A BLESSING SOUGHT UPON A PASTOR.
And now the solemn deed is done;
The vow is pledged, the toil begun,—
Seal Thou, O God, the oath above,
And ratify the pledge of love.
The shepherd of Thy people bless;
Gird him with Thy own holiness;
In duty may his pleasure be,
His glory in his zeal for Thee.
Here let the ardent prayer arise,
Faith fix its grasp beyond the skies,
The tear of penitence be shed,
And myriads to the Saviour led.
Come, Spirit, here consent to dwell;
The mists of earth and sin dispel;
Blest Saviour, Thy own rights maintain,
Supreme in every bosom reign.
Oh, let our humble worship be
A grateful tribute, Lord, to Thee;
And may these hallowed scenes of love
Fit us for purer joys above.
