Our own Hymn book part 9

Much thanks To my wife Tammy Tryban I Love You Wife....

936-1060

click here for part 1

click here for part 2

click here for part 3

click here for part 4

click here for part 5

click here for part 6

click here for part 7

click here for part 8

The Lord's Supper
936 — "This do in Remembrance of Me."
936"This do in Remembrance of Me."C.M.
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 testmaental cup I take,
And thus remember Thee.

3 Gethsemane, can I forget?
Or There Thy conflict see,
Thine agony and bloody sweat,
And not remember Thee!

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

5 Remember Thee, and all Thy pains,
And all Thy love to me;
Yea, while a breath, a pulse remains,
Will I remember Thee!

6 And when these failing lips grow dumb,
And mind and memory flee,
When Thou shalt in Thy kingdom come,
Jesus, remember me!
James Montgomery, 1825.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

937 — The Sorrows of our Lord.
937The Sorrows of our Lord.S.M.
1 WE'LL praise our risen Lord,
While at His feast we sit,
His griefs a hallowed theme afford
For sweetest music fit.

2 Such torments He endured
As none e'er felt before,
That joy and bliss might be secured
To us for evermore.

3 Hurried from bar to bar,
With blows and scoffs abused;
Reviled by Herod's men of war,
With Pilate's scourges bruised.

4 His sweet and reverend face
With spittle all profaned;
That visage, full of heavenly grace,
With His own blood distain'd.

5 Stretch'd on the cruel tree,
He bled, and groan'd, and cried;
And in a mortal agony,
Languish'd awhile and died.

6 Then up to heaven He rose,
That we might thither go,
Where love and praises have no end,
Where joys no changes know.
Joseph Stennett, 1709, a
—Our Own Hymn-Book

938 — Jesu's Love.
938Jesu's Love.C.M.
1 GRACIOUS Redeemer, how divine,
How wondrous is Thy love,
The subject of th' eternal songs,
Of blood-wash'd hosts above.

2 Join all your sacred harmony,
Ye saints on earth below,
To praise Immanuel, from whose name
All fragrant odours flow.

3 He left His crown, He left His throne,
By His great Father's side,
He wore the thorn, He bore the cross,
Was scourged and crucified.

4 Behold how every wound of His
A precious balm distils,
Which heals the scars that sin had made,
And cures all mortal ills.

5 Those wounds are mouths that preach His grace;
The ensigns of His love;
The seals of our expected bliss
In paradise above.

6 We see Thee at Thy table, Lord,
By faith with great delight:
Oh how refined those joys will be
When faith is turn'd to sight!
Joseph Stennett, 1709, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

939 — Jesu's Presence delightful.
939Jesu's Presence delightful.L.M.
1 AMIDST us our Beloved stands,
And bids us view His pierced hands;
Points to His wounded feet and side,
Blest emblems of the Crucified.

2 What food luxurious loads the board,
When at His table sits the Lord!
The wine how rich, the bread how sweet,
When Jesus deigns the guests to meet!

3 If now with eyes defiled and dim,
We see the signs but see not Him,
Oh may His love the scales displace,
And bid us see Him face to face!

4 Our former transports we recount,
When with Him in the holy mount,
These cause our souls to thirst anew,
His marr'd but lovely face to view.

5 Thou glorious Bridegroom of our hearts,
Thy present smile a heaven imparts:
Oh lift the veil, if veil there be,
Let every saint Thy beauties see.
Charles H. Spurgeon, 1866.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

940 — Heavenly Bread and Wine.
940Heavenly Bread and Wine.7s.
1 DREAD of heaven! on Thee I feed,
For Thy flesh is meat indeed;
Ever may my soul be fed
With this true and living bread;
Day by day with strength supplied,
Through the life of Him who died.

2 Vine of heaven! Thy blood supplies
This blest cup of sacrifice:
'Tis Thy wounds my healing give;
To Thy cross I look and live.
Thou my life! Oh, let me be
Rooted, grafted, built on Thee.
Josiah Conder, 1824.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

941 — Enjoyment of Christ.
941Enjoyment of Christ.L.M.
1 FAR from my thoughts, vain world, begone,
Let my religious hours alone;
Fain would my eyes my Saviour see:
I wait a visit, Lord, from Thee.

2 My heart grows warm with holy fire,
And kindles with a pure desire;
Come, my dear Jesus, from above,
And feed my soul with heavenly love.

3 Bless'd Jesus, what delicious fare!
How sweet Thy entertainments are!
Never did angels taste above
Redeeming grace and dying love.

4 Hail, great Immanuel, all divine!
In Thee Thy Father's glories shine;
Thou brightest, sweetest, fairest One,
That eyes have seen, or angels known.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

942 — Christ's Dying Love.
942Christ's Dying Love.C.M.
1 HOW condescending and how kind,
Was God's eternal Son!
Our misery reach'd His heavenly mind,
And pity brought Him down.

2 When justice, by our sins provoked,
Drew forth its dreadful sword,
He gave His soul up to the stroke
Without a murmuring word.

3 He sunk beneath our heavy woes,
To raise us to His throne;
There's ne'er a gift His hand bestows,
But cost His heart a groan.

4 This was compassion like a God,
That when the Saviour knew
The price of pardon was His blood,
His pity ne'er withdrew.

5 Now though He reigns exalted high,
His love is still as great;
Well He remembers Calvary,
Nor lets His saints forget.

6 Here let our hearts begin to melt,
While we His death record,
And, with our joy for pardon'd guilt
Mourn that we pierced the Lord.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

943 — We are one Bread, one Body.
943We are one Bread, one Body.C.M.
1 HOW happy are Thy servants, Lord,
Who thus remember Thee!
What tongue can tell our sweet accord,
Our perfect harmony!

2 Who Thy mysterious supper share,
Here at Thy table fed,
Many, and yet but one we are,
One undivided bread.

3 One with the living Bread divine
Which now by faith we eat,
Our hearts, and minds, and spirits join,
And all in Jesus meet.

4 So dear the tie where souls agree
In Jesu's dying love,
Then only can it closer be
When all are join'd above.
Charles Wesley, 1745.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

944 — The Feast and the Guests.
944The Feast and the Guests.C.M.
1 HOW sweet and awful is the place,
With Christ within the doors,
While everlasting love displays
The choicest of her stores.

2 While all our hearts and all our songs
Join to admire the feast, 1
Each of us cry, with thankful tongues,
"Lord, why was I a guest?

3 "Why was I made to hear Thy voice,
And enter while there's room;
When thousands make a wretched choice,
And rather starve than come?"

4 'Twas the same love that spread the feast,
That sweetly forced us in;
Else we had still refused to taste,
And perish'd in our sin.

5 Pity the nations, O our God!
Constrain the earth to come;
Send Thy victorious Word abroad,
And bring the strangers home.

6 We long to see Thy churches full,
That all the chosen race
May with one voice, and heart, and soul,
Sing Thy redeeming grace.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

945 — Divine Love remembered.
945Divine Love remembered.C.M.
1 IF human kindness meets return,
And owns the grateful tie;
If tender thoughts "within us burn,"
When earthly friends are nigh,

2 Oh! shall not warmer accents tell
The gratitude we owe
To Him who died our fears to quell,
Our more than orphan woe!

3 While yet His anguish'd soul survey'd
Those pangs He would not flee,
What love His latest words display'd—
"Meet and remember Me!"

4 Remember Thee! Thy death! Thy shame!
Our hearts' sad load to bear!
Oh! memory, leave no other name
But His recorded there!
Gerard Thomas Noel, 1813.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

946 — The Feast.
946The Feast.C.M.
1 IN memory of the Saviour's love,
We keep the sacred feast,
Where every humble contrite heart
Is made a welcome guest.

2 By faith we take the bread of life,
With which our souls are fed;
And cup, in token of His blood
That was for sinners shed.

3 Under His banner thus we sing
The wonders of His love,
And thus anticipate by faith
The heavenly feast above.
Thomas Cotterill, 1812; Richard Wittingham, 1835.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

947 — Feeding in green Pastures.
947Feeding in green Pastures.L.M.
1 THOU whom my soul admires above
All earthly joy and earthly love,
Tell me, dear Shepherd, let me know,
Where doth Thy choicest pasture grow?

2 Where is the shadow of that rock
That from the sun defends Thy flock?
Pain would I feed among Thy sheep,
Among them rest, among them sleep.

3 The footsteps of Thy flock I see;
Thy sweetest pastures here they be:
A wondrous feast of love appears,
Bought with Thy wounds and groans and tears.

4 His dearest flesh He makes my bread,
For wine His richest blood is shed:
Here to these hills my soul will come,
Till my Beloved lead me home.
Isaac Watts, 1709, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

948 — Christ the King at His Table.
948Christ the King at His Table.L.M.
1 LET Him embrace my soul, and prove
Mine interest in His heavenly love;
The voice that tells me, "Thou art Mine,"
Exceeds the blessings of the vine.

2 Jesus, allure me by Thy charms,
My soul shall fly into Thine arms!
Our wandering feet Thy favours bring
To the fair chambers of the King.

3 Though in ourselves deformed we are,
And black as Kedar's tents appear,
Yet, when we put Thy beauties on,
Fair as the courts of Solomon.

4 While at His table sits the King,
He loves to see us smile and sing;
Our graces are our best perfume,
And breathe like spikenard round the room.

5 As myrrh new bleeding from the tree,
Such is a dying Christ to me;
And while He makes my soul His guest,
My bosom, Lord, shall be Thy rest.

6 No beams of cedar or of fir
Can with Thy courts on earth compare;
And here we wait, until Thy love
Raise us to nobler seats above.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

949 — Grace admired.
949Grace admired.C.M.
1 LORD, at Thy table I behold
The wonders of Thy grace;
But most of all admire that I
Should find a welcome place;

2 I that am all defiled with sin,
A rebel to my God;
I that have crucified His Son,
And trampled on His blood.

3 What strange surprising grace is this
That such a soul has room!
My Saviour takes me by the hand,
My Jesus bids me come.

4 Had I ten thousand hearts, dear Lord,
I'd give them all to Thee;
Had I ten thousand tongues, they all
Should join the harmony.
Samuel Stennett, 1787.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

950 — Delight in Communion with Jesus.
950Delight in Communion with Jesus.L.M.
1 LORD, what a heaven of saving grace
Shines through the beauties of Thy face,
And lights our passions to a flame!
Lord, how we love Thy charming name!

