1 Father of mercies, in thy house
Smile on our homage and our vows;
While with a grateful heart we share
These pledges of our Savior's care.
2 The Savior, when to heaven he rose
In splendid triumph o'er his foes,
Scatter'd his gifts on men below,
And wide his royal bounties flow.
3 Hence sprung th'Apostles' honor'd name:
Sacred beyond heroic fame;
In lowlier form to bless our eyes,
Pastors from hence, and teachers rise.
4 From Christ their varied gifts derive,
And fed by Christ their graces live;
While guarded by his potent hand,
'Midst all the rage of hell they stand.
5 So shall the bright succession run
Through the last courses of the sun;
While unborn churches by their care
Shall rise and flourish large and fair.
6 Jesus our Lord their hearts shall know,
The spring whence all these blessing flow;
Pastors and people shout his praise
Through the long round of endless days.
Text Information | |
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First Line: | Father of mercies, in thy house |
Title: | The Invitation of a Gospel Ministry from Christ |
Meter: | L. M. |
Language: | English |
Publication Date: | 1845 |
Scripture: | ; |
Topic: | The Church: Pastoral |
Notes: | Now Public Domain. |