“Yet shall thy grave with rising flowers be drest,And the green turf lie light upon thy breast!Here shall the year its earliest beauties shew:Here the first roses of the spring shall blow:While angels with their silver wings o’er shadeThe place now sacred by thy relics made.”96. I will now simply tell you my sense of these matters, whether you will hear, or whether you will forbear. Food and raiment I have; such food as I chuse to eat, and such raiment as I chuse to put on. I have a place where to lay my head. I have what is needful for life and godliness. And I apprehend this is all the world can afford. The kings of the earth can give me no more. For as to gold and silver I count it dung and dross; I trample it under my feet. I (yet not I, but by the grace of God that is in me) esteem it just as the mire in the streets. I desire it not: I seek it not; I only fear lest any of it should cleave to me and I should not be able to shake it off, before my spirit returns to God. It must indeed pass through my hands; but I will take care (God being my helper) that the mammon of unrighteousness shall only pass through; it shall not rest there. None of the accursed thing shall be found in my tents, when the Lord calleth me hence. And hear ye this, all you who have discovered the treasures which I am to leave behind me. If I leave behind me ten pounds (above my debts, and my books; or what may happen to be due on account of them) you and all mankind bear witness against me, “that I lived and died a thief and a robber.”97. Before I conclude, I cannot but intreatyou who know God, to review the whole matter from the foundation. Call to mind what the state of religion was in our nation a few years since. In whom did you find theholy tempersthat were in Christ? Bowels of mercies, lowliness, meekness, gentleness, contempt of the world, patience, temperance, long-suffering? A burning love to God, rejoicing evermore and in every thing giving thanks; and a tender love to all mankind, covering, believing, hoping, enduring all things? Perhaps you did not know one such man in the world. But how many, that hadall unholy tempers? What vanity and pride, what stubbornness and self-will, what anger, fretfulness, discontent, what suspicion and resentment, what inordinate affections, what irregular passions, what foolish and hurtful desires might you find, in those who were called thebestof men? In those who made the strictest profession of religion? And how few did you know who went so far as theprofessionof religion, who had even theform of godliness? Did you not frequently bewail, wherever your lot was cast, the general want even ofoutward religion? How few were seen at the public worship of God? How much fewer at the Lord’s table? And was even this little flock zealous of good works, careful as they had time, to do good to all men? On the other hand, did you not with grief observe,outward irreligionin every place? Where could you be for one week, without being an eye or an ear-witness, of cursing, swearing,or prophaneness, of sabbath-breaking or drunkenness, of quarrelling or brawling, of revenge or obscenity? Were these things done in a corner? Did not gross iniquity of all kinds overspread our land as a flood? Yea, and daily increase, in spite of all the opposition which the children of God did or could make against it.98. If you had been then told, that the jealous God would soon arise and maintain his own cause; that he would pour down his Spirit from on high, and renew the face of the earth; that he would shed abroad his love in the hearts of the outcasts of men, producing all holy and heavenly tempers, expelling anger, and pride, and evil desire, and all unholy and earthly tempers; causing outward religion, the work of faith, the patience of hope, the labour of love, to flourish and abound; and wherever it spread, abolishing outward-irreligion, destroying all the works of the devil: if you had been told, that this living knowledge of the Lord would in a short space of time overspread our land; yea, and daily increase, in spite of all the opposition which the devil and his children did or could make against it: Would you not have vehemently desired to see that day, that you might bless God and rejoice therein?99. Behold the day of the Lord is come. He is again visiting and redeeming his people. Having eyes, see ye not? Having ears, do ye not hear? Neither understand with your hearts? Atthis hour the Lord is rolling away our