465 L. M. Go ye into all the world. Mark 16:15.
Ye Christian heralds! go, proclaim Salvation through Immanuel’s name; To distant climes the tidings bear, And plant the rose of Sharon there.
2 He’ll shield you with a wall of a fire, With holy zeal your hearts inspire, Bid raging winds their fury cease, And hush the tempest into peace.
3 And when our labors all are o’er, Then we shall meet to part no more— Meet with the blood-bought throng, to fall, And crown our Jesus—Lord of all!
466 L. M. Go, teach all nations. Matt. 28:19.
Go—messenger of peace and love! To nations plunged in shades of night; Like angels sent from fields above, Be thine to shed celestial light.
2 Go—to the hungry food impart; To paths of peace the wanderer guide, And lead the thirsty, panting heart, Where streams of living water glide.
3 Go—bid the bright and morning-star From Bethlehem’s plains resplendent shine, And, piercing through the gloom afar, Shed heavenly light and love divine.
4 From north to south, from east to west, Messiah yet shall reign supreme; His name by every tongue confessed— His praise—the universal theme.
467 L. M. Pray for us. 2 Thess. 3:1.
Father of mercies, bow thine ear, Attentive to our earnest prayer: We plead for those who plead for thee; Successful pleaders may they be.
2 How great their work! how vast their charge! Do thou their anxious souls enlarge: Their best endowments are our gain; We share the blessings they obtain.
3 O, clothe with energy divine Their words; and let those words be thine; To them thy sacred truth reveal; Suppress their fears, inflame their zeal.
4 Teach them to sow the precious seed; Teach them thy chosen flock to feed; Teach them immortal souls to gain— And thus reward their toil and pain.
5 Let thronging multitudes around, Hear from their lips the joyful sound, In humble strains thy grace implore, And feel thy Spirit’s living power.
468 C. M. Ordination of elders or deacons.
Vouchsafe, O Lord, thy presence now, Direct us in thy fear; Before thy throne we humbly bow, And offer fervent prayer.
2 Give us the men whom thou shalt choose, Thy house on earth to guide; Those who shall ne’er their power abuse, Or rule with haughty pride.
3 Inspired with wisdom from above, And with discretion blessed; Displaying meekness, temperance, love— Of every grace possessed;
4 These are the men we seek of thee, O God of righteousness: Such may thy servants ever be, With such thy people bless.
469 C. M. Ordination.
With joy we own thy servant, Lord, Thy minister below, Ordained to spread thy truth abroad, That all thy name may know.
2 O may he now, and ever, keep His eye intent on thee: Do thou, great Shepherd of the sheep, His bright example be.
3 With plenteous grace his heart prepare To execute thy will; And give him patience, love, and care, And faithfulness and skill.
4 Inflame his mind with ardent zeal, Thy flock to feed and teach; And let him live, and let him feel, The truths he’s called to preach.
5 As showers refresh the thirsty plain, So let his labors prove: By him extend thy righteous reign— The reign of truth and love.
470 S. M. On the departure of a missionary.
You messengers of Christ, His sovereign voice obey; Arise and follow where he leads— And peace attend your way.
2 The master whom you serve Will needful strength bestow; Depending on his promised aid, With sacred courage go.
3 Mountains shall sink to plains, And hell in vain oppose; The cause is God’s, and must prevail In spite of all his foes.
4 Go, spread a Saviour’s fame, And tell his matchless grace, To the most guilty and depraved Of Adam’s numerous race.
5 We wish you, in his name, The most divine success; Assured that he who sends you forth Will your endeavors bless.
471 S. M. The same.
Go with thy servant, Lord, His every step attend; All needful help to him afford, And bless him to the end.
2 Preserve him from all wrong; Stand thou at his right hand: And keep him from the slanderous tongue And persecuting band.
3 May he proclaim aloud The wonders of thy grace; And do thou, to the listening crowd, His faithful labors bless.
4 Farewell, dear laborer, go; We part with thee in love; And if we meet no more below, O may we meet above.
472 S. M. Be ye therefore ready also. Luke 12:40.
Ye servants of the Lord, Each in his office wait; With joy obey his heavenly word, And watch before his gate.
2 Let all your lamps be bright, And trim the golden flame; Gird up your loins, as in his sight; For awful is his name.