My God, thy service well demands The remnant of my days; Why was this fleeting breath renewed, But to renew thy praise?

2 Thine arms of everlasting love Did this weak frame sustain, When life was hovering o'er the grave, And nature sunk with pain.

3 I calmly bowed my fainting head On thy dear, faithful breast, And waited for my Father's call To his eternal rest.

4 Back from the borders of the grave, At thy command, I come; Nor will I ask a speedier flight To my celestial home.

5 Where thou appointest mine abode There would I choose to be; For in thy presence death is life, And earth is heaven with thee.

933. C. M. H. K. White.

A Family Evening Prayer.

1 O Lord, another day is flown, And we, a lonely band, Are met once more before thy throne, To bless thy fostering hand.

2 And wilt thou lend a listening ear To praises low as ours! Thou wilt; for thou dost love to hear The song which meekness pours.

3 O, let thy grace perform its part, And let contention cease; And shed abroad in every heart Thine everlasting peace.

4 Thus chastened, cleansed, entirely thine, A flock by Jesus led, The Sun of holiness shall shine In glory on our head.

5 And thou wilt turn our wandering feet, And thou wilt bless our way, Till worlds shall fade, and faith shall greet The dawn of lasting day.

934. L. M. S. S. Cutting.

Family Hymn. Evening.

1 Father, we bless the gentle care That watches o'er us day by day, That guards us from the tempter's snare, And guides us in the heavenward way:-- We bless thee for the tender love, That mingles all our hearts in one,-- The music of the soul;--above 'Tis purer spirits' unison.

2 Father, 'tis evening's solemn hour, And cast we now our cares on thee; Darkly the storm may round us lower,-- Peace is within,--Christ makes us free,-- And when life's toil and joy are o'er, And evening gathers on its sky, Our circle broke,--we sing no more,-- O, may we meet and sing on high.

MORNING AND EVENING HYMNS.

935. L. M. Keble.

Morning Hymn.

1 Oh! timely happy, timely wise. Hearts that with rising morn arise! Eyes that the beam celestial view, Which evermore makes all things new!

2 New every morning is the love Our wakening and uprising prove; Through sleep and darkness safely brought, Restored to life, and power, and thought.

3 New mercies, each returning day, Hover around us while we pray; New perils past, new sins forgiven, New thoughts of God, new hopes of heaven.

4 If, on our daily course, our mind Be set to hallow all we find, New treasures still, of countless price, God will provide for sacrifice.

5 Old friends, old scenes, will lovelier be, As more of heaven in each we see; Some softening gleams of love and prayer, Shall dawn on every cross and care.

936. L. M. Bishop Kenn.

Morning Resolutions.

1 Awake, my soul! and with the sun Thy daily stage of duty run; Shake off dull sloth, and joyful rise To pay thy morning sacrifice.

2 Wake, and lift up thyself, my heart, And with the angels bear thy part, Who all night long unwearied sing High praises to th' eternal King.

3 In conversation be sincere; Keep conscience, as the noontide, clear; Think how the all-seeing God thy ways And all thy secret thoughts surveys.

4 Lord, I my vows to thee renew; Scatter my sins like morning dew; Guard my first springs of thought and will And with thyself my spirit fill.

5 Direct, control, suggest, this day, All I design, or do, or say, That all my powers, with all their might, In thy sole glory may unite.

937. C. M. Montgomery.

Acknowledging God's Hand. Morning.

1 What secret hand, at morning light, Softly unseals mine eye, Draws back the curtain of the night, And opens earth and sky;

2 'Tis thine, my God,--the same that kept My resting hours from harm; No ill came nigh me, for I slept Beneath th' Almighty's arm.

3 'Tis thine, my daily bread that brings, Like manna scattered round, And clothes me, as the lily springs In beauty from the ground.

4 In death's dark valley though I stray 'Twould there my steps attend, Guide with the staff my lonely way, And with the rod defend.

5 May that sure hand uphold me still Through life's uncertain race, To bring me to thy holy hill, And to thy dwelling-place.

938. 7s. M. Episcopal Coll.

Morning Hymn.

1 Now, the shades of night are gone; Now the morning light comes on; Lord, may we be thine to-day, Drive the shades of sin away.

2 Fill our souls with heavenly light, Banish doubt, and clear our sight; In thy service, Lord, to-day, May we stand, and watch and pray.

3 Keep our haughty passions bound; Save us from our foes around; Going out and coming in, Keep us safe from every sin.

4 When our work of life is past, O, receive us then at last; Night and sin will be no more, When we reach the heavenly shore.

939. L. M. Watts.

The Same.

1 God of the morning, at whose voice The cheerful sun makes haste to rise, And like a giant doth rejoice To run his journey through the skies.

