Moravian Book of Worship ‎#399

399. All Hail, Our Church's Elder Dear

1 All hail, our church's Elder dear,
O Jesus, glorious head!
To your disciples now appear
as risen from the dead.
Let our rejoicing souls in you
the tokens of your passion view,
and hear your gentle voice anew,
say "Peace be unto you."

2 Remembering what our fathers told,
you did in their young day,
this solemn jubilee we hold,
May we, as then did they,
ourselves in covenant now bind
with soul and strength, with heart and mind,
through life, in death, on land, o'er sea,
to you disciples be.

3 Revive your work; amid the years
our members still employ
on needy souls to sow in tears,
with hope to reap in joy.
Though wide the fields, the lab'rers few,
if you our failing faith renew,
though weak, we as your servants, Lord,
May still fulfill your word.

4 O Lord, in whom we all are one,
if faithful found and true,
your will on earth by each be done
as each in heav'n would do.
To you ourselves we first would give;
live to your glory while we live,
from step to step on you rely,
then in your service die.

Text Information

• First Line: All hail, our church's Elder dear
• Title: All Hail, Our Church's Elder Dear
• Author: James Montgomery (1841, alt.)
• Meter: 8.6.8.6.8.8.8.6. Iambic
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1995
• Scripture:
  John 20:26
  ;
  Colossians 1:18
• Topic: Festival: Jesus Christ as Chief Elder; Covenant; Discipleship; Lovefeast; Moravian festivals--November 13; Spread of the Gospel

Tune Information

• Name: WORSHIP
• Meter: 8.6.8.6.8.8.8.6. Iambic
• Key: A♭ Major
• Source: Herrnhut (c. 1740); C. Gregor Choralbuch (1784)
• Notes: 159 A in 1891 Offices of Worship and Hymns