reproach. Already his standard is set up. His spirit is poured forth on the outcasts of men, and his love shed abroad in their hearts. Love of all mankind, meekness, gentleness, humbleness of mind, holy and heavenly affections, do take place of hate, anger, pride, revenge, and vain affections. Hence wherever the power of the Lord spreads, springs outward religion in all its forms. The houses of God are filled; the table of the Lord is thronged on every side. And those who thus shew their love of God, shew they love their neighbour also, by being careful to maintain good works, by doing all manner of good, as they have time, to all men. They are likewise careful to abstain from all evil. Cursing, sabbath-breaking, drunkenness, with all other (however fashionable) works of the devil, are not once named among them. All this is plain demonstrable fact. For this also is not done in a corner. Now, do you acknowledge the day of your visitation? Do you bless God and rejoice therein?100. What hinders? Is it this, that men say all manner of evil of those whom God is pleased to use as instruments in his work? O ye fools, did ye suppose the devil was dead? Or that he would not fight for his kingdom? And what weapons shall he fight with, if not with lies? Is he not a liar, and the father of it? Suffer ye thenthus far. Let the devil and his children say all manner of evil of us. And let them go on deceiving each other, and being deceived. But ye need not be deceived also.——Or if you are, if you will believe all they say: be it so, that we are weak, silly, wicked men; without sense, without learning, without even a desire or design of doing good: yet I insist upon the fact. Christ is preached and sinners are converted to God. This none but a madman can deny. We are ready to prove it by a cloud of witnesses. Neither therefore can the inference be denied, that God is now visiting his people. O that all men may know in this their day, the things that make for their peace!101. Upon the whole, to men of the world I would still recommend the known advice ofGamaliel:Refrain from these men, and let them alone; for if this work be of men, it will come to nought; but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it, lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. But unto you whom God hath chosen out of the world, I say ye are our brethren, and of our father’s house, it behoveth you, in whatsoever manner ye are able,to strengthen our hands in God. And this ye are all able to do; to wish us good luck in the name of the Lord, and, to pray continually, that none ofthese things may move us, and thatwe may not count our lives dear unto ourselves, so that we may finish our coursewith joy, and the ministry which we have received of the Lord Jesus!Written in the year 1744.Primitive Christianity.1HAPPY the souls who first believ’d,To Jesus, and each other cleav’d,Join’d by the unction from above,In mystic fellowship of love.2 Meek, simple followers of the Lamb,They liv’d, and spake, and thought the same,Brake the commemorative bread,And drank the Spirit of their head.3 On God they cast their every care,Wrestling with God in mighty prayer,They claim’d the grace, thro’ Jesus given:By prayer, they shut, and open’d heaven.4 To Jesus they perform’d their vows,A little church in every house;They joyfully conspir’d to raiseTheir ceaseless sacrifice of praise.5 Propriety was there unknown,None call’d what he possess’d his own;Where all the common blessings share,No selfish happiness was there.6 With grace abundantly endu’d,A pure, believing multitude;They all were of one heart and soul,And only love inspir’d the whole.7 O what an age of golden days!O what a choice, peculiar race!Wash’d in the Lamb’s all-cleansing blood,Anointed kings, and priests to God.8 Where shall I wander now to findThe successors they left behind?The faithful, whom I seek in vain,Are minish’d from the sons of men.9 Ye different sects, who all declare,Lo! here is Christ, or Christ is there!Your stronger proofs divinely give,And shew me where the Christians live.10 Your claim, alas! ye cannot prove,Ye want the genuine mark of love:Thou only, Lord, thine own canst shew,For sure thou hast a church below.11 The gates of hell cannot prevail,The church on earth can never fail:Ah! join me to thy secret ones,Ah! gather all thy living stones.12 Scatter’d o’er all the earth they lie,’Till Thou collect them with thine eye,Draw by the music of thy name,And charm into a beauteous frame.13 