2 From the fair chambers of the east, The circuit of his race begins, And, without weariness or rest, Round the whole earth he flies and shines.

3 O, like the sun may I fulfil The appointed duties of the day, With ready mind and active will March on and keep my heavenly way.

4 Lord, thy commands are clean and pure, Enlightening our beclouded eyes, Thy threatenings just, thy promise sure, Thy gospel makes the simple wise.

940. C. M. Mrs. Steele.

The Same.

1 Lord of my life! O may thy praise Employ my noblest powers, Whose goodness lengthens out my days. And fills the circling hours!

2 Preserved by thy almighty arm, I passed the shades of night, Serene and safe from every harm, And see returning light.

3 While many spend the night in sighs And restless pains and woes, In gentle sleep I close my eyes And undisturbed repose.

4 When sleep death's semblance o'er me spread, And I unconscious lay, Thy watchful care was round my bed, To guard my feeble clay.

5 O let the same almighty care My waking hours attend; From every danger, every snare, My heedless steps defend.

941. L. M. Watts.

Morning or Evening Hymn.

1 My God, how endless is thy love! Thy gifts are every evening new; And morning mercies, from above, Gently distil like early dew.

2 Thou spread'st the curtains of the night, Great Guardian of my sleeping hours; Thy sovereign word restores the light, And quickens all my drowsy powers.

3 I yield my powers to thy command; To thee I consecrate my days; Perpetual blessings from thine hand Demand perpetual songs of praise.

942. 8s. & 7s. M. Edmeston.

Confidence in God's Protection.

1 Father, breathe an evening blessing Ere repose our spirits seal; Sin and want we come confessing; Thou canst save and thou canst heal.

2 Though destruction walk around us, Though the arrows past us fly, Angel guards from thee surround us; We are safe, if thou art nigh.

3 Though the night be dark and dreary, Darkness cannot hide from thee; Thou art he who, never weary, Watchest where thy people be.

4 Should swift death this night o'ertake us, And command us to the tomb, May the morn in heaven awake us, Clad in bright, eternal bloom.

943. 7s. M. Bowring.

Morning or Evening.--All from God.

1 Father! thy paternal care Has my guardian been, my guide! Every hallowed wish and prayer Has thy hand of love supplied; Thine is every thought of bliss, Left by hours and days gone by; Every hope thy offspring is, Beaming from futurity.

2 Every sun of splendid ray; Every moon that shines serene; Every morn that welcomes day; Every evening's twilight scene, Every hour which wisdom brings; Every incense at thy shrine; These--and all life's holiest things, And its fairest--all are thine.

3 And for all, my hymns shall rise Daily to thy gracious throne: Thither let my asking eyes Turn unwearied--righteous One! Through life's strange vicissitude There reposing all my care, Trusting still through ill and good, Fixed and cheered and counselled there.

944. 7s. & 6s. M. Sacred Songs.

Reflections at Sunset.

1 The mellow eve is gliding Serenely down the west; So, every care subsiding, My soul would sink to rest.

2 The woodland hum is ringing The daylight's gentle close; May angels round me singing, Thus hymn my last repose.

3 The evening star has lighted Her crystal lamp on high; So, when in death benighted, May hope illume the sky.

4 In golden splendor dawning, The morrow's light shall break; O, on the last bright morning May I in glory wake.

945. L. M. Watts.

Evening Hymn.

1 Thus far the Lord has led me on, Thus far his power prolongs my days! And every evening shall make known Some fresh memorial of his grace.

2 Much of my time has run to waste, And I, perhaps, am near my home; But he forgives my follies past, He gives me strength for days to come.

3 I lay my body down to sleep; Peace is the pillow for my head: While well appointed angels keep Their watchful stations round my bed.

4 Faith in his name forbids my fear: O, may thy presence ne'er depart! And in the morning make me hear Thy love and kindness in my heart.

5 And when the night of death shall come, Still may I trust almighty love,-- The love which triumphs o'er the tomb, And leads to perfect bliss above.

946. L. M. Kenn.

Trusting God. Evening Hymn.

1 Glory to thee, my God, this night, For all the blessings of the light: Keep me, O, keep me, King of kings, Beneath the shadow of thy wings.

2 Forgive me, Lord, through thy dear Son The ills which I this day have done; That with the world, myself, and thee, I, ere I sleep, at peace may be.

3 O, may my soul on thee repose, And with sweet sleep mine eyelids close! Sleep that shall me more vigorous make To serve my God when I awake.

4 Be thou my Guardian while I sleep; Thy watchful station near me keep; My heart with love celestial fill, And guard me from th' approach of ill.

5 Lord, let my heart forever share The bliss of thy paternal care: 'Tis heaven on earth, 'tis heaven above, To see thy face and sing thy love.

