Chapter 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
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.