For this the pleading Spirit groans,And cries in all thy banish’d ones:Greatest of gifts, thy love impart,And make us of one mind and heart.14 Join every soul that looks to thee,In bonds of perfect charity:Now, Lord, the glorious fulness give,And all in all for ever live.PARTII.1 JESUS, from whom all blessings flow,Great builder of thy church below,If now thy spirit moves my breast,Hear, and fulfil thy own request.2 The few that truly call thee Lord,And wait thy sanctifying word;And thee their utmost Saviour own,Unite, and perfect them in one.3 Gather them in on every side,And in thy tabernacle hide;Give them a resting place to find,A covert from the storm and wind.4 O find them out some calm recess,Some unfrequented wilderness!Thou, Lord, the secret place prepare,And hide and feedthe womanthere.5 Thither collect thy little flock,Under the shadow of their rock:The holy seed, the royal race,The standing monuments of thy grace?6 O let them all thy mind express,Stand forth thy chosen witnesses!Thy power unto salvation shew,And perfect holiness below.7 The fulness of thy grace receive,And simply to thy glory live;Strongly reflect the light divine,And in a land of darkness shine.8 In them let all mankind behold,How Christians liv’d in days of old;(Mighty their envious foes to move,A proverb of reproach—and love.)9 O make them of one soul and heart,The all-conforming mind impart;Spirit of peace and unity,The sinless mind that was in thee.10 Call them into thy wond’rous light,Worthy to walk with thee in white;Make up thy jewels, Lord, and shew,The glorious, spotless church below.11 From every sinful wrinkle free,Redeem’d from all iniquity:The fellowship of saints make known;And O my God, might I be one!12 O might my lot be cast with these,The least of Jesu’s witnesses!O that my Lord would count me meetTo wash his dear disciples feet!13 This only thing do I require,Thou know’st ’tis all my heart’s desire,Freely what I receive to give,The servant of thy church to live:14 After my lowly Lord to go,And wait upon the saints below,Enjoy the grace to angels given,And serve the royal heirs of heaven.15 Lord, if I now thy drawings feel,And ask according to thy will,Confirm the prayer, the zeal impart,And speak the answer to my heart.16 Tell me (or thou shalt never go)“Thy prayer is heard, it shall be so”——The word hath pass’d thy lips—and IShall with thy people live and die.
“Yet shall thy grave with rising flowers be drest,And the green turf lie light upon thy breast!Here shall the year its earliest beauties shew:Here the first roses of the spring shall blow:While angels with their silver wings o’er shadeThe place now sacred by thy relics made.”
“Yet shall thy grave with rising flowers be drest,And the green turf lie light upon thy breast!Here shall the year its earliest beauties shew:Here the first roses of the spring shall blow:While angels with their silver wings o’er shadeThe place now sacred by thy relics made.”
“Yet shall thy grave with rising flowers be drest,
And the green turf lie light upon thy breast!
Here shall the year its earliest beauties shew:
Here the first roses of the spring shall blow:
While angels with their silver wings o’er shade
The place now sacred by thy relics made.”
96. I will now simply tell you my sense of these matters, whether you will hear, or whether you will forbear. Food and raiment I have; such food as I chuse to eat, and such raiment as I chuse to put on. I have a place where to lay my head. I have what is needful for life and godliness. And I apprehend this is all the world can afford. The kings of the earth can give me no more. For as to gold and silver I count it dung and dross; I trample it under my feet. I (yet not I, but by the grace of God that is in me) esteem it just as the mire in the streets. I desire it not: I seek it not; I only fear lest any of it should cleave to me and I should not be able to shake it off, before my spirit returns to God. It must indeed pass through my hands; but I will take care (God being my helper) that the mammon of unrighteousness shall only pass through; it shall not rest there. None of the accursed thing shall be found in my tents, when the Lord calleth me hence. And hear ye this, all you who have discovered the treasures which I am to leave behind me. If I leave behind me ten pounds (above my debts, and my books; or what may happen to be due on account of them) you and all mankind bear witness against me, “that I lived and died a thief and a robber.”