947. C. M. Anonymous.

Evening Hymn.

1 Indulgent God, whose bounteous care O'er all thy works is shown, O let my grateful praise and prayer Ascend before thy throne!

2 What mercies has this day bestowed! How largely hast thou blest! My cup with plenty overflowed, With cheerfulness my breast.

3 Now may sweet slumbers close my eyes, From pain and sickness free; And let my waking thoughts arise To meditate on thee.

4 So bless each future day and night, Till life's fond scene is o'er; At length, to realms of endless light Enraptured let me soar.

948. L. M. Keble.

"Abide with us, for it is towards evening, and the day is far spent."

1 'Tis gone, that bright and orbéd blaze, Fast fading from our wistful gaze; Yon mantling cloud has hid from sight The last faint pulse of quivering light.

2 Sun of my soul! thou Saviour dear, It is not night if thou be near: Oh may no earth-born cloud arise To hide thee from thy servant's eyes.

3 When the soft dews of kindly sleep My wearied eyelids gently steep, Be my last thought now sweet to rest Forever on my Saviour's breast.

4 Abide with me from morn till eve, For without thee I cannot live; Abide with me when night is nigh, For without thee I dare not die.

949. 7s. M. Doddridge.

Evening Hymn.

1 Interval of grateful shade, Welcome to my weary head! Welcome slumbers to mine eyes, Tired with glaring vanities!

2 My great Master still allows Needful periods of repose: By my heavenly Father blest, Thus I give my powers to rest.

3 Heavenly Father, gracious name! Night and day his love the same! Far be each suspicious thought, Every anxious care forgot!

4 Thou, my ever-bounteous God, Crown'st my days with various good; Thy kind eye which cannot sleep, My defenceless hours shall keep.

5 Blest vicissitude to me! Day and night I'm still with thee; Guarded thus I sink to rest, Lodged within my Father's breast

950. S. M. Curtis' Coll.

Flight of Time.

1 Another day is past, The hours forever fled, And time is bearing us away To mingle with the dead.

2 Our minds in perfect peace Our Father's care shall keep, We yield to gentle slumber now, For thou canst never sleep.

3 How blesséd, Lord, are they On thee securely stayed! Nor shall they be in life alarmed, Nor be in death dismayed.

951. S. M. Anonymous.

Evening Hymn.

1 The day is past and gone; The evening shades appear; O, may we all remember well The night of death draws near!

2 We lay our garments by, Upon our beds to rest; So death shall soon disrobe us all Of what is here possessed.

3 Lord, keep us safe this night, Secure from all our fears; May angels guard us, while we sleep, Till morning light appears!

952. 8s. & 7s. M. (Peculiar.) Kelly.

An Evening Offering.

1 Through the day thy love hath spared us, Now we lay us down to rest; Through the silent watches guard us, Let no foe our peace molest; Father, thou our guardian be, Sweet it is to trust in thee.

2 Pilgrims here on earth, and strangers, Dwelling in the midst of foes,-- Us and ours preserve from dangers, In thine arms let us repose, And, when life's short day is past, Rest with thee in heaven at last.

953. 7s. M. Missionary Mag.

Evening Hymn.

1 Lord of glory! King of power! In this lone and silent hour, While the shades of darkness rise, And the eve is on the skies, By thy blessing, as the dews, Which yon shaded skies diffuse, Bid our feverish passions cease; Calm us with thy promised peace.

2 Wheresoe'er the brow of pain Seeks oblivion's balm in vain, Or the form of watchful grief Knows not of the night's relief, There thy pity, softening power, There the spirit's calm restore; Till each tongue, from murmuring free, Wakes the hymn of praise to thee.

954. P. M. Bp. Heber.

Evening Aspiration.

God, that madest earth and heaven, Darkness and light,-- Who the day for toil hast given, For rest the night,-- May thine angel guards defend us, Slumber sweet thy mercy send us, Holy dreams and hopes attend us, This livelong night.

955. 7s. M. Anonymous.

Evening Hymn. Ps. 141:2.

1 Softly now the light of day Fades upon my sight away; Free from care, from labor free, Lord, I will commune with thee.

2 Thou, whose all-pervading eye Nought escapes, without, within: Pardon each infirmity, Open fault and secret sin.

3 Soon, for me, the light of day Shall forever pass away; Then from sin and sorrow free, Take me, Lord, to dwell with thee.

956. L. M. Kenn.

Midnight.

1 My God, I now from sleep awake; The sole possession of me take; From midnight terrors me secure, And guard my heart from thoughts impure.

2 Blest angels, while we silent lie, You hallelujahs sing on high; You joyful hymn the Ever-blest, Before the throne, and never rest.