2 When I can say, "My God is mine;"
When I can feel Thy glories shine;
I tread the world beneath my feet,
And all that earth calls good or great.

3 While such a scene of sacred joys
Our raptured eyes and souls employs,
Here we could sit and gaze away
A long, an everlasting day.

4 Well, we shall quickly pass the night,
To the fair coasts of perfect light;
Then shall our joyful senses rove
O'er the dear object of our love.

5 There shall we drink full draughts of bliss,
And pluck new life from heavenly trees;
Yet now and then, dear Lord, bestow
A drop of heaven on worms below.

6 Send comforts down from Thy right hand,
While we pass through this barren land;
And in Thy temple let us see
A glimpse of love, a glimpse of Thee.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Revivals and Missions
951 — The Presence of God desired.
951The Presence of God desired.L.M.
1 O THOU the hope of Israel's host,
heir strength, their helper, and their boast;
How oft their Saviour hast Thou been,
In times of trouble and of sin!

2 And have not we beheld Thy face?
Thy visits crown'd the means of grace;
Oh come again, indulgent Lord,
With all the joy Thy smiles afford.

3 Enter our hearts, Redeemer blest,
Enter, Thou ever-honour'd Guest;
Enter, and make our hearts Thine own,
Thy house, Thy temple, and Thy Throne.

4 And stay, not only for a night,;
To bless us with a transient sight;
But with us dwell, through time—and then
In heaven for evermore.—Amen.
Doddridge and Gibbons, 1755-1784.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

952 — Zion visited in Grace.
952Zion visited in Grace.L.M.
1 TRIUMPHANT Zion, lift thy head
From dust, and darkness, and the dead;
Though humbled long, awake at length,
And gird thee with thy Saviour's strength.

2 Put all thy beauteous garments on,
And let thy various charms be known;
The world thy glories shall confess,
Deck'd in the robes of righteousness.

3 No more shall foes unclean invade,
And fill thy hallow'd walls with dread;
No more shall hell's insulting host
Their victory and Thy sorrows boast.

4 God from on high thy groans will hear;
His hand thy ruins shall repair;
Rear'd and adorn'd by love divine,
Thy towers and battlements shall shine.
Philip Doddridge, 1755.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

953 — The Church awakened.
953The Church awakened.C.M.
1 NOW let the slumbering church awake,
And shine in bright array:
Thy chains, O captive daughter, break,
And cast thy bonds away.

2 Long hast thou lain in dust supine,
Insulted by thy foes:
"Where is," they cried, "that God of thine?
And who regards thy woes?"

3 Thy God incarnate on His hands
Beholds thy name engraved;
Still unrevoked His promise stands,
And Zion shall be saved.

4 He did but wait the fittest time
His mercy to display;
And now He rides on clouds sublime,
And brings the promised day.

5 Thy God shall soon for thee appear,
And end thy mourning days;
Salvation's walls around thee rear,
And fill thy gates with praise.
John Ryland, 1798.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

954 — Great Events from small Beginnings.
954Great Events from small Beginnings.7s.
1 SEE how great a flame aspires,
Kindled by a spark of grace!
Jesu's love the nations fires,
Sets the kingdoms on a blaze:
To bring fire on earth He came,
Kindled in some hearts it is:
Oh that all might catch the flame,
All partake the glorious bliss!

2 When He first the work begun,
Small and feeble was His day:
Now the word doth swiftly run,
Now it wins its widening way:
More and more it spreads and grows,
Ever mighty to prevail;
Sin's strongholds it now o'erthrows,
Shakes the trembling gates of hell.

3 Sons of God, your Saviour praise!
He the door hath open'd wide;
He hath given the word of grace,
Jesu's word is glorified:
Jesus, mighty to redeem,
He alone the work hath wrought;
Worthy is the work of Him,
Him who spake a world from nought.

4 Saw ye not the cloud arise,
Little as a human hand?
Now it spreads along the skies,
Hangs o'er all the thirsty land:
Lo, the promise of a shower
Drops already from above;
But the Lord will shortly pour
All the Spirit of His love.
Charles Wesley, 1749
—Our Own Hymn-Book

955 — "There shall be Showers of Blessing."
955"There shall be Showers of Blessing."8.7.4.
1 "SHOWERS of blessing," gracious promise,
From the God who rules on high;
From the everlasting Father,
He who will not, cannot lie.
Showers of blessing,
He has promised from the sky.

2 "Showers of blessing," joyful showers,
Making every heart rejoice;
Come, ye saints, and plead the promise,
Raise in faith the suppliant voice;
Showers of blessing,
Oh, let nothing less suffice!
Albert Midlane, 1865.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

956 — "Awake, O Arm of the Lord."
956"Awake, O Arm of the Lord."L.M.
1 ARM of the Lord, awake, awake!
Thy power unconquerable take;
Thy strength put on, assert Thy might,
And triumph in the dreadful fight.

2 Why dost Thou tarry, mighty Lord?
Why slumbers in its sheath Thy sword?
Oh, rouse Thee, for Thine honour's sake;
Arm of the Lord, awake, awake!

3 Behold, what numbers still withstand
Thy sovereign rule and just command,
Reject Thy grace, Thy threats despise,
And hurl defiance at the skies.

4 Haste then, but come not to destroy;
Mercy is Thine, Thy crown, Thy joy;
Their hatred quell, their pride remove,
But melt with grace, subdue with love.

5 Why dost Thou from the conquest stay?
Why do Thy chariot wheels delay?
Lift up Thyself; hell's kingdom shake:
Arm of the Lord, awake, awake!
Henry March, 1839.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

957 — Revival sought.
957Revival sought.S.M.
1 REVIVE Thy work, O Lord,
Thy mighty arm make bare;
Speak with the voice that wakes the dead,
And make Thy people hear.

2 Revive Thy work, O Lord,
Disturb this sleep of death,
Quicken the smouldering embers now,
By Thine almighty breath.

3 Revive Thy work, O Lord,
Create soul-thirst for Thee,
And hungering for the bread of life,
Oh may our spirits be!

4 Revive Thy work, O Lord,
Exalt Thy precious name;
And, by the Holy Ghost, our love
For Thee and Thine inflame.

5 Revive Thy work, O Lord,
And give refreshing showers,
The glory shall be all Thine own,
The blessing, Lord, be ours.
Albert Midlane, 1861.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

958 — Give reviving.
958Give reviving.8.7.
1 FATHER, for Thy promised blessing,
Still we plead before Thy throne;
For the times of sweet refreshing,
Which can come from Thee alone.

2 Blessed earnests Thou hast given,
But in these we would not rest,
Blessings still with Thee are hidden,
Pour them forth, and make us blest.

3 Prayer ascendeth to Thee ever,
Answer! Father, answer prayer;
Bless, oh bless each weak endeavour,
Blood-bought pardon to declare!

4 Wake Thy slumbering children, wake them,
Bid them to Thy harvest go;
Blessings, O our Father, make them;
Round their steps let blessings flow.

5 Give reviving—give refreshing—
Give the look'd-for Jubilee;
To Thyself may crowds be pressing,
Bringing glory unto Thee.

6 Let no hamlet be forgotten,
Let Thy showers on all descend;
That in one loud blessed anthem,
Myriads may in triumph blend.
Albert Midlane, 1865.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

959 — Prayer for a Revival.
959Prayer for a Revival.8.7.4.
1 SAVIOUR, visit Thy plantation;
Grant us, Lord, a gracious rain!
All will come to desolation,
Unless Thou return again:
Lord, revive us,
All our help must come from Thee!

2 Keep no longer at a distance,
Shine upon us from on high,
Lest, for want of Thine assistance,
Every plant should droop and die,
Lord, &c

3 Surely, once Thy garden flourish'd,
Every part look'd gay and green;
Then Thy word our spirit nourish'd,
Happy seasons we have seen!
Lord, &c.

4 But a drought has since succeeded,
And a sad decline we see;
Lord, Thy help is greatly needed,
Help can only come from Thee.
Lord, &c.

5 Dearest Saviour, hasten hither,
Thou canst make them bloom again;
Oh permit them not to wither,
Let not all our hopes be vain.
Lord, &c.

6 Let our mutual love be fervent,
Make us prevalent in prayers;
Let each one esteem'd Thy servant
Shun the world's bewitching snares.
Lord, &c.

7 Break the tempter's fatal power,
Turn the stony heart to flesh;
And begin, from this good hour,
To revive Thy work afresh.
Lord, revive us,
All our help must come from Thee.
John Newton, 1779;
John Ryland, jun., 1787
—Our Own Hymn-Book

960 — Prayer for quickening Power.
960Prayer for quickening Power.C.M.
1 O THOU, our Head, enthroned on high,
By whom Thy members live!
Wilt Thou not hear our fervent cry,
The holy unction give?

2 Arise, O Lord! send forth Thy word,
Thy faithful heralds call;
And while the gospel trump is heard,
Let Satan's bulwarks fall.

3 Breathe forth, O wind, and to new birth
Quicken the bones of death;
Regenerate this wither'd earth,
Give to the dying breath.
Josiah Conder, 1856.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

961 — Jesus, manifest Thy Power.
961Jesus, manifest Thy Power.L.M.
1 O Jesus, manifest Thy grace,
Scatter Thy mighty darts abroad;
Constrain the unbelieving race
To fall before a wounded God.

2 Thy hands, Thy side, Thy feet were pierced,
The most unholy to restore:
Thy blood was shed to heal the worst,
And save the poorest of the poor.

3 Then let them taste Thy saving grace,
Be cleansed and glorified by Thee;
And in the sacrifice of praise,
Employ a blest eternity.
Augustus M. Toplady, 1759.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

962 — Awake, all-conquering Arm.
962Awake, all-conquering Arm.L.M.
1 AWAKE, all-conquering Arm, awake,
And Satan's mighty empire shake;
Assert the honours of Thy throne,
And make this ruin'd world Thine own.

2 Thine all-successful power display;
Convert a nation in a day;
Until the universe shall be
But one great temple, Lord, for Thee.
Philip Doddridge, 1755, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

963 — God invoked for His Church.
963God invoked for His Church.C.M.
1 AWAKE, awake, Thou Mighty Arm,
Which has such wonders wrought!
Which captive Israel freed from harm,
And out of Egypt brought.

