And publishes to every land The work of an Almighty hand. Soon as the evening shades prevail, Repeats the story of her birth: Whilst all the stars that round her burn, And spread the truth from pole to pole. What though, in solemn silence, all For ever singing as they shine, "The Hand that made us is divine." Joseph Addison [1672–1719] UNIVERSAL PRAYER DEO. OPT. MAX. FATHER of all! in every age, In every clime adored, By saint, by savage, and by sage, Jehovah, Jove, or Lord! Thou Great First Cause, least understood, Who all my sense confined To know but this, that Thou art good, Yet gave me, in this dark estate, And, binding nature fast in fate, Left free the human will. Universal Prayer What conscience dictates to be done, This, teach me more than hell to shun, What-blessings Thy free bounty gives For God is paid when man receives, Yet not to earth's contracted span Or think Thee Lord alone of man, Let not this weak, unknowing hand If I am right, Thy grace impart If I am wrong, O, teach my heart Save me alike from foolish pride At aught Thy wisdom has denied, Teach me to feel another's woe, Mean though I am, not wholly so, Since quickened by Thy breath; O, lead me, whereso'er I go, Through this day's life or death! 3539 This day be bread and peace my lot; All else beneath the sun, Thou know'st if best bestowed or not, To Thee, whose temple is all space, All Nature's incense rise! Alexander Pope [1688-1744] "O GOD! OUR HELP IN AGES PAST" O God! our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, And our eternal home! Under the shadow of Thy Throne Thy saints have dwelt secure; Before the hills in order stood, A thousand ages in Thy sight Are like an evening gone; Short as the watch that ends the night Before the rising sun, Time, like an ever-rolling stream, Bears all its sons away; They fly, forgotten, as a dream Dies at the opening day. O God! our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Be Thou our guide when troubles last, And our eternal home! Isaac Watts [1674-1748] Jesus, Lover of My Soul" 3541 "JESUS, LOVER OF MY SOUL" JESUS lover of my soul, Let me to Thy bosom fly, Other refuge have I none, Hangs my helpless soul on Thee; Cover my With the shadow of Thy wing. Wilt Thou not regard my call? Whilt Thou not accept my prayer? Lo! I sink, I faint, I fall, Lo! on Thee I cast my care; Reach me out Thy gracious hand, While I of Thy strength receive! Hoping against hope I stand,Dying, and behold I live! Thou, O Christ, art all I want; More than all in Thee I find: Raise the fallen, cheer the faint, Just and holy is Thy Name; I am all unrighteousness; False and full of sin I am, Thou art full of truth and grace. Plenteous grace with Thee is found, Grace to cover all my sin; Let the healing streams abound, Make and keep me pure within: Thou of life the Fountain art, Freely me let take of Thee; Rise to all eternity! Charles Wesley [1707-1788] "A CHARGE TO KEEP I HAVE” A CHARGE to keep I have, A never-dying soul to save, From youth to hoary age, My calling to fulfil, Oh, may it all my powers engage To do my Master's will! Arm me with jealous care As in Thy sight to live; And oh, Thy servant, Lord, prepare A strict account to give! Help me to watch and pray, I shall forever die. Charles Wesley [1707-1788] CORONATION ALL hail the power of Jesus' name! Let angels prostrate fall; Bring forth the royal diadem, To crown Him Lord of all! Let high-born seraphs tune the lyre, Before His face who tunes their choir, And crown Him Lord of all! |