3 I with your choir celestial join, In offering up a hymn divine; With you in heaven I hope to dwell, And bid the night and world farewell.

4 Blest Jesus, thou, on heaven intent, Whole nights hast in devotion spent; But I, frail creature, soon am tired, And all my zeal is soon expired.

5 Shine on me, Lord, new life impart, Fresh ardors kindle in my heart: One ray of thy all-quickening light Dispels the sloth and clouds of night.

957. S. M. Conder.

Saturday Evening.

1 The hours of evening close; Its lengthened shadows, drawn O'er scenes of earth, invite repose, And wait the Sabbath dawn.

2 So let its calm prevail O'er forms of outward care; Nor thought for "many things" assail The still retreat of prayer.

3 Our guardian Shepherd near His watchful eye will keep; And, safe from violence and fear, Will fold his flock to sleep.

4 So may a holier light Than earth's our spirits rouse, And call us, strengthened by his might, To pay the Lord our vows.

958. L. M. 6l. Anonymous.

The Same.

1 Sweet to the soul the parting ray, That ushers placid evening in, When with the still, expiring day, The Sabbath's peaceful hours begin; How grateful to the anxious breast, The sacred hours of holy rest.

2 Hushed is the tumult of this day, And worldly cares and business cease; While soft the vesper breezes play, To hymn the glad return of peace. O season blest! O moment given To turn the vagrant thoughts to heaven.

3 Oft as this hallowed hour shall come, O raise my thoughts from earthly things, And bear them to my heavenly home, On living faith's immortal wings-- Till the last gleam of life decay, In one eternal Sabbath day.

959. L. M. Cunningham.

Sabbath Morning.

1 Dear is the hallowed morn to me, When Sabbath bells awake the day, And, by their sacred minstrelsy, Call me from earthly cares away.

2 And dear to me the wingéd hour, Spent in thy hallowed courts, O Lord! To feel devotion's soothing power, And catch the manna of thy word.

3 And dear to me the loud Amen, Which echoes through the blest abode, Which swells and sinks, and swells again, Dies on the walls, but lives to God.

4 Oft when the world, with iron hands, Has bound me in its six days' chain, This bursts them, like the strong man's bands, And lets my spirit loose again.

5 Go, man of pleasure, strike thy lyre, Of broken Sabbaths sing the charms; Ours be the prophet's car of fire That bears us to a Father's arms.

960. L. M. Anonymous.

Sabbath Evening.

1 There is a time when moments flow More happily than all beside; It is, of all the times below, A Sabbath of the eventide.

2 O then the setting sun shines fair, And all below, and all above, The various forms of Nature, wear One universal garb of love.

3 And then the peace that Jesus brought The life of grace eternal beams, And we, by his example taught, Improve the life his love redeems.

4 Delightful scene! a world at rest; A God all love; no grief, no fear; A heavenly hope, a peaceful breast, A smile, unsullied by a tear.

MISCELLANEOUS.

961. L. M. Edwards.

Sabbath Hymn with Nature.

1 King of the world! I worship thee: Lord of the mind! the Sabbath's thine:-- A contrite heart, a bended knee, To-day shall be my corn, my wine. A choral song for sacrifice Will mount as fire, and heavenward own The green-leaved earth, through joys and sighs A satellite round Mercy's throne.

2 The moon comes up to wake the dew, And hang a star on every leaf; The sun can take a rainbow hue, To kiss away the meadow's grief; The wave will lay its buoyance by, To let the cloud take anchor there; Earth, through her flowers, salutes the sky; The sky meets earth in balmy air.

3 And I was born to see and say How beauty beams, without, within: From the fly, made to gild a day, To my own soul, outliving sin. Even now I feel thy cherubim Have come to me from thee, All-wise!-- Then, Silence, thou shalt be my hymn, And thought, my only sacrifice.

962. C. M. Herbert.

The Soul's Beauty Unfading.

1 Sweet day! so cool, so calm, so bright, Bridal of earth and sky, The dew shall weep thy fall to-night, For thou, alas! must die.

2 Sweet rose! in air whose odors wave, And color charms the eye, Thy root is ever in its grave, And thou, alas! must die.

3 Sweet spring! of days and roses made, Whose charms for beauty vie, Thy days depart, thy roses fade; Thou too, alas! must die.

4 Only a sweet and holy soul Hath tints that never fly; While flowers decay, and seasons roll, This lives, and cannot die.

963. L. M. Bowring.

Evening Hymn with Nature.

1 To Thee, my God! to thee I bring The evening's grateful offering; From thee, the source of joy above, Flow everlasting streams of love; And all the rays of light that shine, And bless creation, Lord! are thine.