97. Before I conclude, I cannot but intreatyou who know God, to review the whole matter from the foundation. Call to mind what the state of religion was in our nation a few years since. In whom did you find theholy tempersthat were in Christ? Bowels of mercies, lowliness, meekness, gentleness, contempt of the world, patience, temperance, long-suffering? A burning love to God, rejoicing evermore and in every thing giving thanks; and a tender love to all mankind, covering, believing, hoping, enduring all things? Perhaps you did not know one such man in the world. But how many, that hadall unholy tempers? What vanity and pride, what stubbornness and self-will, what anger, fretfulness, discontent, what suspicion and resentment, what inordinate affections, what irregular passions, what foolish and hurtful desires might you find, in those who were called thebestof men? In those who made the strictest profession of religion? And how few did you know who went so far as theprofessionof religion, who had even theform of godliness? Did you not frequently bewail, wherever your lot was cast, the general want even ofoutward religion? How few were seen at the public worship of God? How much fewer at the Lord’s table? And was even this little flock zealous of good works, careful as they had time, to do good to all men? On the other hand, did you not with grief observe,outward irreligionin every place? Where could you be for one week, without being an eye or an ear-witness, of cursing, swearing,or prophaneness, of sabbath-breaking or drunkenness, of quarrelling or brawling, of revenge or obscenity? Were these things done in a corner? Did not gross iniquity of all kinds overspread our land as a flood? Yea, and daily increase, in spite of all the opposition which the children of God did or could make against it.
98. If you had been then told, that the jealous God would soon arise and maintain his own cause; that he would pour down his Spirit from on high, and renew the face of the earth; that he would shed abroad his love in the hearts of the outcasts of men, producing all holy and heavenly tempers, expelling anger, and pride, and evil desire, and all unholy and earthly tempers; causing outward religion, the work of faith, the patience of hope, the labour of love, to flourish and abound; and wherever it spread, abolishing outward-irreligion, destroying all the works of the devil: if you had been told, that this living knowledge of the Lord would in a short space of time overspread our land; yea, and daily increase, in spite of all the opposition which the devil and his children did or could make against it: Would you not have vehemently desired to see that day, that you might bless God and rejoice therein?
99. Behold the day of the Lord is come. He is again visiting and redeeming his people. Having eyes, see ye not? Having ears, do ye not hear? Neither understand with your hearts? Atthis hour the Lord is rolling away our reproach. Already his standard is set up. His spirit is poured forth on the outcasts of men, and his love shed abroad in their hearts. Love of all mankind, meekness, gentleness, humbleness of mind, holy and heavenly affections, do take place of hate, anger, pride, revenge, and vain affections. Hence wherever the power of the Lord spreads, springs outward religion in all its forms. The houses of God are filled; the table of the Lord is thronged on every side. And those who thus shew their love of God, shew they love their neighbour also, by being careful to maintain good works, by doing all manner of good, as they have time, to all men. They are likewise careful to abstain from all evil. Cursing, sabbath-breaking, drunkenness, with all other (however fashionable) works of the devil, are not once named among them. All this is plain demonstrable fact. For this also is not done in a corner. Now, do you acknowledge the day of your visitation? Do you bless God and rejoice therein?
100. What hinders? Is it this, that men say all manner of evil of those whom God is pleased to use as instruments in his work? O ye fools, did ye suppose the devil was dead? Or that he would not fight for his kingdom? And what weapons shall he fight with, if not with lies? Is he not a liar, and the father of it? Suffer ye thenthus far. Let the devil and his children say all manner of evil of us. And let them go on deceiving each other, and being deceived. But ye need not be deceived also.——Or if you are, if you will believe all they say: be it so, that we are weak, silly, wicked men; without sense, without learning, without even a desire or design of doing good: yet I insist upon the fact. Christ is preached and sinners are converted to God. This none but a madman can deny. We are ready to prove it by a cloud of witnesses. Neither therefore can the inference be denied, that God is now visiting his people. O that all men may know in this their day, the things that make for their peace!
101. Upon the whole, to men of the world I would still recommend the known advice ofGamaliel:Refrain from these men, and let them alone; for if this work be of men, it will come to nought; but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it, lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. But unto you whom God hath chosen out of the world, I say ye are our brethren, and of our father’s house, it behoveth you, in whatsoever manner ye are able,to strengthen our hands in God. And this ye are all able to do; to wish us good luck in the name of the Lord, and, to pray continually, that none ofthese things may move us, and thatwe may not count our lives dear unto ourselves, so that we may finish our coursewith joy, and the ministry which we have received of the Lord Jesus!
Written in the year 1744.