2 Art Thou not it which Rahab slew?
And crush'd the dragon's head?
Constrain'd by Thee the waves withdrew
From their accustom'd bed.

3 Again Thy wonted prowess show,
Be Thou made bare again:
And let Thine adversaries know
That they resist in vain.
Benjamin Beddome, 1818.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

964 — Awake, O arm of the Lord.
964Awake, O arm of the Lord.L.M.
1 ARM of the Lord! awake! awake!
Put on Thy strength, the nations shake:
And let the world, adoring, see
Triumphs of mercy wrought by Thee.

2 Say to the heathen, from Thy throne,
"I am Jehovah, God alone!"
Thy voice their idols shall confound,
And cast their altars to the ground.

3 No ore let human blood be spilt,
Vain sacrifice for human guilt;
But to each conscience be applied
The blood that flow'd from Jesus' side.

4 Arm of the Lord, Thy power extend;
Let Mahomet's imposture end;
Break papal superstition's chain,
And the proud scoffer's rage restrain.

5 Let Zion's time of favour come:
Oh bring the tribes of Israel home:
And let our wondering eyes behold
Gentiles and Jews in Jesus' fold.

6 Almighty God! Thy grace proclaim
In every clime of every name
Let adverse powers before Thee fall,
And crown the Saviour, Lord of all.
William Shrubsole, 1795.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

965 — The Church awakened.
965The Church awakened.C.M.
1 DAUGHTER of Zion, from the dust
Exalt thy fallen head;
Again in thy Redeemer trust,
He calls thee from the dead.

2 Awake, awake, put on thy strength,
Thy beautiful array;
The day of freedom dawns at length,
The Lord's appointed day.

3 Rebuild thy walls, thy bounds enlarge,
And send thy heralds forth;
Say to the south—"Give up thy charge,
And keep not back, O north."

4 They come, they come: thine exiled bands,
Where'er they rest or roam,
Have heard thy voice in distant lands,
And hasten to their home.

5 Thus, though the universe shall burn,
And God His works destroy,
With songs Thy ransom'd shall return,
And everlasting joy.
James Montgomery, 1825.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

966 — "Preach the Gospel to every Creature."
966"Preach the Gospel to every Creature."6.4.
1 SOUND, sound the truth abroad,
Bear ye the word of God
Through the wide world;
Tell what our Lord has done;
Tell how the day is won,
And from his lofty throne
Satan is hurl'd.

2 Speed on the wings of love,
Jesus, who reigns above,
Bids us to By:
They who His message bear,
Should neither doubt nor fear,
He will their Friend appear;
He will be nigh.

3 When on the mighty deep,
He will their spirits keep
Stay'd on His word;
When in a foreign land,
No other friend at hand,
Jesus will by them stand-
Jesus, their Lord.

4 Ye who, forsaking all.
At your loved Master's call,
Comforts resign;
Soon will your work be done,
Soon will the prize be won,
Brighter than yonder sun,
Then shall ye shine.
Thomas Kelly, 1820.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

967 — "Cry aloud, spare not."
967"Cry aloud, spare not."8.7.4.
1 MEN of God, go take your stations;
Darkness reigns throughout the earth:
Go proclaim among the nations,
Joyful news of heavenly birth;
Bear the tidings
Of the Saviour's matchless worth.

2 Of His gospel not ashamed,
As "the power of God to save,"
Go, where Christ was never named,
Publish freedom to the slave;
Blessed freedom!
Such as Zion's children have.

3 What though earth and hell united
Should oppose the Saviour's plan?
Plead His cause, nor be affrighted,
Fear ye not the face of man;
Vain their tumult,
Hurt His work they never can.

4 When exposed to fearful dangers,
Jesus will His own defend;
Borne afar, midst foes and strangers,
Jesus will appear your Friend;
And His presence
Shall be with you to the end.
Thomas Kelly, 1806.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

968 — Prayer to the Captain of the Host.
968Prayer to the Captain of the Host.L.M.
1 CAPTAIN of Thine enlisted host,
Display Thy glorious banner high;
The summons send from coast to coast,
And call a numerous army nigh.

2 A solemn jubilee proclaim,
Proclaim the great sabbatic day;
Assert the glories of Thy name:
Spoil Satan of his wish'd-for prey.

3 Bid, bid Thy heralds publish loud
The peaceful blessings of Thy reign;
And when they speak of sprinkled blood,
The mystery to the heart explain.

4 Chase the usurper from his throne,
Oh! chase him to his destined hell;
Stout-hearted sinners overcome;
And glorious in Thy temple dwell.

5 Fight for Thyself, O Jesus, fight,
The travail of Thy soul regain;
To each blind soul make darkness light,
To all let crooked paths be plain.
Christopher Batty, 1757, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

969 — The Call of the Heathen for Help.
969The Call of the Heathen for Help.7.6.
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 strewn;
The heathen in his blindness,
Bows down to wood and stone.

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

4 Waft, waft, ye winds, His story!
And you, ye waters roll,
Till, like a sea of glory,
It spreads from pole to pole
Till o'er our ransom'd nature,
The Lamb for sinners slain,
Redeemer, King, Creator,
In bliss returns to reign.
Reginald Heber, 1823
—Our Own Hymn-Book

970 — Arise, O God!
970Arise, O God!S.M.
1 O LORD our God, arise,
The cause of Truth maintain,
And wide o'er all the peopled world
Extend her blessed reign.

2 Thou Prince of Life, arise,
Nor let Thy glory cease;
Far spread the conquests of Thy grace,
And bless the earth with peace!

3 Thou, Holy Ghost, arise,
Expand Thy quickening wing,
And o'er a dark and ruin'd world
Let light and order spring.

4 All on the earth arise,
To God the Saviour sing!
From shore to shore, from earth to heaven,
Let echoing anthems ring!
Ralph Wardlaw, 1817.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

971 — Influences of the Spirit.
971Influences of the Spirit.8.7.4.
1 WHO but Thou, Almighty Spirit,
Can the heathen world reclaim?
Men may preach, but till Thou favour,
Heathens will be still the same:
Mighty Spirit,
Witness to the Saviour's name.

2 Thou hast promised by the prophets,
Glorious light in latter days;
Come and bless bewilder'd nations,
Change our prayers and tears to praise:
Promised Spirit,
Round the world diffuse Thy rays.

3 All our hopes, and prayers, and labours,
Must be vain without Thine aid:
But Thou wilt not disappoint us;
All is true that Thou hast said:
Gracious Spirit,
O'er the world Thine influence spread.
Eriphus, "Evangelical Magazine," 1821.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

972 — The Holy Spirit invoked.
972The Holy Spirit invoked.L.M.
1 SPIRIT of the living God,
In all Thy plenitude of grace,
Where'er the foot of man hath trod,
Descend on our apostate race.

2 Give tongues of fire and hearts of love
To preach the reconciling word;
Give power and unction from above,
Whene'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 O Spirit of the Lord, prepare
All the round earth her God to meet;
Breathe Thou abroad like morning air,
Till hearts of stone begin to beat.

6 Baptize the nations far and nigh;
The triumphs of the cross record;
The name of Jesus glorify,
Till every kindred call him Lord.
James Montgomery, 1825.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

973 — Longing for the Spread of the Gospel.
973Longing for the Spread of the Gospel.8.7.4.
1 O'ER the gloomy hills of darkness,
Look, my soul, be still and gaze;
All the promises do travail
With a glorious day of grace:
Blessed jubilee,
Let thy glorious morning dawn!

2 Let the Indian, let the Negro,
Let the rude Barbarian see
That divine and glorious conquest
Once obtain'd on Calvary;
Let the Gospel
Loud resound from pole to pole.

3 Kingdoms wide that sit in darkness,
Grant them, Lord, the saving light,
And from eastern coast to western
May the morning chase the night,
And redemption,
Freely purchased, win the day.

4 May the glorious day approaching,
On their grossest darkness dawn,
And the everlasting gospel,
Spread abroad Thy holy name,
All the borders
Of the great Immanuel's land.

5 Ply abroad, thou mighty gospel,
Win and conquer, never cease;
May thy lasting, wide dominions,
Multiply, and still increase,
Sway Thy sceptre,
Saviour, all the world around.

6 Every creature, living, breathing,
In divinely grateful lays,
Father, Son, and Spirit, praising,
Magnify the God of grace;
Halleluiah!
Fill the universe with praise.
William Williams, 1772, a.
Verse 6, John Rippon, 1829.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Prayer Meetings
974 — Early Morning Prayer Meeting.
974Early Morning Prayer Meeting.S.M.
1 SWEETLY the holy hymn
Breaks on the morning air;
Before the world with smoke is dim
We meet to offer prayer.

2 While flowers are wet with dews,
Dew of our souls descend;
Ere yet the sun the day renews;
O Lord, Thy Spirit send.

3 Upon the battle-field
Before the fight begins,
We seek, O Lord, Thy sheltering shield,
To guard us from our sins.

4 Ere yet our vessel sails
Upon the stream of day,
We plead, O Lord, for heavenly gales
To speed us on our way.

5 On the lone mountain side,
Before the morning's light,
The Man of Sorrows wept and cried,
And rose refresh'd with might.

6 Oh hear us then, for we
Are very weak and frail,
We make the Saviour's name our plea,
And surely must prevail.
Charles H. Spurgeon, 1866.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

975 — Evening Prayer Meeting.
975Evening Prayer Meeting.S.M.
1 NOW from the world withdrawn,
For intercourse with Thee,
May each, O Lord, before Thy throne,
From earthly cares be free.

2 Possess our every thought,
And teach our minds to pray;
Help us to worship as we ought,
And thus conclude the day.

3 Our strength may we renew,
And lift our hearts above,
That, while life's journey we pursue,
We still may walk in love.

4 Then, in our latter end,
When death shall close our eyes,
Thy mercy will our souls attend,
And bear them to the skies.
John Bulmer, 1835.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

976 — Evening Prayer and Praise.
976Evening Prayer and Praise.8.7.
1 GRACIOUS Saviour, thus before Thee,
With our varied want and care;
For a blessing we implore Thee,
Listen to our evening prayer!

2 By Thy favour safely living,
With a grateful heart we raise
Songs of jubilant thanksgiving;
Listen to our evening praise!