2 The morn, when stepping down the hills-- The noon, which all creation fills With glory; evening's placid fall, The twilight and the raven pall Of midnight; all alike proclaim Thy great, thine all impressive name.

3 And from the little worm, whose light Shines palely through the shades of night, Up to the sparkling stars that run Their evening rounds--or glorious sun, Rolling his car to twilight's rest-- All, all in thee is bright and blest.

4 And over all--above, below, We see thee--ever-present thou! In every wandering rill that flows, In every gentle breeze that blows; In every rising, setting sun, We trace thee--own thee--holy One!

5 Yes! in the mid-day's fervid beams, And in the midnight's shadowy dreams, In action and repose, we see, We recognize and worship thee; To thee our worthiest songs would give, And in thee die, and to thee live.

964. 7s. M. B. Barton.

"He shall be like a tree planted in the rivers of water."

1 Blessed state! and happy he Who is like that planted tree; Living waters lave his root, Bends his bough with golden fruit.

2 When the seedling from its bed First lifts up its timid head, Ministry of thine must give. All on which its life can live.

3 Showers from thee must bid it thrive, Breath of thine must oft revive; Light from thee its bloom supplies,-- Left by thee it fades and dies.

4 Thine, O Lord! the power and praise Which a sight like this displays; Power of thine must plant it there, Praise of thee it should declare.

965. 11s. M. (Peculiar.) F. Osgood.

"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise."

1 Approach not the altar With gloom in thy soul; Nor let thy feet falter, From terror's control! God loves not the sadness Of fear and mistrust; Oh serve him with gladness-- The Gentle, the Just!

2 His bounty is tender, His being is love, His smile fills with splendor, The blue arch above. Confiding, believing, Oh! enter always, "His courts with thanksgiving-- His portals with praise!"

3 Nor come to the temple With pride in thy mien; But lowly and simple, In courage serene. Bring meekly, before him, The faith of a child: Bow down and adore him, With heart undefiled.

966. L. M. Miss Carey.

Light and Darkness.

1 Our Father, when beside the tomb We mourn the unconscious dead below, Thy angels come amid the gloom, With solace for our doubt and woe. And looking through the shades of death To that bright land where none can die, How clearly then the eye of faith Beholds the portals of the sky!

2 And they whose lives serenely even In pleasure's flowery way have kept, Have never known the love of heaven, As they whose souls have mourned and wept! For stricken by the hand of woe, The soul must seek a Father's love, And they who weep can only know What healing balm is found above!

3 And one repentant hour of tears, Of sweet communion and of prayer, Is worth a thousand, thousand years Where pleasure's thoughtless children are! And O, if ever man below Draws nearer to the eternal throne, 'Tis when his soul, subdued by woe, Seeks refuge with its God above!

967. L. M. Sir J. E. Smith.

"It is I, be not afraid."

1 When Power Divine, in mortal form, Hushed with a word the raging storm, In soothing accents Jesus said, "Lo, it is I!--be not afraid."

2 So, when in silence nature sleeps, And his lone watch the mourner keeps, One thought, shall every pang remove-- Trust, feeble man, thy Maker's love.

3 Blessed be the voice that breathes from heaven, To every heart in sunder riven, When love, and joy, and hope are fled, "Lo it is I!--be not afraid."

968. L. M. Bowring.

Joy after Sorrow.

1 As, when the deluge-waves were gone, Hills, plains, and vales in freshness burst, And nature's earliest rainbow shone On scenes more lovely than the first,

2 Loosed from the ark, a heavenly dove, The promise-branch of olive bore,-- Pledge of returning peace and love That beamed more brightly than before:--

3 So when affliction's waters glide From the enfranchised soul away, More peaceful, pure, and sanctified, The soul emerges into day.

4 And then, as with the olive bough The heavenly dove of old drew near, Some gentle words of truth will flow, In holy music on the ear.

5 O'er all the transient things of time, The oblivious foot of years hath trod; But all that's sacred and sublime Stands steadfast as the truth of God.

969. 7s. M. Bowring.

Pious Worship.

1 In thy courts let peace be found, Be thy temple full of love; There we tread on holy ground, All serene, around, above.

2 While the knee in prayer is bent, While with praise the heart o'erflows, Tranquillize the turbulent! Give the weary one repose!

3 Be the place for worship meet, Meet the worship for the place; Contemplation's best retreat, Shrine of guilelessness and grace!

4 As an infant knows its home, Lord! may we thy temples know; Thither for instruction come-- Thence by thee instructed go.

970. L. M. Cunningham.

An Ancient Church.

1 Long be our fathers' temple ours, Far hence the time in which it falls; A thousand spirits watch its bowers, A cloud of angels guard its walls.