Primitive Christianity.
1HAPPY the souls who first believ’d,To Jesus, and each other cleav’d,Join’d by the unction from above,In mystic fellowship of love.2 Meek, simple followers of the Lamb,They liv’d, and spake, and thought the same,Brake the commemorative bread,And drank the Spirit of their head.3 On God they cast their every care,Wrestling with God in mighty prayer,They claim’d the grace, thro’ Jesus given:By prayer, they shut, and open’d heaven.4 To Jesus they perform’d their vows,A little church in every house;They joyfully conspir’d to raiseTheir ceaseless sacrifice of praise.5 Propriety was there unknown,None call’d what he possess’d his own;Where all the common blessings share,No selfish happiness was there.6 With grace abundantly endu’d,A pure, believing multitude;They all were of one heart and soul,And only love inspir’d the whole.7 O what an age of golden days!O what a choice, peculiar race!Wash’d in the Lamb’s all-cleansing blood,Anointed kings, and priests to God.8 Where shall I wander now to findThe successors they left behind?The faithful, whom I seek in vain,Are minish’d from the sons of men.9 Ye different sects, who all declare,Lo! here is Christ, or Christ is there!Your stronger proofs divinely give,And shew me where the Christians live.10 Your claim, alas! ye cannot prove,Ye want the genuine mark of love:Thou only, Lord, thine own canst shew,For sure thou hast a church below.11 The gates of hell cannot prevail,The church on earth can never fail:Ah! join me to thy secret ones,Ah! gather all thy living stones.12 Scatter’d o’er all the earth they lie,’Till Thou collect them with thine eye,Draw by the music of thy name,And charm into a beauteous frame.13 For this the pleading Spirit groans,And cries in all thy banish’d ones:Greatest of gifts, thy love impart,And make us of one mind and heart.14 Join every soul that looks to thee,In bonds of perfect charity:Now, Lord, the glorious fulness give,And all in all for ever live.PARTII.1 JESUS, from whom all blessings flow,Great builder of thy church below,If now thy spirit moves my breast,Hear, and fulfil thy own request.2 The few that truly call thee Lord,And wait thy sanctifying word;And thee their utmost Saviour own,Unite, and perfect them in one.3 Gather them in on every side,And in thy tabernacle hide;Give them a resting place to find,A covert from the storm and wind.4 O find them out some calm recess,Some unfrequented wilderness!Thou, Lord, the secret place prepare,And hide and feedthe womanthere.5 Thither collect thy little flock,Under the shadow of their rock:The holy seed, the royal race,The standing monuments of thy grace?6 O let them all thy mind express,Stand forth thy chosen witnesses!Thy power unto salvation shew,And perfect holiness below.7 The fulness of thy grace receive,And simply to thy glory live;Strongly reflect the light divine,And in a land of darkness shine.8 In them let all mankind behold,How Christians liv’d in days of old;(Mighty their envious foes to move,A proverb of reproach—and love.)9 O make them of one soul and heart,The all-conforming mind impart;Spirit of peace and unity,The sinless mind that was in thee.10 Call them into thy wond’rous light,Worthy to walk with thee in white;Make up thy jewels, Lord, and shew,The glorious, spotless church below.11 From every sinful wrinkle free,Redeem’d from all iniquity:The fellowship of saints make known;And O my God, might I be one!12 O might my lot be cast with these,The least of Jesu’s witnesses!O that my Lord would count me meetTo wash his dear disciples feet!13 This only thing do I require,Thou know’st ’tis all my heart’s desire,Freely what I receive to give,The servant of thy church to live:14 After my lowly Lord to go,And wait upon the saints below,Enjoy the grace to angels given,And serve the royal heirs of heaven.15 Lord, if I now thy drawings feel,And ask according to thy will,Confirm the prayer, the zeal impart,And speak the answer to my heart.16 Tell me (or thou shalt never go)“Thy prayer is heard, it shall be so”——The word hath pass’d thy lips—and IShall with thy people live and die.
