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

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

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



THE CHURCH, AND ORDINANCES.



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

"Glorious things spoken of Zion."

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

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

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



654. S. M. Watts.

Safety of the Church.

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

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

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

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

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



655. C. M. Anonymous.

The Jewish and the Christian Zion. Ps. 48.

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

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

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

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



656. S. M. Watts.

Gospel Order.

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

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

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

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

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



657. S. M. Dwight.

Attachment to the Church.

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

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

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

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

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



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

Christian Fellowship.

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

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

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

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

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



659. S. M. Fawcett.

Christian Fellowship.

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

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

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

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



660. 7s. M. Montgomery.

Joined to God's People.

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

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

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



661. L. M. Anonymous.

On Receiving Members.

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

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

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

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



662. L. M. Kelly.

A Welcome to Christian Fellowship.

1 Come in, thou blessed 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 blessed 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 blessed 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.