O present still, though still unseen, When brightly shines the prosperous day, Be thoughts of thee a cloudy screen, To temper the deceitful ray!
2 And, O, when gathers on our path In shade and storm the frequent night, Be thou, long-suffering, slow to wrath, A burning and a shining light.
726 L. M. “Up to the hills, I lift mine eyes.” Psalm 121.
Up to the hills I lift mine eyes, Th’ eternal hills beyond the skies; Thence all her help my soul derives, There my almighty Refuge lives.
2 He lives—the everlasting God That built the world, that spread the flood; The heavens with all their hosts he made, And the dark regions of the dead.
3 He guides our feet, he guards our way; His morning smiles bless all the day; He spreads the evening vail, and keeps The silent hours, while Israel sleeps.
4 Israel, a name divinely blest, May rise secure, securely rest; Thy holy Guardian’s wakeful eyes Admit no slumber, nor surprise.
5 Should earth and hell with malice burn, Still thou shalt go, and still return, Safe in the Lord; his heavenly care Defends thy life from every snare.
727 L. M. Give him the thanks his love demands.
To God the great, the ever-blest, Let songs of honor be addressed! His mercy firm for ever stands; Give him the thanks his love demands!
2 Who knows the wonder of his ways? Who can make known his boundless praise? Blest are the souls that fear him still, And learn submission to his will.
728 L. M. Doxology.
Praise God, ye heavenly hosts above! Praise him all creatures of his love! Praise him each morning, noon and night, Praise him with holy sweet delight!
729 C. M. Thou leadest thy people like a flock. Psalm 77:20.
Thou art our Shepherd, glorious God! Thy little flock behold, And guide us by thy staff and rod, The children of thy fold.
2 We praise thy name that we were brought To this delightful place, Where we are watched, and warned, and taught, The children of thy grace.
3 May all our friends, thy servants here, Meet with us all above, And we and they in heaven appear, The children of thy love.
730 C. M. Prayer for divine direction.
Internal 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 God!
731 C. M. The seed of the word.
O God, 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 passing feet, And plunderers of the air; The sultry’s 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.
732 C. M. Parting in hope.
Lord, when together here we meet, And taste thy heavenly grace, Thy smiles are so divinely sweet, We’re loath to leave the place.
2 Yet, Father, since it is thy will That we must part again, O let thy gracious presence still With every one remain!
3 Then let us all in Christ be one, Bound with the cords of love, Till we, around thy glorious throne, Shall joyous meet above:
4 Where sin and sorrow from each heart Shall then for ever fly, And not one thought that we shall part Once interrupt our joy.
733 C. M. The good Seed.
Almighty God, thy word is cast Like seed into the ground; Now let the dew of heaven descend, And righteous fruits abound.
2 Let not the foe of Christ and man This holy seed remove: But give it root in every heart, To bring forth fruits of love.
734 C. M. Glory to God.
Glory to God! who deigns to bless This consecrated day, Unfolds his wondrous promises, And makes it sweet to pray.
2 Glory to God! who deigns to hear The humblest sigh we raise, And answers every heartfelt prayer, And hears our hymn of praise.
735 S. M. Peace I leave with you. John 14:27.
Lord, at this closing hour, Establish every heart Upon thy word of truth and power To keep us when we part.
2 Peace to our brethren give; Fill all our hearts with love; In faith and patience may we live, And seek our rest above.
3 Through changes, bright or drear, We would thy will pursue; And toil to spread thy kingdom here Till we its glory view.