1HAPPY the souls who first believ’d,To Jesus, and each other cleav’d,Join’d by the unction from above,In mystic fellowship of love.2 Meek, simple followers of the Lamb,They liv’d, and spake, and thought the same,Brake the commemorative bread,And drank the Spirit of their head.3 On God they cast their every care,Wrestling with God in mighty prayer,They claim’d the grace, thro’ Jesus given:By prayer, they shut, and open’d heaven.4 To Jesus they perform’d their vows,A little church in every house;They joyfully conspir’d to raiseTheir ceaseless sacrifice of praise.5 Propriety was there unknown,None call’d what he possess’d his own;Where all the common blessings share,No selfish happiness was there.6 With grace abundantly endu’d,A pure, believing multitude;They all were of one heart and soul,And only love inspir’d the whole.7 O what an age of golden days!O what a choice, peculiar race!Wash’d in the Lamb’s all-cleansing blood,Anointed kings, and priests to God.8 Where shall I wander now to findThe successors they left behind?The faithful, whom I seek in vain,Are minish’d from the sons of men.9 Ye different sects, who all declare,Lo! here is Christ, or Christ is there!Your stronger proofs divinely give,And shew me where the Christians live.10 Your claim, alas! ye cannot prove,Ye want the genuine mark of love:Thou only, Lord, thine own canst shew,For sure thou hast a church below.11 The gates of hell cannot prevail,The church on earth can never fail:Ah! join me to thy secret ones,Ah! gather all thy living stones.12 Scatter’d o’er all the earth they lie,’Till Thou collect them with thine eye,Draw by the music of thy name,And charm into a beauteous frame.13 For this the pleading Spirit groans,And cries in all thy banish’d ones:Greatest of gifts, thy love impart,And make us of one mind and heart.14 Join every soul that looks to thee,In bonds of perfect charity:Now, Lord, the glorious fulness give,And all in all for ever live.PARTII.1 JESUS, from whom all blessings flow,Great builder of thy church below,If now thy spirit moves my breast,Hear, and fulfil thy own request.2 The few that truly call thee Lord,And wait thy sanctifying word;And thee their utmost Saviour own,Unite, and perfect them in one.3 Gather them in on every side,And in thy tabernacle hide;Give them a resting place to find,A covert from the storm and wind.4 O find them out some calm recess,Some unfrequented wilderness!Thou, Lord, the secret place prepare,And hide and feedthe womanthere.5 Thither collect thy little flock,Under the shadow of their rock:The holy seed, the royal race,The standing monuments of thy grace?6 O let them all thy mind express,Stand forth thy chosen witnesses!Thy power unto salvation shew,And perfect holiness below.7 The fulness of thy grace receive,And simply to thy glory live;Strongly reflect the light divine,And in a land of darkness shine.8 In them let all mankind behold,How Christians liv’d in days of old;(Mighty their envious foes to move,A proverb of reproach—and love.)9 O make them of one soul and heart,The all-conforming mind impart;Spirit of peace and unity,The sinless mind that was in thee.10 Call them into thy wond’rous light,Worthy to walk with thee in white;Make up thy jewels, Lord, and shew,The glorious, spotless church below.11 From every sinful wrinkle free,Redeem’d from all iniquity:The fellowship of saints make known;And O my God, might I be one!12 O might my lot be cast with these,The least of Jesu’s witnesses!O that my Lord would count me meetTo wash his dear disciples feet!13 This only thing do I require,Thou know’st ’tis all my heart’s desire,Freely what I receive to give,The servant of thy church to live:14 After my lowly Lord to go,And wait upon the saints below,Enjoy the grace to angels given,And serve the royal heirs of heaven.15 Lord, if I now thy drawings feel,And ask according to thy will,Confirm the prayer, the zeal impart,And speak the answer to my heart.16 Tell me (or thou shalt never go)“Thy prayer is heard, it shall be so”——The word hath pass’d thy lips—and IShall with thy people live and die.
1HAPPY the souls who first believ’d,
To Jesus, and each other cleav’d,
Join’d by the unction from above,
In mystic fellowship of love.