3 Through the day, Lord, Thou hast given
Strength sufficient for our need;
Cheer'd us with sweet hopes of heaven,
Help'd and comforted indeed.

4 Lord, we thank Thee, and adore Thee,
For the solace of Thy love;
And rejoicing thus before Thee,
Wait Thy blessing from above!
Henry Bateman, 1862.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

977 — Prayer described.
977Prayer described.C.M.
1 PRAYER is the soul's sincere desire,
Utter'd or unexpress'd:
The motion of a hidden fire,
That trembles in the breast.

2 Prayer is the burden of a sigh,
The falling of a tear;
The upward glancing of an eye,
When none but God is near.

3 Prayer is the simplest form of speech
That infant lips can try;
Prayer the sublimest strains that reach
The Majesty on high.

4 Prayer is the Christian's vital breath,
The Christian's native air:
His watchword at the gates of death:
He enters heaven with prayer.

5 Prayer is the contrite sinner's voice,
Returning from his ways;
While angels in their songs rejoice,
And cry. "Behold he prays!"

6 The saints in prayer appear as one,
In word, and deed, and mind;
While with the Father and the Son
Sweet fellowship they find.

7 Nor prayer is made on earth alone:
The Holy Spirit pleads:
And Jesus, on the eternal throne,
For mourners intercedes.

8 O Thou, by whom we come to God,
The life, the truth, the way!
The path of prayer Thyself hast trod:
Lord! teach us how to pray.
James Montgomery, 1819.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

978 — The Throne of Grace.
978The Throne of Grace.S.M.
1 BEHOLD the throne of grace!
he promise calls me near,
There Jesus shows a smiling face,
And waits to answer prayer.

2 That rich atoning blood,
Which sprinkled round I see,
Provides for those who come to God
An all-prevailing plea.

3 My soul, ask what thou wilt,
Thou canst not be too bold;
Since His own blood for Thee He spilt,
What else can He withhold?

4 Beyond thy utmost wants
His love and power can bless;
To praying souls He always grants
More than they can express.

5 Thine image, Lord, bestow,
Thy presence and Thy love;
I ask to serve Thee here below,
And reign with Thee above.

6 Teach me to live by faith,
Conform my will to Thine;
Let me victorious be in death,
And then in glory shine.
John Newton, 1770.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

979 — "God be merciful unto us, and bless us."
979"God be merciful unto us, and bless us."7.6.
1 LORD of the vast creation,
Support of worlds unknown,
Desire of every nation,
Behold us at Thy throne.

2 We come for mercy crying,
Through Thine atoning blood;
And, on Thy grace relying,
We seek each promised good.

3 Oh when shall Thy salvation
Be known through every land,
And men in every station
Obey Thy great command?

4 In God's own Son believing,
From sin may they be free;
And gospel-grace receiving,
Find life and peace in Thee!
John Bulmer, 1835
—Our Own Hymn-Book

981 — Holy Importunity.
981Holy Importunity.7s.
1 LORD, I cannot let Thee go,
Till a blessing Thou bestow;
Do not turn away Thy face,
Mine's an urgent pressing case.

2 Dost Thou ask me who I am?
Ah, my Lord, Thou know'st my name;
Yet the question gives a plea
To support my suit with Thee.

3 Thou didst once a wretch behold,
In rebellion blindly bold,
Scorn Thy grace, Thy power defy:
That poor rebel, Lord, was I.

4 Once a sinner near despair
Sought Thy mercy-seat by prayer;
Mercy heard and set him free;
Lord, that mercy came to me.

5 Many days have pass'd since then,
Many changes I have seen;
Yet have been upheld till now:
Who could hold me up but Thou?

6 Thou hast help'd in every need,
This emboldens me to plead;
After so much mercy past.
Canst Thou let me sink at last?

7 No—I must maintain my hold,
'Tis Thy goodness makes me bold;
I can no denial take,
When I plead for Jesus' sake.
John Newton, 1779.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

982 — A Blessing requested.
982A Blessing requested.7s.
1 LORD, we come before Thee now,
At Thy feet we humbly bow;
Oh, do not our suit disdain;
Shall we seek Thee. Lord, in vain?

2 In Thy own appointed way,
Now we seek Thee, here we stay;
Lord, from hence we would not go,
Till a blessing Thou bestow.

3 Send some message from Thy word,
That may joy and peace afford;
Let Thy Spirit now impart
Full salvation to each heart.

4 Grant that those who seek may find
Thee a God supremely kind;
Heal the sick, the captive free,
Let us all rejoice in Thee.
William Hammond, 1745, a
—Our Own Hymn-Book

983 — "There am I in the midst of them."
983"There am I in the midst of them."7s.
1 MET again in Jesus' name,
At His feet we humbly bow:
He is evermore the same,
Lo, He waits to meet us now!

2 In His name, if two or three
Meet, and for His mercy call,
There, the Saviour says, I'll be
In the midst to bless you all.

3 You shall never ask in vain,
Though your number be but few;
Firm the promise doth remain,
Lo, I always am with you.

4 Saviour, we believe Thy word,
Calmly wait the promised grace:
Spirit of our risen Lord,
Holy Spirit, fill the place.
John Pyer, 1857.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

984 — I will pray.
984I will pray.L.M.
1 I WILL approach Thee—I will force
My way through obstacles to Thee:
To Thee for strength will have recourse,
To Thee for consolation flee!

2 Oh cast me, cast me not away,
From Thy dear presence, gracious Lord!
My burden at Thy feet I lay:
My soul reposes on Thy word.
Charlotte Elliott, 1834.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

985 — Our Advocate above.
985Our Advocate above.C.M.
1 THOU Lamb of God, for sinners slain!
We glorify Thy love;
High Priest in heaven's eternal fane,
Our Advocate above.

2 Now, through Thy rended veil of flesh,
We dare the throne draw nigh,
And sprinkled with Thy blood afresh,
With boldness Abba cry.
Josiah Conder, 1854.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

986 — Answer by Fire.
986Answer by Fire.L.M.
LORD! with Thy grace our hearts Inspire,
Answer our sacrifice by fire,
And by Thy mighty acts declare,
Thou art the God who heareth prayer.
Faith asks no signal from the skies,
To show that prayers accepted rise;
Our Priest is in the holy place,
And answers from the throne of grace.
Josiah Conder, 1856.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

987 — "Thy Name's Sake."
987"Thy Name's Sake."C.M.
1 LORD, for Thy name's sake! such the plea,
With force triumphant fraught,
By which Thy saints prevail with Thee,
By Thine own Spirit taught.

2 Now, for Thy name's sake, O our God,
Do not abhor our prayer;
But, while we bow beneath Thy rod,
Thy chasten'd people spare.

3 Oh, for Thy name's sake, richly grant
The unction from above;
Fulfil Thy holy covenant,
And glorify Thy love.
Josiah Conder, 1836.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

988 — Jesus present with Two or Three.
988Jesus present with Two or Three.C.M.
1 WHERE two or three, with sweet accord,
Obedient to their sovereign Lord,
Meet to recount His acts of grace,
And offer solemn prayer and praise:

2 "There," says the Saviour, "will I be,
Amid this little company:
To them unveil My smiling face,
And shed My glories round the place."

3 We meet at Thy command, dear Lord,
Relying on Thy faithful word:
Now send Thy Spirit from above,
Now fill our hearts with heavenly love.
Samuel Stennett, 1787.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

989 — Pleading for Power.
989Pleading for Power.7s.
1 LORD, our waiting spirits bow,
In Thy blessed presence now;
May the Holy Spirit be
Now our power to wait on Thee.

2 Power, O Lord, for power we cry!
Grant us each a rich supply,
That our longing souls may be
Fully satisfied by Thee.

3 Sweet the solemn hour of prayer,
Sweet to feed on heavenly fare,
Now let such our portion be,
Saviour, waiting upon Thee.
Albert Midlane, 1866.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

990 — "Remember us, O Lord."
990"Remember us, O Lord."L.M.
1 APART from every worldly care,
We bow before Thee, Lord, in prayer;
And as our one, our only claim,
We lisp our blessed Jesu's name.

2 May the blest Spirit, Father, now,
Each heart in holy reverence bow;
And may our feeble breathings rise
To Thee, like holy sacrifice.

3 Our need Thou knowest, Thou art nigh,
And Thou canst every need supply;
Boundless, dear Father, is Thy store,
Remember us, we ask no more.
Albert Midlane, 1866.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

991 — Confession of Sin.
991Confession of Sin.S.M.
1 ONCE more we meet to pray,
Once more our guilt confess;
Turn not, O Lord, Thine ear away
From creatures in distress.

2 Our sins to heaven ascend,
And there for vengeance cry;
O God, behold the sinner's Friend,
Who intercedes on high.

3 Though we are vile indeed,
And well deserve Thy curse,
The merits of Thy Son we plead,
Who lived and died for us.

4 Now let Thy bosom yearn,
As it hath done before;
Return to us, O God, return,
And ne'er forsake us more.
Philip Doddridge, 1755, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

992 — Prayer for Unbelievers.
992Prayer for Unbelievers.C.M.
1 THOU Son of God, whose flaming eyes
Our inmost thoughts perceive,
Accept the humble sacrifice,
Which now to Thee we give.

2 We bow before Thy gracious throne,
And think ourselves sincere;
But show us, Lord, is every one
Thy real worshipper?

3 Is here a soul that knows Thee not,
Nor feels his want of Thee,
A stranger to the blood which bought
His pardon on the tree?

4 Convince him now of unbelief;
His desperate state explain;
And fill his heart with sacred grief,
And penitential pain.

5 Speak with that voice which wakes the dead,
And bid the sleeper rise!
And bid his guilty conscience dread
The death that never dies.
Charles Wesley, 1767.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

993 — Divine Sympathy.
993Divine Sympathy.C.M.
1 THERE is no sorrow, Lord, too light
To bring in prayer to Thee;
There is no anxious care too slight
To wake Thy sympathy.

2 Thou who hast trod the thorny road
Wilt share each small distress:
The love which bore the greater load
Will not refuse the less.

3 There is no secret sigh we breathe
But meets Thine ear divine;
And every cross grows light beneath
The shadow, Lord, of Thine.

