859.*

T. 185. HEAD and Ruler of thy congregation,

Which thou lov'st unspeakably, And to whom thou oft a deep sensation

Giv'st of thy complacency; O regard our hearts within us glowing, [o'erflowing, And the contrite tears our eyes While we blush with humble shame,

And adore thy holy name.

2 Jesus, great High-priest of our profession,

We in confidence draw near; Condescend in mercy the confession

Of our grateful hearts to hear: Thee we gladly own in every nation Head and Master of thy congregation,

Conscious that in every place
Thou dispensest life and grace.

3 Thy blest people, trusting in thy merit,

On the earth's extended face, From each other far, but one in spirit,

fession,

Sound with one accord thy praise: May we never cease to make con[salvation; That thy death's the cause of our We to thee, our Head and King, Joyful Hallelujahs sing.

862.

O THOU God of our salvation,
T. 230.
Behold thy blood-bought congre-
gation,

Assembled here before thy face; Pondering on thy gracious dealing, We would express our grateful feeling,

And joyful Hallelujahs raise:
But when we in thy light
Discern, how we requite
Thee, O Jesus,

We blush for shame,
Ours is the blame,

But praise is due unto thy name. 2 Deeply conscious of transgression, To thee we turn, hear our confession,

Assure us of thy pardoning love: O root out whate'er impedeth Thy Spirit's work or discord breedeth, [remove: Each stumbling-block from us Those who have gone astray Cause to return, we pray, Faithful Shepherd: With thee our Guide, May we abide :

Preserve us, lest we turn aside.

864.* T. 166. WHEN our great Sovereign from on high,

Our Lord and Saviour, was aware That he his chosen family, [care, O'er whom he watch'd with tender Would be constrained soon to leave; He, fill'd with love and grief intense,

To them his farewell blessing gave, Before his sufferings did com

mence.

2 Feeling beforehand all the weight Of those dire scenes of pain and woe, Which he well knew did him await, His love towards his own to show, He water in a bason pour'd,

And wash'd his dear disciples'feet; Their souls already by his word, Save one, were cleansed every whit. 3 Lord Jesus Christ, we pray be near, Forgive us all our trespasses; With joy divine our spirits cheer, Impart to us thy pardoning grace: As our High-priest lift up thy hand, That hand which once the nail pierc'd thro';

Thy mercy unto us extend,

Rich blessings upon all bestow.
4 Inspire our hearts with mutual
O may we truly humble be, [love,
Thy faithful servants ever prove,
Who yield in all things joy to thee,
And in obedience to thy word
Would gladly wash each others'
feet,

Thy blest example, gracious Lord,
To follow, finding always meet.
5 Sure as thou art the church's Head,
Sure as we dust and ashes are,
We are from condemnation freed

By faith in thee our Passover: And while thy church on earth re

mains

To the blind world a spectacle, Thy Holy Spirit in her reigns, And thou dost in thy temple dwell. 865. T. 22.

THE peace of God, surpassing thought, [down; From heaven into our hearts come That peace on earth which Jesus brought, [crown: When, for the cross, he left his

Like those of old, "It is the Lord!" 866.*

T. 22. (RECEPTION LITURGY. A.) Choir. IN the name of Jesus Christ our Lord,

The church's Head, by us ador'd,
The Brethren's congregation now
Into her fold receiveth you;-

2 With us in Jesus to be one,
To follow him, and him alone,
To enjoy his faithful shepherd-care,
And his reproach and joy to share.
3 O may our Lord, the God of grace,
Who gives you in his fold a place,
Own you his blood-bought property,
And lead and bless you constantly.
4 Cong. With heart and hand you
now we own;
[known,
The Lord, to whom your heart is
Cause your whole walk 'mongst us
to be

His joy and your felicity.

5 The God of peace you sanctify, With us to yield him praise and joy; That spirit, soul, and body may Be blameless till his perfect day. 867.*

T. 22.

(RECEPTION LITURGY. B.) Choir. THIS flock of Christ receiveth thee;

While, conscious of her poverty, Before her Saviour she appears With fervent sighs and contrite tears.

U

voice,

And by her gracious Lord and Head Is gently govern'd, train'd, and led.

3 Min. To thee the hand we freely give,

Into our covenant thee receive, And one with us, now gladly own, In Christ, who is our Head alone.

church, Christ's spouse,

The privileges of his house; And in our joy, and grief, and care, With us take thy allotted share. 5 As his redeem'd from this world's thrall,

Let us make sure our blessed call; That, when the Bridegroom comes, we may

Be found wise virgins in that day.

XXXIV.

868.*

HIGH on his everlasting throne, The King of saints his work surveys,

Marks the dear souls he calls his own,

And smiles on his peculiar race: He rests well pleas'd their toil to

see;

Beneath his easy yoke they move, With all their heart and strength agree

In the sweet labour of his love.

2 His eye the world at once looks A vast uncultivated field; [thro', Mountains and vales in ghastly show A barren, uncouth prospect yield: Clear'd of the thorns by civil care, A few less hideous wastes are seen; Yet still they all continue bare,

And not one spot of earth is green. 3 See, where the servants of their A busy multitude, appear; [God, For Jesus day and night employ'd, His husbandry they toil to clear: The love of Christ their hearts con[hands; And strengthens their unwearied They spend their blood, and sweat, and pains,

strains,

To cultivate Immanuel's lands.
4 Alarm'd at their successful toil,
Satan and his wild spirits rage;
They labour to tear up, and spoil,

And blast the rising heritage:
In every wilderness they sow [mind;
The seed of death,-the carnal
They would not let one virtue grow,

Nor leave one seed of good behind.

5 Yet still the servants of their Lord Look up, and calmly persevere; Supported by their Master's word, The adverse power they scorn to fear;

Gladly their happy work pursue;

The labour of their hands is seen, Their hands the face of earth renew, Some spots at least are lively

God:

They water it with tears & prayers,

Then long for the returning word: Happy, if all their pains and cares Can bring forth fruit to please their Lord.

7 Jesus their work delighted sees, Their industryvouchsafes to crown; He kindly gives the wish'd increase, And sends the promis'd blessing down:

The sap of life, the Spirit's powers,

He rains incessant from above, He all his gracious fulness showers, To perfect their great work of love. 8 He prospers all his servants' toils;

But of peculiar grace he chose A flock, on whom his kindest smiles

And choicest blessings he bestows; Devoted to their common Lord,

True followers of the bleeding

Lamb;

By God belov'd, by men abhorr'd, Distinguish'd by the hidden name.