2 Meek, simple followers of the Lamb,
They liv’d, and spake, and thought the same,
Brake the commemorative bread,
And drank the Spirit of their head.
3 On God they cast their every care,
Wrestling with God in mighty prayer,
They claim’d the grace, thro’ Jesus given:
By prayer, they shut, and open’d heaven.
4 To Jesus they perform’d their vows,
A little church in every house;
They joyfully conspir’d to raise
Their ceaseless sacrifice of praise.
5 Propriety was there unknown,
None call’d what he possess’d his own;
Where all the common blessings share,
No selfish happiness was there.
6 With grace abundantly endu’d,
A pure, believing multitude;
They all were of one heart and soul,
And only love inspir’d the whole.
7 O what an age of golden days!
O what a choice, peculiar race!
Wash’d in the Lamb’s all-cleansing blood,
Anointed kings, and priests to God.
8 Where shall I wander now to find
The successors they left behind?
The faithful, whom I seek in vain,
Are minish’d from the sons of men.
9 Ye different sects, who all declare,
Lo! here is Christ, or Christ is there!
Your stronger proofs divinely give,
And shew me where the Christians live.
10 Your claim, alas! ye cannot prove,
Ye want the genuine mark of love:
Thou only, Lord, thine own canst shew,
For sure thou hast a church below.
11 The gates of hell cannot prevail,
The church on earth can never fail:
Ah! join me to thy secret ones,
Ah! gather all thy living stones.
12 Scatter’d o’er all the earth they lie,
’Till Thou collect them with thine eye,
Draw by the music of thy name,
And charm into a beauteous frame.
13 For this the pleading Spirit groans,
And cries in all thy banish’d ones:
Greatest of gifts, thy love impart,
And make us of one mind and heart.
14 Join every soul that looks to thee,
In bonds of perfect charity:
Now, Lord, the glorious fulness give,
And all in all for ever live.
PARTII.
1 JESUS, from whom all blessings flow,
Great builder of thy church below,
If now thy spirit moves my breast,
Hear, and fulfil thy own request.
2 The few that truly call thee Lord,
And wait thy sanctifying word;
And thee their utmost Saviour own,
Unite, and perfect them in one.
3 Gather them in on every side,
And in thy tabernacle hide;
Give them a resting place to find,
A covert from the storm and wind.
4 O find them out some calm recess,
Some unfrequented wilderness!
Thou, Lord, the secret place prepare,
And hide and feedthe womanthere.
5 Thither collect thy little flock,
Under the shadow of their rock:
The holy seed, the royal race,
The standing monuments of thy grace?
6 O let them all thy mind express,
Stand forth thy chosen witnesses!
Thy power unto salvation shew,
And perfect holiness below.
7 The fulness of thy grace receive,
And simply to thy glory live;
Strongly reflect the light divine,
And in a land of darkness shine.
8 In them let all mankind behold,
How Christians liv’d in days of old;
(Mighty their envious foes to move,
A proverb of reproach—and love.)
9 O make them of one soul and heart,
The all-conforming mind impart;
Spirit of peace and unity,
The sinless mind that was in thee.
10 Call them into thy wond’rous light,
Worthy to walk with thee in white;
Make up thy jewels, Lord, and shew,
The glorious, spotless church below.
11 From every sinful wrinkle free,
Redeem’d from all iniquity:
The fellowship of saints make known;
And O my God, might I be one!
12 O might my lot be cast with these,
The least of Jesu’s witnesses!
O that my Lord would count me meet
To wash his dear disciples feet!
13 This only thing do I require,
Thou know’st ’tis all my heart’s desire,
Freely what I receive to give,
The servant of thy church to live:
14 After my lowly Lord to go,
And wait upon the saints below,
Enjoy the grace to angels given,
And serve the royal heirs of heaven.
15 Lord, if I now thy drawings feel,
And ask according to thy will,
Confirm the prayer, the zeal impart,
And speak the answer to my heart.
16 Tell me (or thou shalt never go)
“Thy prayer is heard, it shall be so”——
The word hath pass’d thy lips—and I
Shall with thy people live and die.