Yet loath and weeping doth he stand, To take from Thee the pastor's crown, Well taught the dangers that surround By fervent love unquiet made. To his dear flock he instant flies And while his words the faith reveal, His actions set the seal, GOD's house is fragrant with the breath Of CHRIST's life-giving death. The lame man's staff, the blind man's sight, Pastor of pastors, Who didst bleed Commemoration of Just Men, &c. "I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of Heaven." 167. BE not afraid, ye little flock, Though poor and profitless your lives, Lo, now there reigns among the blest, By self-abasement and unrest CHRIST'S wisdom taught in school of woe. In penitence his soul to save He fixed his eyes on Him before Where, through life's dim and shadowy cave, Or silence sit with charity: His food it was the Heavenly word; This is the narrow way to heaven, Thus by this way to come to Thee. "Hearken, O daughter, and consider: incline thine ear: forget also thine own people, and thy father's house." 168. REGARD our vows with gracious eye,, O JESUS! Crown of purity; Son of that chosen Woman, who Which way soe'er Thy course doth bend, TO JESUS from a Virgin sprung, "Blessed are they that shall be called to the Marriage Sup per of the LAMB." 169. To the LAMB's festival GOD doth His people call; Blest she who hears that nuptial song, And sits those guests among. Love is her bridal tie, Her dower is poverty; Mid earthly clouds she heavenward springs, And treads on human things. Stern hardihood she wears, And penitential tears, With fasting girt, as with a zone, Her heavenly race to run. Unto the Crucified She looks like faithful bride, Prepar'd, where'er He leads the way, Blest they, whom GOD above Them shall the Heavenly Bridegroom own, This union grant to me But with the meek abide ! i 129 Feast of the Dedication of a Church. "I saw the Holy City, new Jerusalem, coming down from GOD out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." 170. BLESSED City, heavenly Salem, Bright with pearls her portal glitters: And by virtue of His merits Thither faithful souls may soar, Who, for CHRIST's dear Name, in this world Many a blow and biting sculpture Who therewith hath willed for ever And her confidence alone. All that dedicated City Dearly loved by GOD on high, In exultant jubilation Pours perpetual melody: To this temple, where we call Thee, Shed within these walls for aye. Here vouchsafe to all Thy servants "Surely the LORD is in this place ; How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of GoD, and this is the gate of Heaven." 171. O WORD of GOD above, Who fillest all in all, Hallow this house with Thy sure love, And bless our Festival. Grace in this Font is stored To cleanse each guilty child, Here CHRIST, of His own Blood Himself the Chalice gives, And feeds His own with Angels' Food |