4 Life's ills without, sin's strife within,
The heart would overflow,
But for that love which died for sin,
That love which wept with woe.
Jane Crewdson, 1860;
Benjamin Hall Kennedy, 1863.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

994 — Hindrances to Prayer.
994Hindrances to Prayer.L.M.
1 WHAT various hindrances we meet
In coming to a mercy-seat!
Yet who that knows the worth of prayer,
But wishes to be often there?

2 Prayer makes the darken'd cloud withdraw,
Prayer climbs the ladder Jacob saw,
Gives exercise to faith and love,
Brings every blessing from above.

3 Restraining prayer, we cease to fight;
Prayer makes the Christian's armour bright;
And Satan trembles when he sees
The weakest saint upon his knees.

4 While Moses stood with arms spread wide,
Success was found on Israel's side;
But when through weariness they fail'd,
That moment Amalek prevailed.

5 Have you no words? Ah, think again,
Words flow apace when you complain,
And fill your fellow-creature's ear
With the sad tale of all your care.

6 Were half the breath thus vainly spent,
To heaven in supplication sent,
Your cheerful song would oftener be,
"Hear what the Lord has done for me!"
William Cowper, 1779.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

995 — The Garden of Christ.
995The Garden of Christ.L.M.
1 WE are a garden wail'd around,
Chosen and made peculiar ground;
A little spot, inclosed by grace
Out of the world's wide wilderness.

2 Like trees of myrrh and spice we stand,
Planted by God the Father's hand;
And all His springs in Sion flow,
To make the young plantation grow.

3 Awake, O heavenly wind! and come,
Blow on this garden of perfume?
Spirit divine! descend, and breathe
A gracious gale on plants beneath.

4 Make our best spices flow abroad,
To entertain our Saviour God:
And faith, and love, and joy appear,
And every grace be active here.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

996 — "Teach us to Pray."
996"Teach us to Pray."C.M.
1 LORD, teach us how to pray aright,
With reverence and with fear;
Though dust and ashes in Thy sight,
We may, we must draw near.

2 We perish if we cease from prayer;
Oh grant us power to pray;
And when to meet Thee we prepare,
Lord, meet us by the way.
James Montgomery, 1819.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

997 — "I said not, Seek ye Me in vain."
997"I said not, Seek ye Me in vain."C.M.
1 WE come, blest Jesus, to Thy throne,
To open all our grief;
Now send Thy promised mercy down,
And grant us quick relief.

2 Ne'er didst Thou say to Jacob's seed,
"Seek ye My face in vain;"
And canst Thou now deny Thine aid,
When burden'd souls complain?

3 The same Thy power, Thy love the same,
Unmoved the promise shines;
Eternal truth surrounds Thy name,
And guards the precious lines.

4 Though Satan rage, and flesh rebel,
And unbelief arise.
We'll wait around His footstool still,
For Jesus hears our cries.
James Boden, 1777.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

998 — Prayer heard in Heaven.
998Prayer heard in Heaven.C.M.
1 WHEN God inclines the heart to pray,
He hath an ear to hear;
To Him there's music in a groan,
And beauty in a tear.

2 The humble suppliant cannot fall
To have his wants supplied,
Since He for sinners intercedes,
Who once for sinners died.
Benjamin Beddome, 1818.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

999 — Let us Pray.
999Let us Pray.8.7.
1 LET us pray! the Lord is willing,
Ever waiting, prayer to hear;
Ready, His kind words fulfilling,
Loving hearts to help and cheer

2 Let us pray! oar God with blessing
Satisfies the praying soul;
Bends to hear the heart's confessing,
Moulding it to His control.

3 Let us pray! though foes surrounding,
Vex, and trouble, and dismay;
Precious grace, through Christ abounding,
Still shall cheer us on our way.

4 Let us pray! our life is praying;
Prayer with time alone may cease:
Then in heaven, God's will obeying,
Life is praise and perfect peace.
Henry Bateman, 1862.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1000 — Peace at the Mercy-seat.
1000Peace at the Mercy-seat.L.M.
1 FROM every stormy wind that blows,
From every swelling tide of woes,
There is a calm, a safe retreat;
'Tis found beneath the mercy-seat.

2 There is a place where Jesus sheds
The oil of gladness o'er our heads!
A place, than all beside more sweet,
It is the blood-stain'd mercy-seat.

3 There is a spot where spirits blend,
Where friend holds fellowship with friend;
Though sunder'd far, by faith we meet
Around our common mercy-seat.

4 Ah, whither could we flee for aid,
When tempted, desolate, dismay'd:
Or how the hosts of hell defeat,
Had suffering saints no mercy-seat?

5 There, there, on eagle-wings we soar,
And time and sense seem all no more,
And heaven comes down our souls to greet,
And glory crowns the mercy-seat,

6 Oh let my hands forget their skill.
My tongue be silent, cold, and still,
This bounding heart forget to beat,
If I forget the mercy-seat!
Hugh Stowell, 1832, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1001 — "Our Father which art in Heaven."
1001"Our Father which art in Heaven."S.M.
1 OUR heavenly Father hear
The prayer we offer now;
Thy name be hallow'd far and near,
To Thee all nations bow;

2 Thy kingdom come: Thy will
On earth be done in love,
As saints and seraphim fulfil
Thy perfect law above.

3 Our daily bread supply,
While by Thy word we live:
The guilt of our iniquity
Forgive, as we forgive.

4 From dark temptation's power,
From Satan's wiles defend;
Deliver in the evil hour,
And guide us to the end.

5 Thine, then, for ever be
Glory and power divine;
The sceptre, throne, and majesty
Of heaven and earth are Thine.
James Montgomery, 1825.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1002 — Jesus met them.
1002Jesus met them.7s.
1 SWEET the time, exceeding sweet,
When the saints together meet;
When the Saviour is the theme:
When they join to sing of Him.

2 Sing we then eternal love,
Such as did the Father move;
When He saw the world undone,
Loved the world, and gave His Son.

3 Sing the Son's amazing love,
How He left the realms above,
Took our nature and our place,
Lived and died to save our race.

4 Sing we too the Spirit's love;
With our wretched hearts He strove:
Turn'd our feet from ways of shame,
Made us trust in Jesus' name.

5 Sweet the place, exceeding sweet,
Where the saints in glory meet;
Where the Saviour's still the theme,
Where they see, and sing of Him.
George Burder, 1784, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1003 — Sweetness of Fellowship.
1003Sweetness of Fellowship.7s., 6 lines.
1 IF 'tis sweet to mingle where
Christians meet for social prayer—
If 'tis sweet with them to raise
Songs of holy joy and praise—
Passing sweet that state must be
Where they meet eternally.

2 Saviour, may these meetings prove
Preparations for above:
While we worship in this place,
May we go from grace to grace,
Till we, each in his degree,
Meet for endless glory be.
Ingram Cobbin, 1828.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1004 — Joy in Heaven over a repenting Sinner.
1004Joy in Heaven over a repenting Sinner.L.M.
1 WHO can describe the joys that rise
Through all the courts of paradise,
To see a prodigal return,
To see an heir of glory born?

2 With joy the Father doth approve
The fruit of His eternal love;
The Son with joy looks down, and sees
The purchase of His agonies.

3 The Spirit takes delight to view
The holy soul He form'd anew;
And saints and angels join to sing
The growing empire of their King.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1005 — For a Blessing.
1005For a Blessing.8.7.10.
1 As the dew, from heaven distilling,
Gently on the grass descends,
Richly unto all fulfilling
What Thy Providence intends;
So may truth, divine and gracious,
To our waiting spirits prove;
Bless and make it efficacious
In the children of Thy love!

2 Lord, behold this congregation!
All Thy promises fulfil;
From Thy holy habitation,
Let the dew of life distil:
Let our cry come up before Thee,
Sweetest influence shed around;
So Thy people shall adore Thee,
And confess the joyful sound.
Thomas Kelly, 1804;
John Bulmer, 1835.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1006 — National Fast.
1006National Fast.L.M.
1 OH may the power which melts the rock
Be felt by all assembled here!
Or else our service will but mock
The God whom we profess to fear!

2 Lord, while Thy judgments shake the land,
Thy people's eyes are fix'd on Thee!
We own Thy just uplifted band,
Which thousands cannot, will not see.

3 The Lord displeased has raised His rod!
Ah! where are now the faithful few
Who tremble for the ark of God,
And know what Israel ought to do?

4 Lord, hear Thy people everywhere,
Who meet to mourn, confess, and pray:
The nation and Thy churches spare,
And let Thy wrath be turn'd away.
John Newton, 1779.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1007 — National Fast.
1007National Fast.C.M.
1 ETERNAL God! Before Thy throne,
Three nations prostrate fall;
Their great, their numerous sins theyown,
O Lord, forgive them all.

2 Burst, Lord, upon these mourning isles
With bright and gladdening rays;
Turn grief to joy, and tears to smiles,
And prayer to grateful praise.

3 Oh sanctify the painful blow,
Which justly Thou didst give;
May we the Lord who smote us know,
And turn to Thee and live.
James Edmeston, 1847.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1008 — National Thanksgiving.
1008National Thanksgiving.7s.
1 MAY we, Lord, rejoicing, say,
Now Thine anger's turn'd away,
Sheathed the sword that waved before,
Mission'd to destroy no more.

2 Lord, accept our grateful praise,
Just, yet kind, are all Thy ways,
Ever ready to forgive,
Bidding the repentant live.

3 In Thy courts would we appear,
Mingling joy and praise with fear;
Judgments past in memory bear,
Yet thanksgiving offer there.

4 Grateful hearts we fain would bring,
Pardoning mercy would we sing;
We may now rejoicing say,
Lord, Thine anger's turn'd away.
James Edmeston, 1849.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1009 — Prayer for our Country.
1009Prayer for our Country.C.M.
1 SHINE, mighty God, on Britain shine,
With beams of heavenly grace;
Reveal Thy power through all our coasts,
And show Thy smiling face.

2 Amidst our isle, exalted high,
Do Thou our glory stand,
And, like a wall of guardian fire,
Surround this favour'd land.

3 When shall Thy name from shore to shore,
Sound all the earth abroad;
And distant nations know and love
Their Saviour and their God?

4 Sing to the Lord, ye distant lands,
Sing loud, with solemn voice;
While British tongues exalt His praise,
And British hearts rejoice.

