Hymns for Christian Devotion Part 13

1 Ere to the world again we go, Its pleasures, cares, and idle show, Thy grace once more, O G.o.d, we crave, From folly and from sin to save.

2 May the great truths we here have heard-- The lessons of thy holy word-- Dwell in our inmost bosoms deep, And all our souls from error keep.

3 Oh! may the influence of this day, Long as our memory with us stay, And as an angel guardian prove, To guide us to our home above.

81. C. M. Cappe's Sel.

Prayer for Divine Direction.

1 Eternal Source of life and light, Supremely good and wise, To thee we bring our grateful vows, To thee lift up our eyes.

2 Our dark and erring minds illume With truth's celestial rays; Inspire our hearts with sacred love, And tune our lips to praise.

3 Safely conduct us, by thy grace, Through life's perplexing road; And place us, when that journey's o'er At thy right hand, O G.o.d.

82. 8s. 7s. & 4s. Jay.

Prayer for a Blessing.

1 Come, thou soul-transforming Spirit, Bless the sower and the seed; Let each heart thy grace inherit; Raise the weak, the hungry feed; From the gospel Now supply thy people's need.

2 O, may all enjoy the blessing Which thy word's designed to give, Let us all, thy love possessing, Joyfully the truth receive, And forever To thy praise and glory live.

83. C. M. Montgomery.

After Divine Service.

1 Again our ears have heard the voice At which the dead shall live; O, may the sound our hearts rejoice, And strength immortal give!

2 And have we heard the word with joy?

And have we felt its power?

To keep it be our blest employ, Till life's extremest hour.

84. 8 & 7s. M. Bickersteth.

Closing Hymn.

1 Israel's Shepherd, guide me, feed me.

Through my pilgrimage below, And beside the waters lead me, Where thy flock rejoicing go.

2 Lord, thy guardian presence ever, Meekly kneeling, I implore; I have found thee, and would never, Never wander from thee more.

85. 7s. M. Peabody's Coll.

Closing Supplication.

1 Father! bless thy word to all; Quick and powerful may it prove; O, may sinners hear thy call, May thy people grow in love.

2 Father, bid the world rejoice; Send thy heavenly truth abroad; May the nations hear thy voice, Hear it, and return to G.o.d.

86. C. M. Bp. Heber.

"The Seed is the Word of G.o.d."

1 O G.o.d, by whom the seed is given, By whom the harvest blest; Whose word, like manna showered from heaven Is planted in our breast.

2 Preserve it from the pa.s.sing feet, And plunderers of the air; The sultry sun's intenser heat, And weeds of worldly care!

3 Though buried deep, or thinly strewn, Do thou thy grace supply: The hope in earthly furrows sown Shall ripen in the sky.

87. C. M. Anonymous.

"G.o.d giveth the Increase."

1 Now, Lord, the heavenly seed is sown, Be it thy servants' care Thy heavenly blessing to bring down By humble, fervent prayer.

2 In vain we plant without thine aid, And water, too, in vain: Lord of the harvest, G.o.d of grace, Send down thy heavenly rain.

3 Then shall our cheerful hearts and tongues Begin this song divine-- "Thou, Lord, hast given the rich increase, And be the glory thine."