Hymns for Christian Devotion Part 153

2 With duteous mind, the social band Shall search the records of thy law; There learn thy will, and humbly bow With filial reverence and awe.

3 Here may he fix his sacred seat, And spread the banner of his love; Till, ripened for a happier state, We meet the family above.

927. L. M. 6l. Methodist Coll.

Religion at Home.

1 When quiet in my house I sit Thy book be my companion still; My joy thy sayings to repeat, Talk o'er the records of thy will, And search the oracles divine, Till every heart-felt word be mine.

2 O may the gracious words divine Mingled with all my converse be: So will the Lord his follower join, And walk and talk himself with me; So shall my heart his presence prove And burn with everlasting love.

3 Oft as I lay me down to rest, O, may the reconciling word Sweetly compose my weary breast, While, trusting in my gracious Lord, I sink in peaceful dreams away, And visions of eternal day!

4 Rising to sing my Father's praise, Thee may I publish all day long; And let thy precious word of grace Flow from my heart and fill my tongue; Fill all my life with purest love, And join me to the church above.

928. S. M. Watts.

Family Affection from Religious Principles.

1 How pleasing, Lord! to see, How pure is the delight, When mutual love, and love to thee, A family unite!

2 From these celestial springs Such streams of comfort flow, As no increase of riches brings, Nor honors can bestow.

3 No bliss can equal theirs, Where such affections meet; While mingled praise and mingled prayers Make their communion sweet.

4 'Tis the same pleasure fills The breast in worlds above; Where joy like morning dew distils, And all the air is love.

929. C. M. Taylor's Coll.

The Family Altar.

1 Great G.o.d! where'er we pitch our tent, Let us an altar raise, And there, with humble frame, present Our sacrifice of praise.

2 To thee we give our health and strength, While health and strength shall last, For future mercies humbly trust, Nor e'er forget the past.

930. C. M. Barry Cornwall.

For a Sick Child.

1 Send down thy winged angel; G.o.d!

Amidst this night so wild, And bid him come where now we watch, And breathe upon our child!

2 It lies upon its pillow, pale, And moans within its sleep, Or wakeneth with a patient smile, And striveth not to weep!

3 How gentle and how good a child It is, we know too well; And dearer to its parents' hearts Than our weak words can tell.

4 We love,--we watch throughout the night, To aid, where need may be; We hope,--and have despaired at times; But now we turn to thee!

5 Send down thy sweet-souled angel, G.o.d!

Amidst the darkness wild, And bid him soothe our souls to-night, And heal our gentle child!

931. C. M. Heber.

In Times of Domestic Distress.

1 O G.o.d, that madest earth and sky!

The darkness and the day!

Give ear to this thy family, And help us when we pray!

For wide the waves of bitterness Around our vessel roar, And heavy grows the pilot's heart To view the rocky sh.o.r.e!

2 The cross our Master bore for us, For him we fain would bear, But mortal strength to weakness turns, And courage to despair!

Then mercy on our failings, Lord!

Our sinking faith renew!

And when thy sorrows visit us, O send thy patience too.

932. C. M. Doddridge.

Sickness and Recovery.

1 My G.o.d, thy service well demands The remnant of my days; Why was this fleeting breath renewed, But to renew thy praise?

2 Thine arms of everlasting love Did this weak frame sustain, When life was hovering o'er the grave, And nature sunk with pain.

3 I calmly bowed my fainting head On thy dear, faithful breast, And waited for my Father's call To his eternal rest.