5 Earth shall obey her Maker's will,
And yield a full increase;
Our God will crown His chosen isle
With fruitfulness and peace.

6 God, the Redeemer, scatters round
His choicest favours here;
While the creation's utmost bound
Shall see, adore, and fear.
Isaac Watts, 1719.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Mothers' Meetings
1010 — "Lord, have Mercy on my Son."
1010"Lord, have Mercy on my Son."C.M.
1 WITHIN these peaceful walls, O Lord,
A fond parental band
Have met, Thy goodness to record,
And seek Thy guiding hand.

2 If e'er a parent's prayerful strain
Hath gain'd Thy listening ear,
O Saviour, now in mercy deign
Our ardent cry to hear.

3 'Tis for our children, Lord, we plead,
Dear objects of our care:
Dangers on every side are spread:
Save them from every snare.
Thomas Hastings, 1834
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1011 — Pleading for our Children.
1011Pleading for our Children.C.M.
1 O LORD, behold us at Thy feet,
A needy, sinful band:
As suppliants round Thy mercy-seat,
We come at Thy command.

2 'Tis for our children we would plead,
The offspring Thou hast given;
Where shall we go, in time of need,
But to the God of heaven?

3 We ask not for them wealth or fame,
Amid the worldly strife;
But, in the all-prevailing name,
We ask eternal life.

4 We crave the Spirit's quickening grace,
To make them pure in heart,
That they may stand before Thy face,
And see Thee as Thou art.
Thomas Hastings, 1834.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1012 — Prayer to Jesus for our little Ones.
1012Prayer to Jesus for our little Ones.7s.
1 JESUS, Thou wast once a child,
Meek, obedient, pure, and mild;
Such may our dear children be!
Teach them, Lord, to follow Thee.

2 Thou didst grow in grace and truth,
Up from infancy to youth;
May we, Lord, our children see,
Striving thus to copy Thee.

3 Subject to Thy parents' word,
When their least command was heard,
May we, Lord, our children see
Thus obedient unto Thee!

4 At Thy heavenly Father's voice,
Thou in duty didst rejoice;
Changed by grace, O Lord, would we
See our children follow Thee!
James Gabb, 1864, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1013 — Not one left to perish.
1013Not one left to perish.7s., 8 lines.
1 GRACIOUS Lord, our children see,
By Thy mercy we are free:
But shall these, alas! remain
Subjects still of Satan's reign?
Israel's young ones when of old
Pharaoh threaten'd to withhold;
Then Thy messenger said. "No;
Let the children also go."

2 When the angel of the Lord,
Drawing forth His dreadful sword,
Slew with an avenging hand
All the first-born of the land;
Then Thy people's door he pass'd,
Where the bloody sign was placed;
Hear us, now upon our knees,
Plead the blood of Christ for these.

3 Lord, we tremble, for we know
How the fierce malicious foe,
Wheeling round his watchful flight,
Keeps them ever in his sight:
Spread Thy pinions! King of kings!
Hide them safe beneath Thy wings;
Lest the ravenous bird of prey
Stoop, and bear the brood away.
William Cowper, 1779.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1014 — Our Father, hear us.
1014Our Father, hear us.C.M.
1 THOU, who a tender Parent art,
Regard a parent's plea:
Our offspring, with an anxious heart,
We now commend to Thee.

2 Our children are our greatest care,
A charge which Thou hast given:
In all Thy graces let them share,
And all the joys of heaven.

3 If a centurion could succeed,
Who for his servant cried;
Wilt Thou refuse to hear us plead,
For those so near allied!

4 On us Thou hast bestow'd Thy grace,
Be to our children kind;
Among Thy saints give them a place,
And leave not one behind.

5 Happy we then shall live below,
The remnant of our days:
And when to brighter worlds we go,
Shall long resound Thy praise.
Rowland Hill? 1808.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1015 — Save our Children.
1015Save our Children.7s.
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 Cleanse their souls from every stain,
Through the Saviour's precious blood;
Let them all be born again,
And be reconciled to God.

4 For this mercy, Lord, we cry;
Bend Thine ever-gracious ear;
While on Thee our souls rely,
Hear our prayer, in mercy hear!
Thomas Hastings, 1834.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1016 — Parents pleading.
1016Parents pleading.L.M.
1 FATHER of all, before Thy throne,
Grateful but anxious parents bow;
Look in paternal mercy down,
And yield the boon we ask Thee now.

2 'Tis not for wealth, or joys of earth,
Or life prolong'd we seek Thy face;
'Tis for a new and heavenly birth,
Tis for the treasures of Thy grace.

3 Tis for their souls' eternal joy,
For rescue from the coming woe:
Do not our earnest suit deny,
We cannot, cannot let Thee go.
John Howard Hinton, 1833.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Opening Places for Worship
1017 — Opening or Enlargement.
1017Opening or Enlargement.L.M.
1 JESUS, where'er Thy people meet,
There they behold Thy mercy-seat:
Where'er they seek Thee, Thou art found,
And every place is hallow'd 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 Dear Shepherd of Thy chosen few,
Thy former mercies here renew;
Here, to our waiting hearts, proclaim
The sweetness of Thy saving name.

4 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.

5 Behold at Thy commanding word,
We stretch the curtain and the cord:
Come Thou, and fill this wider space,
And bless us with a large increase.

6 Lord, we are few, but Thou art near;
Nor short Thine arm, nor deaf Thine ear;
Oh rend the heavens, come quickly down,
And make a thousand hearts Thine own!
William Cowper, 1779.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1018 — Dedication of the House.
1018Dedication of the House.C.M.
1 SPIRIT of glory and of grace,
Thy favour we entreat;
Thou true Shekinah of the place
Where true disciples meet.

2 Oh! let the labour of our hands
Be precious in Thy sight;
And long as this our temple stands,
Thy presence be its light.

3 Here float the gospel's banner wide
O'er faithful hearts and brave;
And here, O Jesus crucified,
Come forth in power to save!
Joseph Tritton, 1861..
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1019 — "The Glory of the Lord filled the House."
1019"The Glory of the Lord filled the House."C.M.
1 LIGHT up this house with glory, Lord,
Enter and claim Thine own;
Receive the homage of our souls,
Erect Thy temple-throne.

2 We rear no altar—Thou hast died;
We deck no priestly shrine;
What need have we of creature aid?
The power to save is Thine.

3 We ask no bright shekinah-cloud
To glorify the place;
Give, Lord, the substance of that sign—
A plenitude of grace.

4 No rushing, mighty wind, we ask;
No tongues of flame desire;
Grant us the Spirit's quickening light,
His purifying fire.

5 Light up this house with glory, Lord;
The glory of that love
Which forms and saves a church below,
And makes a heaven above.
John Harris, 1859.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1020 — Opening a Place of Worship.
1020Opening a Place of Worship.148th.
1 GREAT King of Zion, now
Display Thy matchless grace;
In love the heavens bow,
With glory fill this place:
Beneath this roof, oh deign to show
How God can dwell with men below!

2 Here may Thine ears attend
Our interceding cries,
And grateful praise ascend
All fragrant to the skies:
Here may Thy word melodious sound,
And spread celestial joys around.

3 Here may th' attentive throng
Imbibe Thy truth and love,
And converts join the song
Of seraphim above
And willing crowds surround Thy board
With sacred joy and sweet accord.

4 Here may our unborn sons
And daughters sound Thy praise,
And shine, like polish'd stones,
Through long succeeding days;
Here, Lord, display Thy saving power,
Until the last triumphant hour.
Benjamin Francis, 1787;
Charles H. Spurgeon, 1866.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1021 — Thankfulness for the House.
1021Thankfulness for the House.L.M.
1 SING to the Lord with heart and voice
Ye children of His sovereign choice.
The work achieved, the temple raised,
Now be our God devoutly praised.

2 For all the treasure freely brought,
For all the toil in gladness wrought,
For warmth of zeal, and purpose strong,
Wake we to-day the thankful song.

3 Lord of the temple! once disown'd,
But now in worlds of light enthroned
Thy glory let Thy servants see,
Who dedicate this house to Thee.

4 Be Thy dear name, like ointment, shed
O'er every soul, on every head;
Make glorious, O our Saviour King,
The place where thus Thy chosen sing.

5 More grand the temple, and the strain
More sweet, when we Thy heaven shall gain,
And bid, for realms where angels dwell,
Thy courts on earth a glad farewell!
Joseph Tritton, 1861.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1022 — Re-opening.
1022Re-opening.C.M.
1 O GOD, before whose radiant throne
The heavenly armies bend,
Now graciously incline Thine ear,
And to our suit attend.

2 Where our forefathers join'd in praise,
We meet to praise Thy name,
Where they Thy faithful promise proved,
We find Thee still the same.

3 This house, these walls re-edified,
Are raised, Lord, for Thee;
In all the plenitude of grace,
In this assembly be.

4 Here may the dead be made alive,
Backsliding souls return;
More grace by gracious souls be felt,
And saints like seraphs burn.

5 Here build Thy church, maintain Thy cause,
Nor let it e'er decline;
But flourish till the Lord descends
In majesty divine.
John Rippon, 1810;
Charles H. Spurgeon, 1866.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Morning
1023 — Morning.
1023Morning.L.M.
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 Thy precious time misspent, redeem,
Each present day thy last esteem,
Improve thy talent with due care,
For the great day thyself prepare.

3 In conversation be sincere,
Keep conscience, as the noontide, clear;
Think how all-seeing God thy ways,
And all thy secret thoughts, surveys.

4 Wake, and lift up thyself, my heart,
And with the angels bear thy part,
Who all night long, unwearied, sing
High praise to the Eternal King.

5 I wake, I wake, ye heavenly choir,
May your devotion me inspire,
That I, like you, my age may spend,
Like you, may on my God attend.

6 May I, like you, in God delight,
Have all day long my God in sight.
Perform, like you, my Maker's will;
Oh may I never more do ill!

7 Lord, I my vows to Thee renew,
Disperse my sins as morning dew,
Guard my first springs of thought and will,
And with Thyself my spirit fill.

8 Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him all creatures here below,
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host,
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Thomas Ken, 1697.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1024 — A Hymn for Morning or Evening.
1024A Hymn for Morning or Evening.C.M.
1 HOSANNA, with a cheerful sound,
To God's upholding band;
Ten thousand snares attend us round,
And yet secure we stand.