2 And be their shield by us possessed; Lord, rear around the blest abode, The buttress of a holy breast, The rampart of a present God.

971. C. M. Anonymous.

The Widow's Prayer.

1 Though faint and sick, and worn away With poverty and woe, My widowed feet are doomed to stray 'Mid thorny paths below.

2 Be thou, O Lord, my Father still, My confidence and guide: I know that perfect is thy will, Whate'er that will decide.

3 I know the soul that trusts in thee Thou never wilt forsake; And though a bruiséd reed I be, That reed thou wilt not break.

4 Then keep me, Lord, where'er I go, Support me on my way, Though, worn with poverty and woe, My widowed footsteps stray.

5 To give my weakness strength, O God, Thy staff shall yet avail; And though thou chasten with thy rod, That staff shall never fail.

972. C. M. Anonymous.

The Orphan's Hymn.

1 Where shall the child of sorrow find A place for calm repose? Thou, Father of the fatherless, Pity the orphan's woes!

2 What friend have I in heaven or earth, What friend to trust but thee? My father's dead--my mother's dead; My God, remember me!

3 Thy gracious promise now fulfil, And bid my trouble cease; In thee the fatherless shall find Pure mercy, grace and peace.

4 I've not a secret care or pain, But he that secret knows; Thou, Father of the fatherless, Pity the orphan's woes!

973. 7s. M. Bowring.

"The rich and poor meet together."

1 Come the rich and come the poor, To the Christian temple door; Let their mingled prayers ascend To the universal Friend.

2 Here the rich and poor may claim Common ancestry and name; Claim a common heritage, In the gospel's promise page.

3 Of the same materials wrought; By the same instructor taught; Walking in life's common way; Tending to the same decay.

4 Rich and poor at last shall meet At the heavenly mercy seat; Where the name of rich and poor Never shall be uttered more.

974. L. M. Bowring.

Temptation.

1 Oh, what a struggle wakes within, When in the spirit's solitude, The tempting, treacherous thoughts of sin, In all their luring smiles intrude!

2 'Tis then, my Father! then I feel My nature's weakness, and, oppressed, Like a poor trembling child I steal To thee, for safety, and for rest.

3 Beneath thy shadow let me live! Be thou my Friend--my Father be! I bend in trust--I pray! forgive The erring child that flies to thee!

975. L. M. Anonymous.

The Faithful Minister.

1 "Let there be light!"--When from on high, O God, that first commandment came, Forth leaped the sun; and earth and sky Lay in his light, and felt his flame.

2 "Let there be light!"--The light of grace And truth, a darkling world to bless, Came with thy word, when on our race Broke forth the Sun of Righteousness.

3 Light of our souls! how strong it grows: That sun, how wide his beams he flings, As up the glorious sky he goes, With light and healing in his wings!

4 Give us that light! O God, 'tis given! Hope sees it open heaven's wide halls To those who for the truth have striven; And Faith walks firmly where it falls.

5 Churches no more, in cold eclipse, Mourn the withholding of its rays; It gilds their gates, and on the lips Of every faithful preacher plays.

976. P. M. Moore.

Fall of Israel.

1 Fallen is thy throne, O Israel!-- Silence is on all thy plains,-- Thy dwellings all lie desolate,-- Thy children weep in chains. Where are the dews that fed thee On Ethan's barren shore? That fire from heaven that led thee Now lights thy path no more!

2 Lord, thou didst love Jerusalem! Once she was all thy own! Her love thy fairest heritage, Her power thy glory's throne; Till evil came and blighted Thy long-loved olive tree, And Salem's shrines were lighted For other gods than thee.

3 Then sunk the star of Solyma, Then passed her glory's day, Like heath that in the wilderness The wild wind whirls away. Silent and waste her bowers, Where once the mighty trod; And sunk those guilty towers, Where Baal reigned as God.

977. L. M. Anonymous.

Remonstrance with the Jews.

1 Why on the bending willows hung, Israel! still sleeps thy tuneful string?-- Still mute remains thy sullen tongue, And Zion's song denies to sing?

2 Awake! thy sweetest raptures raise; Let harp and voice unite their strains Thy promised King his sceptre sways; Jesus, thine own Messiah, reigns!

3 No taunting foes the song require: No strangers mock thy captive chain: But friends provoke the silent lyre, And brethren ask the holy strain.

4 Nor fear thy Salem's hills to wrong, If other lands thy triumph share: A heavenly city claims thy song; A brighter Salem rises there.

5 By foreign streams no longer roam; Nor, weeping, think of Jordan's flood: In every clime behold a home, In every temple see thy God.

978. 8s. & 7s. M. Cowper.

The Glory of the Redeemed.

