1305 L. M. Here have we no continuing city. Heb. 13:14.
“We’ve no abiding city here;” Sad truth, were this to be our home; But let this thought our spirits cheer, “We seek a city yet to come.”
2 “We’ve no abiding city here;” We seek a city out of sight: Zion its name—the Lord is there, It shines with everlasting light.
3 O sweet abode of peace and love, Where pilgrims freed from toil are blest! Had I the pinions of the dove, I’d fly to thee, and be at rest.
4 But, hush, my soul! nor dare repine; The time my God appoints is best; While here, to do his will be mine, And his to fix my time of rest.
1306 L. M. The mercies of God. Rom 12:2.
My God, how endless is thy love! Thy gifts are every evening new; And morning mercies, from above, Gently distill like early dew.
2 Thou spreadest the curtains of the night, Great Guardian of my sleeping hours; Thy sovereign word restores the light, And quickens all my drowsy powers.
3 I yield my powers to thy command; To thee I consecrate my days; Perpetual blessings from thy hand Demand perpetual songs of praise.
1307 L. M. Lord, let thy goodness lead our land.
Lord, let thy goodness lead our land, Still saved by thine almighty hand, The tribute of its love to bring To thee, our Saviour and our King.
2 Let every public temple raise Triumphant songs of holy praise; Let every peaceful, private home, A temple, Lord, to thee become.
3 Still be it our supreme delight To walk as in thy glorious sight; Still in thy precepts and thy fear, Till life’s last hour to persevere.
1308 C. M. Submission.
Teach us, in time of deep distress, To own thy hand, O God, And in submissive silence learn The lessons of thy rod.
2 In every changing scene of life, Whate’er that scene may be, Give us a meek and humble mind, A mind at peace with thee.
3 Do thou direct our steps aright; Help us thy name to fear; And give us grace to watch and pray, And strength to persevere.
4 Then may we close our eyes in death, Without a fear or care; For death is life, and labor rest, If thou art with us there.
1309 C. M. Psalm. 145:18.
Dear Father, to thy mercy-seat My soul for shelter flies; ’Tis here I find a safe retreat When storms and tempests rise.
2 My cheerful hope can never die, If thou my God art near; Thy grace can raise my comforts high And banish every fear.
3 My great Protector, and my Lord! Thy constant aid impart; O let thy kind, thy gracious word, Sustain my trembling heart.
4 O! never let my soul remove From this divine retreat; Still let me trust thy power and love, And dwell beneath thy feet.
1310 C. M. The hour of prayer.
Thou Lord of life! whose tender care Hath led us on till now, We in this quiet hour of prayer Before thy presence bow.
2 Thou, blesséd God! hast been our Guide; Through life, our Guard and Friend; O, still, on life’s uncertain tide, Preserve us to the end!
3 To thee our grateful praise we bring, For mercies day by day: Lord, teach our hearts thy love to sing, Lord, teach us how to pray!
1311 C. M. Love of God.
Thou Grace divine, encircling all, A soundless, shoreless sea! Wherein at last, our souls shall fall, O Love of God most free!
2 When over dizzy steeps we go, One soft hand blinds our eyes, The other leads us safe and slow, O Love of God most wise!
3 And though we turn us from thy face, And wander wide and long, Thou holdest us still in thine embrace, O Love of God most strong!
4 The saddened heart, the restless soul, The toilworn frame and mind, Alike confess thy sweet control, O Love of God most kind!
5 But not alone thy care we claim, Our wayward steps to win: We know thee by a dearer name, O Love of God within!
6 And filled and quickened by thy breath, Our souls are strong and free To rise o’er sin, and fear, and death, O Love of God, to thee!
1312 C. M. They that seek me early shall find me. Prov. 8:17.
Happy the child whose tender years Receive instruction well, Who hates the sinner’s path, and fears The road that leads to hell.
2 ’Twill save us from a thousand snares To mind religion young, Grace will preserve our following years, And make our virtues strong.
3 To thee, Almighty God, to thee Our childhood we resign; ’Twill please us to look back and see That our whole lives were thine.
4 O let the work of prayer and praise Employ my youngest breath; Thus I’m prepared for longer days, Or fit for early death.
1313 C. M. 6 lines. Vespers.