2 That was a most amazing power
That raised us with a word,
And every day, and every hour,
We lean upon the Lord.

3 The evening rests our wearied head,
And angels guard the room,
We wake, and we admire the bed
That was not made our tomb.

4 The rising morning can't assure
That we shall end the day;
For death stands ready at the door
To take our lives away.

5 Our breath is forfeited by sin
To God's avenging law;
We own Thy grace, immortal King,
In every gasp we draw.

6 God is our sun, whose daily light
Our joy and safety brings;
Our feeble flesh lies safe at night
Beneath His shady wings.
Isaac Watts, 1709.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1025 — Keep us, O Lord, this Day.
1025Keep us, O Lord, this Day.C.M.
1 NOW that the sun is beaming bright,
Once more to God we pray,
That He, the uncreated Light,
May guide our souls this day.

2 No sinful word, nor deed of wrong,
Nor thoughts that idly rove;
But simple truth be on our tongue,
And in our hearts be love.

3 And while the hours in order flow,
O Christ, securely fence
Our gates beleaguer'd by the foe,
The gate of every sense.

4 And grant that to Thine honour, Lord,
Our daily toil may tend;
That we begin it at Thy word,
And in Thy favour end.
St. Ambrose, Fourth Century;
Hymns for Public and Private Use, 1847.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1026 — Thanks.
1026Thanks.C.M.
1 LORD, for the mercies of the night,
My humble thanks, I pay;
And unto Thee I dedicate
The first-fruits of the day.

2 Let this day praise Thee, O my God,
And so let all my days;
And oh let mine eternal day
Be Thine eternal praise!
John Mason, 1683.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Evening
1027 — Seeking an Evening Blessing.
1027Seeking an Evening Blessing.8.7.
1 SAVIOUR, 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 arrow 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 our couch become our tomb;
May the morn, in heaven awake us,
Glad in light and deathless bloom.
James Edmeston, 1820.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1028 — "Abide with us."
1028"Abide with us."L.M.
1 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.

2 When the soft dews of kindly sleep
My wearied eyelids gently steep,
Be my last thought, how sweet to rest
For ever on my Saviour's breast!

3 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.

4 If some poor wandering child of Thine
Have spurn'd to-day the voice divine,
Now, Lord, the gracious work begin;
Let him no more lie down in sin.

5 Watch by the sick; enrich the poor
With blessings from Thy boundless store;
Be every mourner's sleep to-night,
Like infant's slumbers, pure and light.

6 Come near and bless us when we wake,
Ere through the world our way we take;
Till in the ocean of Thy love
We lose ourselves in heaven above.
John Keble, 1827.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1029 — Prayer at Eventide.
1029Prayer at Eventide.7s.
1 SOFTLY now the light of day
Fades upon my sight away;
Free from care, from labour free,
Lord, I would 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 for ever pass away;
Then, from sin and sorrow free,
Take me, Lord, to dwell with Thee!

4 Thou who, sinless, yet hast known
All of man's infirmity;
Then, from Thine eternal throne,
Jesus, look with pitying eye.
George W. Doane, 1826.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1030 — An Evening Song.
1030An Evening Song.C.M.
1 DREAD Sovereign, let my evening song
Like holy incense rise;
Assist the offerings of my tongue
To reach the lofty skies.

2 Through all the dangers of the day
Thy hand was still my guard;
And still to drive my wants away,
Thy mercy stood prepared.

3 Perpetual blessings from above
Encompass me around,
But oh how few returns of love
Hath my Creator found!

4 What have I done for Him that died
To save my wretched soul?
How are my follies multiplied,
Fast as my minutes roll!

5 Lord, with this guilty heart of mine
To Thy dear cross I flee;
And to Thy grace my soul resign,
To be renew'd by Thee.

6 Sprinkled afresh with pardoning blood,
I lay me down to rest,
As in the embraces of my God,
Or on my Saviour's breast.
Isaac Watts, 1709
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1031 — Beneath the Almighty Wings.
1031Beneath the Almighty Wings.L.M.
1 GLORY to Thee, my God, this night,
For all the blessings of the light;
Keep me, oh keep me, King of kings,
Beneath Thine own almighty wings.

2 Forgive me, Lord, for Thy dear Son,
The ill that I this day have done:
That with the world, myself, and Thee,
I, ere I sleep, at peace may be.

3 Teach me to live, that I may dread
The grave as little as my bed;
Teach me to die, that so I may
Rise glorious at the judgment day.

4 Oh may ray soul on Thee repose,
And with sweet sleep mine eyelids close;
Sleep that may me more vigorous make
To serve my God when I awake.

5 When in the night I sleepless He,
My soul with heavenly thoughts supply,
Let no ill dreams disturb my rest,
No powers of darkness me molest.

6 Oh when shall I in endless day,
For ever chase dark sleep away;
And endless praise with th' heavenly choir,
Incessant sing, and never tire?
Thomas Ken, 1697, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1032 — An Evening Hymn.
1032An Evening Hymn.C.M.
1 NOW from the altar of my heart,
Let incense-flames arise;
Assist me, Lord, to offer up
Mine evening sacrifice.

2 Minutes and mercies multiplied,
Have made up all this day;
Minutes came quick, but mercies were
More fleet and free than they.

3 New time, new favour, and new joys,
Do a new song require;
Till I should praise Thee as I would,
Accept my heart's desire.

4 Lord of my time, whose hand hath set
New time upon my score;
Thee may I praise for all my time,
When time shall be no more.
John Mason, 1683.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Harvest
1033 — Harvest.
1033Harvest.L.M.
1 GREAT God, as seasons disappear,
And changes mark the rolling year,
Thy favour still has crown'd our days,
And we would celebrate Thy praise.

2 The harvest-song we would repeat;
Thou givest us the finest wheat;
The joys of harvest we have known;
The praise, O Lord, is all Thine own.

3 Our tables spread, our garners stored,
Oh 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.
Edmund Butcher. 1796. a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1034 — A Harvest Hymn.
1034A Harvest Hymn.C.M.
1 TO praise the ever-bounteous Lord,
My soul, wake all thy powers;
He calls, and at His voice come forth
The smiling harvest hours.

2 His covenant with the earth He keeps
My tongue His goodness sing;
Summer and winter know their time,
His harvest crowns the spring.

3 Well-pleased the toiling swains behold
The waving yellow crop;
With joy they bear the sheaves away,
And sow again in hope.

4 Thus teach me, gracious God, to sow
The seeds of righteousness:
Smile on my soul, and with Thy beams,
The ripening harvest bless.

5 Then in the last great harvest, I
Shall reap a glorious crop;
The harvest shall by far exceed
What I have sown in hope.

6 Oh may the promised blissful hour,
The welcome season come,
When all Thy servants shall unite
To shout the harvest home.

7 A joyful harvest they shall have
Who now in sadness sow;
And those shall live to sing above,
Who wept for sin below.
John Needham, 1768.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

New Year
1035 — Grateful Recollections.
1035Grateful Recollections.8.7.
1 COME, Thou fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace,
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above:
Praise the mount—oh fix me on it,
Mount of God's unchanging love.

2 Here I raise my Ebenezer;
Hither by Thine help I'm come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood.

3 Oh to grace how great a debtor
Daily I'm constrain'd to be!
Let that grace, now, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it;
Prone to leave the God I love—
Here's my heart, oh take and seal it,
Seal it from Thy courts above.
Selina, Countess of Huntingdon, 1760.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1036 — Ebenezer.
1036Ebenezer.S.M.
1 LET hearts and tongues unite,
And loud thanksgivings raise;
'Tis duty, mingled with delight,
To slug the Saviour's praise.

2 When in our blood we lay,
He would not let us die,
Because His love had fix'd a day
To bring salvation nigh.

3 In childhood and in youth
His eye was on us still;
Though strangers to His love and truth,
And prone to cross His will.

4 And since His name we knew,
How gracious has He been!
What dangers has He led us through,
What mercies have we seen!

5 Now through another year,
Supported by His care,
We raise our Ebenezer here,
"The Lord has help'd thus far."

6 Our lot in future years,
Unable to foresee,
He kindly to prevent our fears,
Says, "Leave it all to Me."

7 Yea, Lord, we wish to cast
Our cares upon Thy breast,
Help us to praise Thee for the past,
And trust Thee for the rest.
John Newton, 1779.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1037 — Another Year.
1037Another Year.L.M.
1 FATHER of mercies! God of love!
Whose kind compassion still we prove,
Our praise accept, and bless us here,
As brought to this—another year.

2 We sing Thy goodness all divine,
Whose radiant beams around us shine;
'Tis through Thy goodness we appear
Preserved to this—another year.

3 Our souls, our all we here resign;
Make us, and keep us ever Thine;
And grant that in Thy love and fear
We may begin—another year.

4 Be this our sweet experience still,
To know and do Thine holy will;
Then shall our souls, with joy sincere,
Bless Thee for this—another year.

5 Still, Lord, through life Thy love display,
And then in death's approaching day,
We'll joyful part with all that's here,
Nor wish on earth—another year.
Samuel Medley, 1789.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1038 — Goodness sought
1038Goodness soughtL.M.
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 are we 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 depress'd,
Thou art 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.
Philip Doddridge, 1755.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1039 — God's Help reviewed.
1039God's Help reviewed.L.M.
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 desert land,
New mercies shall new songs demand.

4 My grateful soul, on Jordan's shore,
Shall raise one sacred pillar more:
Then bear, in His bright courts above,
Inscriptions of immortal love.
Philip Doddridge, 1755.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1040 — A Birth-day Hymn.
1040A Birth-day Hymn.7s.
1 I MY Ebenezer raise
To my kind Redeemer's praise;
With a grateful heart I own
Hitherto Thy help I've known.

2 What may be my future lot
Well I know concerns me not;
This should set my heart at rest,
What Thy will ordains is best.

3 I my all to Thee resign;
Father, let Thy will be mine:
May but all Thy dealings prove
Fruits of Thy paternal love.

4 Guard me, Saviour, by Thy power,
Guard me in the trying hour:
Let Thy unremitted care
Save me from the lurking snare.

5 Let my few remaining days
Be directed to Thy praise;
Bo the last, the closing scene,
Shall be tranquil and serene.

6 To Thy will I leave the rest,
Grant me but this one request,
Both in life and death to prove
Tokens of Thy special love.
John Fawcett, 1782.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1041 — Shortness and Uncertainty of Life.
1041Shortness and Uncertainty of Life.7s.
1 WHILE with ceaseless course the sun
Rolls along the passing year,
Many souls their race have run,
Never more to meet us here.