1 Hear what God the Lord hath spoken, "O my people, faint and few, Comfortless, afflicted, broken, Fair abodes I build for you; Thorns of heart-felt tribulation Shall no more perplex your ways; Ye shall name your walls, Salvation, And your gates shall all be praise.

2 "There, like streams that feed the garden, Pleasures without end shall flow; For the Lord, your faith rewarding, All his bounty shall bestow; Still, in undisturbed possession, Peace and righteousness shall reign: Never shall you feel oppression, Hear the voice of war again.

3 "Ye no more your suns descending, Waning moons no more shall see; But, your griefs forever ending, Find eternal noon in me; God shall rise, and shining o'er you, Change to day the gloom of night; He, the Lord, shall be your glory, God, your everlasting light."

979. C. M. Ancient Hymns.

The Noble Army of Martyrs.

1 The triumphs of the martyred saints The joyous lay demand; The heart delights in song to dwell On that victorious band-- Those whom the senseless world abhorred, Who cast the world aside, Deeming it worthless, for the sake Of Christ, their Lord and Guide.

2 For him they braved the tyrant's rage, The scourge's cruel smart; The wild beast's fang their bodies tore, But vanquished not the heart; Like lambs before the sword they fell, Nor cry nor plaint expressed; For patience kept the conscious mind And armed the fearless breast.

3 What tongue can tell the crown prepared The martyr's brow to grace? His shining robe, his joys unknown, Before thy glorious face? Vouchsafe us, Lord, if such thy will. Clear skies and seasons calm; If not, the martyr's cross to bear, And win the martyr's palm.

980. 6s. M. Luther.

The Death of Martyrs.

1 Flung to the heedless winds, Or on the waters cast, Their ashes shall be watched, And gathered at the last: And from that scattered dust, Around us and abroad, Shall spring a plenteous seed Of witnesses for God.

2 The Father hath received Their latest living breath; Yet vain is Satan's boast Of victory in their death: Still, still, though dead, they speak, And trumpet-tongued proclaim To many a wakening land The one availing name.

981. S. M. Ancient Hymns.

Thanks for all Saints.

1 For all thy saints, O God, Who strove in Christ to live, Who followed him, obeyed, adored, Our grateful hymn receive.

2 For all thy saints, O God, Accept our thankful cry, Who counted Christ their great reward, And strove in him to die.

3 They all, in life and death, With him, their Lord in view, Learned from thy Holy Spirit's breath To suffer and to do.

4 For this thy name we bless, And humbly beg that we May follow them in holiness, And live and die in thee.

982. 7s. & 6s. M. (Peculiar.) Meth. Coll.

Quiet Religion.

1 Open, Lord, my inward ear, And bid my heart rejoice; Bid my quiet spirit hear The comfort of thy voice; Never in the whirlwind found, Or where earthquakes rock the place Still and silent is the sound, The whisper of thy grace.

2 From the world of sin, and noise, And hurry, I withdraw; For the small and inward voice I wait with humble awe; Silent I am now and still, Dare not in thy presence move; To my waiting soul reveal The secret of thy love.

983. L. M. 8l. H. Ballou, 2d.

"A Hiding-place from the Wind," &c.

1 When dread misfortune's tempests rise, And roar through all the darkened skies, Where shall the anxious pilgrim gain A shelter from the wind and rain? Within the covert of thy grace, O Lord, there is a hiding-place, Where, unconcerned, we hear the sound, Though storm and tempest rage around.

2 When, wandering o'er the desert bare Of burning sands and sultry air, We've sought the cheerless region through, But found no stream to meet our view,-- 'Tis then, the rivers of thy love, Descending from thy throne above, Supply our wants, and soothe our pain, And raise our fainting souls again.

3 When in a weary land we tire, And our exhausted powers expire, With toil, and care, and heat oppressed, Where shall our languid spirits rest? O, who could bear the blasting ray, And all the burden of the day, Did not a Rock in Zion stand, O'ershading all this weary land!

984. C. M. H. Ware.

On Opening an Organ.

1 All nature's works his praise declare To whom they all belong; There is a voice in every star, In every breeze a song. Sweet music fills the world abroad With strains of love and power; The stormy sea sings praise to God-- The thunder and the shower.

2 To God the tribes of ocean cry, And birds upon the wing; To God, the powers that dwell on high Their tuneful tribute bring. Like them let man the throne surround, With them loud chorus raise, While instruments of loftiest sound Assist his feeble praise.

3 Great God! to thee we consecrate Our voices and our skill; We bid the pealing organ wait To speak alone thy will. Oh, teach its rich and swelling notes To lift our souls on high; And while the music round us floats, Let earth-born passion die.

985. C. M. L. H. Sigourney.

Marriage Hymn.

