Hymns for Christian Devotion Part 12

1 Eternal Source of light and thought!

Be all beneath thyself forgot, Whilst thee, great parent-mind, we own, In prostrate homage round thy throne.

2 Whilst in themselves our souls survey Of thee some faint reflected ray, They wondering to their Father rise: His power how vast! his thoughts how wise!

3 O may we live before thy face, The willing subjects of thy grace; And through each path of duty move, With filial awe, and filial love.

75. L. M. Montgomery.

Public Wors.h.i.+p.

1 G.o.d in his temple let us meet, In spirit, low before him bend: Here he hath fixed his mercy-seat, Here on his Sabbath we attend.

2 Arise into thy resting-place, Thou, and thine ark of strength, O Lord!

s.h.i.+ne through the veil, we seek thy face: Speak, for we hearken to thy word.

3 With righteousness thy priests array: Joyful thy favored people be: Let those who teach, and those who pray, Let all--be holiness to thee!

76. L. M. 6l. Dryden.

The Divine Spirit implored.

1 Creator Spirit, by whose light The sleeping worlds were called from night!

Come, visit every pious mind, Come, pour thy joys on human kind; From sin and sorrow set us free, And make us temples worthy thee.

2 Plenteous in grace descend from high, Rich in thy sevenfold energy; Our frailty help, our vice control, Thou ruler of our secret soul!

And, lest our feet should haply stray Protect and guide us in the way.

77. L. M. J. Wesley.

"The healthful spirit of G.o.d's grace."

1 Spirit of grace, and health, and power!

Fountain of light and love below!

Abroad thy healing influence shower; On all thy servants let it flow.

2 Inflame our hearts with perfect love; In us the work of faith fulfil: So not heaven's host shall swifter move, Than we on earth to do thy will.

3 Father! 'tis thine each day to yield Thy children's wants a fresh supply; Thou cloth'st the lilies of the field, And hearest the young ravens cry.

4 On thee we cast our care; we live Through thee, who know'st our every need: O feed us with thy grace, and give Our souls this day the living bread!

78. C. M. Doddridge.

Life dedicated to G.o.d.

1 s.h.i.+ne on our souls, eternal G.o.d!

With rays of beauty s.h.i.+ne; O let thy favor crown our days, And all their round be thine.

2 Did we not raise our hands to thee, Our hands might toil in vain; Small joy success itself could give, If thou thy love restrain.

3 With thee let every week begin; With thee each day be spent; For thee each fleeting hour improved, Since each by thee is lent.

4 Thus cheer us through the checkered road, Till all our labors cease, And heaven refresh our weary souls With everlasting peace.

79. 7s. M. S. F. Smith.

Sabbath Evening.

1 Softly fades the twilight ray Of the holy Sabbath day; Gently as life's setting sun; When the Christian's course is run.

2 Night her solemn mantle spreads O'er the earth, as daylight fades; All things tell of calm repose At the holy Sabbath's close.

3 Peace is on the world abroad; 'Tis the holy peace of G.o.d,-- Symbol of the peace within, When the spirit rests from sin.

4 Still the Spirit lingers near, Where the evening wors.h.i.+pper Seeks communion with the skies, Pressing onward to the prize.

CLOSE OF WORs.h.i.+P.

80. L. M. Anonymous.

Close of Wors.h.i.+p. Evening.