Tbose joys which earth cannot afford
We'll seek in fellowship to prove;
Join'd in one spirit to our Lord,
Together bound by mutual love.
And while we pass this vale of tears,
We'll make our joys and sorrows known;
We'll share each others hopes and fears,
And count a brother's case our own.
Once more our welcome we repeat;
Receive assurance of our love:
O may we all together meet,
Around the throne of God above.

163

S. M. Dismission of Members.

BEDDOME.

1
EACH other we have own’d,

And dwelt in peace and love; And now though call'd awhile to part,

We hope to meet above.
Farewell ye friends belov'd,

We bid you kind farewell,
And bless you now in Jesu's name,

Where'er you hence may dwell.

3 The mercy of the Lord

Attend the way you go,
His faithfulness and truth direct,

And bring you safely through. 4 To Jesu's tender care,

Our shepherd and our guide, We now ourselves and you commend,

And trust him to provide.
5 Keep near your gracious Lord,

Let prayer and faith abound,
And when he gathers all his flock,

With them may we be found.

CHRISTIAN MINISTRY.

164

L. M. Seeking direction in the choice of a Pastor. DODDRIDGE

I

Thy servants' groans indulgent hear Perplex'd, distress'd, to thee we cry, And seek the guidance of thine eye.

Send forth, O Lord, thy truth and light, To guide our doubtful footsteps right;

Our drooping hearts, O God sustain, Nor let us seek thy face in vain. Return, in ways of peace return, Nor let thy flock neglected mourn; May our bless'd eyes a shepherd see, Dear to our souls and dear to thee!

165

L. M. On the appointment of a

Minister. MONTGOMERY.

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. Come as a Shepherd; guard and keep This fold from hell, and earth, and sin; Nourish the lambs and feed the sheep, The wounded heal, the lost bring in. Come as an Angel, hence to guide A band of pilgrims on the way, That safely walking at thy side, We fail not, faint not, turn nor stray.

4 Come as a Teacher, sent from God

Charged his whole counsel to declar.
Lift o'er our ranks the prophet's ro
While we uphold thy hands with prija

5 Come as a Messenger of peace,

Filld with the spirit, fir'd with love;
Live to behold our large increase,
And die to meet us all above,

166 8. 7. 4. Settlement of a Minis

ANE

1 Welcome, welcome, blessed serva

Messenger of Jesu's grace!
(O how beautiful the feet of
Them who bring good news of peace

Faithful herald,
Sound the gospel trumpet loud.

2 Savionr, bless his message to us,

Give us hearts to hear thy word
Speaking pardon, dearly purchas'd,
By the sufferings of our Lord!

O reveal it!
To our poor and helpless souls!

Gracions Lord, give grace and glory

To thy faithful labourer dear;
Let the incense of our hearts be
Offer'd up in faith and pray'r,

Bless, O bless him,
From henceforth, for evermore !

167

C. M. Ordination of Ministers.

DODDRIDGE.

ET Zion's Watchmen all awake,

And take th' 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 fill'd a Saviour's hands.

a

3 They watch for souls, for which the Lord

Did heav'nly bliss forego;
For souls, which must for ever live

In raptures or in woe.