Book of Hymns for Public and Private Devotion Part 41

1 O G.o.d, to Thee, who first hast given To mortal frame the spark of heaven, I consecrate my powers; Thine is its hoped eternity, And Thine its earthly life shall be, Through years, and days, and hours.

2 Here at Thy shrine I bow, resigned Each struggling pa.s.sion of my mind, With all its hopes and fears; To bend each thought to Thy control Is the one wish that fills my soul, Through all my future years.

244. 12s. M. *Gaskell.

The New Birth.

1 I am free! I am free! I have broken away, From the chambers of night, to the splendors of day; All the phantoms that darkened around me are gone, And a spirit of light is now leading me on.

Earth appeareth in garments of beauty new drest; Brighter thoughts, brighter feelings, spring forth in my breast; Happy voices are floating in music above; All creation is full of the glory of love.

G.o.d of truth! it is Thou who hast shed down each ray Of the suns.h.i.+ne that blesses and gladdens my way; From the depths of my spirit, to Thee will I give Ever-thankful affection, as long as I live.

245. 8 & 7s. M. Episcopal Coll.

Song of the Redeemed.

1 Father, source of every blessing, Tune my heart to grateful lays!

Streams of mercy, never ceasing, Call for ceaseless songs of praise.

2 Teach me some melodious measure, Sung by raptured saints above; Fill my soul with sacred pleasure, While I sing redeeming love.

3 Thou didst seek me when a stranger, Wandering from the fold above; Thou, to save my soul from danger, Didst redeem me with Thy love.

4 By Thy hand restored, defended, Safe through life thus far I've come; Safe, O Lord, when life is ended, Bring me to my heavenly home.

246. S. M. Bulfinch.

Born Again.

1 O Lord! through Thee we own A new and heavenly birth, Kindred to spirits round Thy throne, Though sojourners of earth.

2 How glorious is the hour, When first our souls awake, Through Thy mysterious spirit's power, And of new life partake.

3 With richer beauty glows The world, before so fair; Her holy light religion throws, Reflected everywhere.

4 The life which Thou hast given, O Lord! shall never end; The grave is but the path to heaven, And death is now our friend.

247. 11s. M. Montgomery.

G.o.d Our Shepherd.

1 The Lord is my Shepherd, no want shall I know; I feed in green pastures, safe folded I rest; He leadeth my soul where the still waters flow, Restores me when wandering, redeems when opprest.

Through the valley and shadow of death though I stray, Since Thou art my guardian, no evil I fear; Thy rod shall defend me, Thy staff be my stay; No harm can befall with my Comforter near.

3 In the midst of affliction my table is spread; With blessings unmeasured my cup runneth o'er; With perfume and oil Thou anointest my head; O, what shall I ask of Thy providence more?

4 Let goodness and mercy, my bountiful G.o.d, Still follow my steps till I meet Thee above; I seek, by the path which my forefathers trod Through the land of their sojourn, Thy kingdom of love.

248. 7s. M. Sp. of the Psalms.

He Shall Give His Angels Charge over Thee.

1 They, who on the Lord rely, Safely dwell, though danger's nigh; Lo, His sheltering wings are spread O'er each faithful servant's head.

2 Vain temptation's wily snare; They shall be the Father's care; Harmless flies the shaft by day, Or in darkness wings its way.

3 When they wake, or when they sleep, Angel guards their vigils keep; Death and danger may be near Faith and love can never fear.

249. L. M. German.

The Child of G.o.d.

1 None loves me, Father, with Thy love, None else can meet such needs as mine; O, grant me, as Thou shall approve, All that befits a child of Thine!

From every doubt and fear release, And give me confidence and peace.

2 Give me a faith shall never fail, One that shall always work by love; And then, whatever foes a.s.sail, They shall but higher courage move More boldly for the truth to strive, And more by faith in Thee to live:

3 A heart, that, when my days are glad, May never from Thy way decline, And when the sky of life grows sad, May still submit its will to Thine,-- A heart that loves to trust in Thee, A patient heart, create in me!