O FATHER of mercy, be ever adored; Thy love was displayed in sending our Lord [we praise To ransom and bless us; thy goodness For sending in Jesus salvation by grace. 2 Most merciful Saviour, who deignedst to die, [buy; Our curse to remove, and our pardon to Accept our thanksgiving, almighty to save, Who openest heaven to all that believe. 3 O Spirit of wisdom, of love, and of power, [we adore; We prove thy best influence, thy grace Whose inward revealing applies our Lord's blood, Attesting and sealing us children of God. Ch. Wesley, 1708-88. 2 See, O see! what love the Saviour Also hath on us bestowed, How he bled for us snd suffered, How he bore the heavy load! On the cross, and in the garden, O how sore was his distress! Is not this a love that passeth Aught that tongue can e'er express? 3 See, O see! what love is shown us Also by the Holy Ghost! How he strives with us poor sinners, Even when we sin the most! Teaching, comforting, correcting, Where he sees it needful is ; For a three-fold love like this? C. J. P. Spitta, 1801-59 (tr. R. Massie). 198. LEAD us, heavenly Father, lead us O'er the world's tempestuous sea; 2 Saviour, breathe forgiveness o'er us; 3 Spirit of our God, descending, Fill our hearts with heavenly joy; Love, with every passion blending, Pleasure that can never cloy : Thus provided-pardoned, guided, Nothing can our peace destroy. OUR heavenly father is not known 2 O God, how awful was thy name, 3 O love, no human tongue can tell, 4 Can any ill distress my heart, See of the travail of his soul, And is well satisfied. 5 Peace and good-will are now to man Most gloriously displayed, And life eternal we obtain From God, in Christ our Head. 6 O let us then repeat the theme, Which always sounds above; And ever sing with joyful hearts The wonders of his love. 57 Glas 212. R. Boswell, c. 1784. T. 205. FATHER of eternal grace, Poor, unfriended, or unknown, 2 Humble, holy, all resigned To thy will-thy will be done; Give me, Lord, the perfect mind Of thy well-beloved Son: Counting gain and glory loss, May I tread the path he trod, Die with Jesus on the cross, Rise with him to thee, my God. J. Montgomery, 1771-1854. 1451108 2 Thou great and good, thou just & wise, | 3 With heart and eyes, and lifted hands, Pant for the cooling water brook. 4 With early feet I love to appear Among thy saints, and seek thy face; Oft have I seen thy glory there, And felt the power of sovereign grace. 5 I'll lift my hands, I'll raise my voice, While I have breath to pray or praise; This work shall make my heart rejoice, And spend the remnant of my days. Isaac Watts, 1674-1748. ALMIGHTY Father of mankind, 2 In early years thou wast my guide, 3 I know the power in whom I trust, The arm on which I lean; Thou wilt my Saviour ever be, 4 I'll trust thy goodness while I live, In death thy name adore; And after death will sing thy praise, When time shall be no more. 215. John Logan, 1748-88. THEE, O my God and King, My Father, thee I sing; Hear, well-pleased, the joyous sound, Praise from earth and heaven receive: Lost, I now in Christ am found; Dead, by faith in Christ I live. Father, behold thy son, ong to thee and rest, Open wide thy arms and breast, 3 Thine eye observed from far, 4 Thou on my neck didst fall; Still the gracious words I hear, AS helpless as a child who clings And casts his weakness on the strength 2 As trustful as a child who looks So I, to thee, my Saviour, look, Can read the love that will sustain 3 As loving as a child who sits And knows no want while he can have That sweet society; So, sitting at thy feet, my heart Would all its love outpour, And pray that thou wouldst teach me, To love thee more and more. 217.* [Lord, J. D. Burns, 1823-64. T. 96. BE of good cheer in all your wants, Paul Gerhardt, 1607-75. TO thee, Jehovah, will I sing, For thou alone my God shalt be; 2 Draw me, O Father, to the Son, And rule without control in me; Shed in my heart thy love abroad, And keep me in thy peace, O God. 3 This I implore in the dear name Of him who intercedes above, Through whom each blessing I may claim, When drawn to thee by faith and love. All praise to thee for ever be, For all thy blessings, Lord, to me. B. Crasselius, 1677-1724. ABBA, Father! we approach thee Now thy promised blessings claim: 2 Once as prodigals we wandered, In the riches of thy grace. 3 Abba, Father! all adore thee, Of thy wisdom, grace, and love. Be to God and to the Lamb! James George Deck, b. 18c7. O HOW kindly hast thou led me, 2 Didst thou bless me, didst thou chasten, Followed where thy hand would draw! How thy kindness failed to soften! How thy chastening failed to awe! 4 Make me for thy rest more ready, As thy path is longer trod; Keep me in thy friendship steady, Till thou call me home, my God! Thomas Grinfield, 1789-1870. T. 79. 221.* REJOICE, my soul, God cares for thee, Trust to his word assuredly, However things may go: Thy heavenly Father, for Christ's sake, Of thy concerns will notice take, And mercy freely to thee show. 2 My griefs & cares, to thee well known, My God, I cast on thee alone, In thee is all my trust: Since thou dost govern, I'll be still, And thank thee, prostrate in the dust. 3 I confidently do believe, Me, thy poor child, thou wilt not leave, Fill thou my soul with love and faith; [part. And from thy love nought shall me Hans Sachs, 1494-1576. |