The Christians Duty, exhibited, in a series of Hymns ‎#CCCXXVI

CCCXXVI. When our great Sov'reign from on High

1 When our great Sov'reign from on High,
Our Lord and Saviour, was aware,
That he his chosen Family,
O'er whom he watch'd with tender Care,
Would be compelled soon to leave;
He fill'd with love and Grief intense,
To them his Farewel Blessing gave,
Before his Suff'rings did commence.

2 Feeling beforehand all the Weight
Of those dire Scenes of Pain and Woe,
Which he well knew did him await,
His Love towards his own to show,
He Water in a Bason pour'd,
And washed his Disciples' Feet,
Their Souls already by his Word,
Save one, were cleansed ev'ry whit.

3 When he this Act of Love had done,
He unto his Disciples said;
"To you I've an Example shown;
"Ye call me Master, Lord, and Head,
"To one another do the same."
This solemn Act to celebrate,
We're now assembled in his Name.

4 Arise then, and with due Respect,
With humble Shame and Willingness,
Do what our Saviour doth direct,
Endowed with Disciple's Grace!
Since Jesus to release from Sin
Unto his People Power gave,
We in his Name are now wash'd clean,
And with our Lord a part may have.

5 Lord Jesus Christ, we pray, be near,
Forgive us all our Trespasses;
With Joy Divine our Spirit cheer,
Absolve and grant us pard'ning Grace!
As our High-priest lift up thy Hand,
That Hand the Nail once pierced through,
Thy Mercy unto us extend,
Rich Blessings upon all bestow.

6 Inspire our Hearts with mutual Love
O may we truly humble be,
Thy faithful Servants ever prove,
Who yield in all Things Joy to Thee:
In due Obedience to thy Word,
We now have wash'd each other's Feet,
Thy blest Example, gracious Lord,
To follow, we find always meet.

7 Sure as thou art the Church's Head,
Sure as we Dust and Ashes are,
So sure we by thy Blood, once shed,
Are now, through Grace, absolv'd and clear;
Sure as thy Cross's Church remains
To the blind World a Spectacle,
So sure in her thy Spirit reigns,
And thou dost in thy Temple dwell.

Text Information

• First Line: When our great Sov'reign from on High
• Publication Date: 1791
• Scripture:
  John 13:1
• Topic: Washing of Feet and the Lord's Supper

Tune Information

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