WHILE, with ceaseless course, the sun Hasted through the former year, Many souls their race have run, Never more to meet us here. Fix'd in an eternal state, They have done with all below; We a little longer wait, But how little none can know. Swiftly thus our fleeting days. Bear us down life's rapid stream! Bless Thy Word to young and old; Fill us with the Saviour's love; May we dwell with Thee above. BRIGHTEST and best of the sons of the morning! Dawn on our darkness, and lend us thine aid! Star of the east, the horizon adorning, Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid! Cold on His cradle the dew-drops are shining, Maker, and Monarch, and Saviour of all! Say, shall we yield Him, in costly devotion, Vainly we offer each ample oblation, Vainly with gifts would His favour secure ; Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor. THOU who by a star didst guide Until it came and stood beside As yet we know Thee but in part, - men, A stranger midst the orbs of light? It shines to herald forth the King, See now fulfill'd what God decreed, While outward signs the star displays, Through toils and dangers lies their way; Oh, while the star of heavenly grace To God the Father, God the Son, men. a. TALLIS. (Ordination Hymn.) C. M. THOS. TALLIS. About 1565. 31. BRIGHT was the guiding star that led, With mild benignant ray, But lo! a brighter, clearer light, It shines through sin and sorrow's night, O haste, to follow where it leads; Be rugged wilds, or flowery meads, O gladly tread the narrow path, d |