1 Not for the summer's hour alone, When skies resplendent shine, And youth and pleasure fill the throne, Our hearts and hands we join;

2 But for those stern and wintry days Of sorrow, pain, and fear, When Heaven's wise discipline doth make Our earthly journey drear;--

3 Not for this span of life alone, Which like a blast doth fly, And as the transient flowers of grass, Just blossom, droop, and die;--

4 But for a being without end This vow of love we take; Grant us, O God, one home at last, For thy great mercy's sake.

986. 7s. & 6s. M. Heber.

The Same.

1 When on her Maker's bosom The new-born earth was laid, And nature's opening blossom Its fairest bloom displayed; When all with fruits and flowers, The laughing soil was dressed, And Eden's fragrant bowers Received their human guest,--

2 No sin his face defiling, The heir of nature stood, And God, benignly smiling, Beheld that all was good. Yet in that hour of blessing A single want was known,-- A wish the heart distressing,-- For Adam was alone.

3 O God of pure affection, By men and saints adored, O, give us thy protection Around this nuptial board. May thy rich bounties ever To wedded love be shown, And no rude hand dissever Whom thou hast linked in one.

987. L. M. C. Sprague.

For the Blessing of Schools.

1 O Thou, at whose dread name we bend, To whom our purest vows we pay, God over all, in love descend, And bless the labors of this day.

2 Our fathers here, a pilgrim band, Fixed the proud empire of the free; Art moved in gladness o'er the land, And Faith her altars reared to thee.

3 Here, too, to guard, through every age, The sacred rights their valor won, They bade instruction spread her page, And send down truth from sire to son.

4 Here still, through all succeeding time, Their stores may truth and learning bring And still the anthem-note sublime To thee from children's children sing.

988. L. M. J. G. Adams.

Dedication of a School-house.

1 God of our fathers! from whose hand Came all our lights and blessings down,-- Who this devoted, favored land Dost with thy choicest mercy crown!

2 To Learning and to Knowledge reared-- We dedicate with prayer and praise This edifice, to thee, revered Above all gods, through endless days!

3 Accept the offering--deign to dwell With thy confiding children here; The shades of Ignorance dispel,-- In Truth's omnipotence appear!

4 Here through successive years may come The youthful mind--fair Wisdom's guest; Long be this house Instruction's home, When those who reared it sink to rest.

989. 6s. & 4s. M. J. G. Adams.

The Same.

1 Raise the adoring song! Praises to God belong, In this glad hour! He who from worlds on high, Spreads over earth and sky Proofs of his majesty, Goodness and power!

2 Praise, that Instruction's voice Bids the young heart rejoice In this fair land; Praise, that the humblest mind Wisdom's true light may find, Ground on which all inclined Freely may stand.

3 Source of all holiness! With thy rich favor bless This house of thine; Here be true knowledge sought, Here purest wisdom taught, Wisdom with Freedom fraught, Freedom divine!

990. C. M. P. H. Sweetser.

The Same.

1 Let monumental pillars rise In majesty sublime-- Their granite columns shall decay Before the touch of time.

2 But mind, enlightened and refined, Shall live beyond the sky, And heavenly sciences explore, When time itself shall die!

3 A nobler monument we raise Than costly marble pile-- A beacon light to lead the way From ignorance and guile.

4 This house, with prayer, O God, we give To truth's supreme control; To virtue and progressive thought, The riches of the soul.

991. L. M. Anonymous.

The River of Life.

1 There is a pure and peaceful wave, That issues from the throne of love, Whose waters gladden as they lave The bright and heavenly courts above.

2 In living streams behold that tide Through Christ the rock profusely burst; And in his word, behold supplied The fount for which our spirits thirst.

3 The pilgrim faint, who seems to sink Beneath the sultry sky of time, May here repose, and freely drink The waters of that better clime.

4 And every soul may here partake The blessings of the fount above; And none who drink will e'er forsake The crystal stream of boundless love.

992. 8s. & 7s. M. Anonymous.

The Soldier of the Cross.

1 Soldier, to the contest pressing, Onward, let thy watchword be; God upon thee pours his blessing; What though man derideth thee!

2 Onward, though the fagot's burning By thy pathway's only light; Onward, death and danger spurning; Onward in the path of right!

3 God, for all thy wants providing, Armor trusty hath for thee; Gird thyself, in him confiding, With the goodly panoply:

4 Righteousness thy breast defending, And thy feet with justice shod: Onward; with the foe contending, Wield thy sword, the word of God.

5 Thine the helmet of salvation, Faith thy mighty shield shall be; And let prayer and supplication, Lance and glorious falchion be;

6 Onward then, with bold contending, In the path the martyrs trod: God to thee his strength is lending; Onward, in the strength of God.