2 Fix'd in an eternal state,
They have done with all below;
We a little longer wait,
But how little—none can know.

3 Swiftly thus our fleeting days
Bear us down life's rapid stream!
Upwards, Lord, our spirits raise;
All below is but a dream.

4 Bless Thy word to young and old;
Fill us with a Saviour's love;
And when life's short tale is told,
May we dwell with Thee above.
John Newton, 1779.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1042 — Prospect of another Year.
1042Prospect of another Year.7s.
1 FOR Thy mercy and Thy grace,
Constant through another year,
Hear our song of thankfulness;
Jesu, our Redeemer, hear.

2 In our weakness and distress,
Rock of Strength, be Thou our stay:
In the pathless wilderness
Be our true and living way.

3 Who of us death's awful road
In the coming year shall tread,
With Thy rod and staff, O God,
Comfort Thou his dying bed.

4 Make us faithful, make us pure,
Keep us evermore Thine own,
Help Thy servants to endure,
Fit us for the promised crown.

5 So within Thy palace gate
We shall praise, on golden strings,
Thee the only Potentate,
Lord of lords, and King of kings.
Henry Downton, 1843.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1043 — Watchnight.
1043Watchnight.148th.
1 YE virgin souls, arise,
With all the dead awake!
Unto salvation wise,
Oil in your vessels take:
Upstarting at the midnight cry,
"Behold your heavenly Bridegroom nigh!"

2 He comes, He comes, to call
The nations to His bar,
And raise to glory all
Who fit for glory are:
Make ready for your full reward;
Go forth with joy to meet your Lord.

3 Go, meet Him in the sky;
Your everlasting Friend:
Your Head to glorify,
With all His saints ascend:
Ye pure in heart, obtain the grace
To see, without a veil, His face.

4 The everlasting doors
Shall soon the saints receive,
Above yon angel-powers
In glorious joy to live!
Far from a world of grief and sin,
With God eternally shut in.

5 Then let us wait to hear
The trumpet's welcome sound;
To see our Lord appear,
Let us be watching found,
When Jesus doth the heavens bow,
Be found—as, Lord, Thou find'st us now!
Charles Wesley, 1749.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Marriage
1044 — Marriage.
1044Marriage.7s.
1 DEIGN this union to approve,
And confirm it, God of love,
Bless Thy servants; on their head
Now the oil of gladness shed:
In this nuptial bond to Thee
Let them consecrated be.

2 In prosperity, be near,
To preserve them in Thy fear;
In affliction, let Thy smile
All the woes of life beguile:
And when every change is past,
Take them to Thyself at last.
William Bengo Collyer, 1837.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1045 — A Wedding Hymn.
1045A Wedding Hymn.C.M.
1 SINCE Jesus freely did appear,
To grace a marriage feast,
O Lord, we ask Thy presence here,
To make a wedding-guest.

2 Upon the bridal pair look down,
Who now have plighted hands;
Their union with Thy favour crown,
And bless their nuptial bands.

3 With gifts of grace their hearts endow,
Of all rich dowries best;
Their substance bless, and peace bestow
To sweeten all the rest.

4 In purest love their souls unite,
That they with Christian care,
May make domestic burdens light,
By taking mutual share.
John Berridge, 1785, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1046 — Truly One.
1046Truly One.7s.
1 FATHER of the human race,
Sanction with Thy heavenly grace
What on earth hath now been done,
That these twain be truly one.

2 One in sickness and in health,
One in poverty and wealth,
And, as year rolls after year,
Each to other still more dear.

3 One in purpose, one in heart,
Till the mortal stroke shall part;
One in cheerful piety,
One for ever, Lord, with Thee.
William Bengo Collyer, 1837.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Dismission
1047 — "Show me a Token for Good."
1047"Show me a Token for Good."8.7.4.
GRANT us, Lord, some gracious token
Of Thy love before we part;
Crown Thy Word which has been spoken,
Life and peace to each impart!
And all blessings Which shall sanctify the heart.
Thomas Kelly, 1804;
John Rippon, 1829.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1048 — "I will not let Thee go except Thou bless me."
1048"I will not let Thee go except Thou bless me."8.7.4.
1 GOD of our salvation, hear us;
Bless, oh bless us, ere we go:
When we join the world, be near us,
Lest Thy people careless grow:
Saviour, keep us,
Keep us safe from every foe.

2 As our steps are drawing nearer
To our best and lasting home,
May our view of heaven grow clearer,
Hope more bright of joys to come;
And when dying,
May Thy presence cheer the gloom.
Thomas Kelly, 1815.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1049 — Hymn and Chorus at Parting.
1049Hymn and Chorus at Parting.6s.
1 COME, brethren, ere we part,
Bless the Redeemer's name;
Join every tongue and heart,
To adore and praise the Lamb.
Jesus, the sinner's Friend,
Him whom our souls adore,
His praises have no end;
Praise Him for evermore.

2 Lord, in Thy grace we came,
That blessing still impart;
We met in Jesu's name,
In Jesu's name we part.
Jesus, &c.

3 If here we meet no more,
May we, in realms above,
With all the saints adore Redeeming grace and love.
Jesus, &c.
Joseph Hart, 1762;
Robert Hawker, 1801.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1050 — Dismission.
1050Dismission.L.M.
1 COME, Christian brethren, ere we part
Join every voice and every heart,
One solemn hymn to God we raise,
The closing song of grateful praise.

2 Christians, we here may meet no more,
But there is yet a happier shore;
And there, released from toil and pain,
Dear brethren, we shall meet again.

3 And now to God, the Three in One,
Be everlasting glory done;
Raise, raise, ye saints, the sound again;
Ye nations join the loud Amen.
Henry Kirke White, 1805, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1051 — Parting.
1051Parting.S.M.
1 ONCE more, before we part,
We'll bless the Saviour's name,
Record His mercies every heart;
Sing every tongue the same.

2 Hoard up His sacred word,
And feed thereon and grow;
Go on to seek to know the Lord,
And practise what you know.
Joseph Hart, 1762.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1052 — At Dismission.
1052At Dismission.8.7.4.
1 LORD, dismiss us with Thy blessing,
Fill our hearts with joy and peace;
Let us each, Thy love possessing,
Triumph in redeeming grace:
O refresh us!
Travelling through this wilderness.

2 Thanks we give, and adoration,
For Thy gospel's joyful sound:
May the fruits of Thy salvation
In our hearts and lives abound
May Thy presence
With us, evermore, be found!

3 So whene'er the signal's given,
Us from earth to call away,
Borne on angel's wings to heaven,
Glad the summons to obey,
We shall surely
Reign with Christ in endless day!
Walter Shirley, 177
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1053 — The Benediction.
1053The Benediction.8.7
MAY the grace of Christ our Saviour
And the Father's boundless love,
With the Holy Spirit's favour,
Rest upon us from above!

Thus may we abide in union
With each other and the Lord;
And possess, in sweet communion,
Joys which earth cannot afford.
John Newton, 1779.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1054 — Benediction.
1054Benediction.C.M.
1 NOW may the God of peace and love
Who from th' imprisoning grave
Restored the Shepherd of the sheep,
Omnipotent to save;

2 Through the rich merits of that blood
Which He on Calvary spilt,
To make the eternal covenant sure
On which our hopes are built;

3 Perfect our souls in every grace,
To accomplish all His will,
And all that's pleasing in His sight
Inspire us to fulfil!

4 For the great Mediator's sake,
We for these blessings pray;
With glory let His name be crown'd
Through heaven's eternal day!
Thomas Gibbons, 1769.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

Blessing and Thanks
1055 — Before Meat.
1055Before Meat.L.M.
OUR Father, bless the bounteous store
Wherewith Thou hast our table spread,
With grateful songs we all adore,
And bless the hand by which we're fed.
Charles H. Spurgeon, 1866.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1056 — Before Meat.
1056Before Meat.8.7.4.
HEAVENLY Father, grant Thy blessing
On the food before us spread,
All our tongues are now confessing,
By Thy hand alone we're fed,
And Thou givest,
Best of all, the living bread.
Charles H. Spurgeon, 1866.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1057 — Before Meat.
1057Before Meat.L.M.
BE present at our table, Lord,
Be here and everywhere adored,
These mercies bless, and grant that we
May feast in Paradise with Thee.
John Cennick, 1741, a.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1058 — After Meat.
1058After Meat.8.7.
JOIN to bless the bounteous Giver,
For the food He here bestows;
From His goodness like a river
Every earthly blessing flows.
Charles H. Spurgeon, 1866.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

1059 — After Meat.
1059After Meat.C.M.
WE thank Thee, Father, for the love
Which feeds us here below,
And hope in fairer realms above,
Celestial feasts to know.
Charles H. Spurgeon, 1866
—Our Own Hymn-Book

"Omitted"
1060 — Not ashamed of Jesus.
1060Not ashamed of Jesus.L.M.

1 Jesus! and shall it ever be?
A mortal man ashamed of Thee!
Ashamed of Thee, whom angels praise,
Whose glories shine thro' endless days.

2 Ashamed of Jesus! sooner far
Let evening blush to own a star;
He sheds the beams of light divine
O'er this benighted soul of mine.

3 Ashamed of Jesus! just as soon
Let midnight be ashamed of noon:
'Tis midnight with my soul, till He,
Bright Morning Star, bid darkness flee

4 Ashamed of Jesus! that dear Friend
On whom my hopes of heaven depend!
No: when I blush, be this my shame,
That I no more revere His name.

5 Ashamed of Jesus! yes, I may,
When I've no guilt to wash away;
No tear to wipe, no good to crave,
No fears to quell, no soul to save.

6 Till then—nor is my boasting vain—
Till then I boast a Saviour slain!
And oh, may this my glory be,
That Christ is not ashamed of me!
Joseph Grigg, 1765.
Benjamin Francis, 1787.
—Our Own Hymn-Book

As the various versions of Psalms amount to 70 more than the numbering indicates, there is a total of 1130 Psalms and Hymns in this volume.