1 Far from mortal cares retreating, Sordid hopes, and fond desires, Here our willing footsteps meeting, Every heart to heaven aspires. From the Fount of glory beaming, Light celestial cheers our eyes; Mercy from above proclaiming Peace and pardon from the skies.
2 Who may share this great salvation?-- Every pure and humble mind; Every kindred, tongue, and nation, From the dross of guilt refined: Blessings all around bestowing, God withholds His care from none; Grace and mercy ever flowing From the fountain of His throne.
3 Every stain of guilt abhorring, Firm and bold in virtue's cause, Still Thy providence adoring, Faithful subjects to Thy laws, Lord! with favor still attend us, Bless us with Thy wondrous love; Thou, our sun and shield, defend us; All our hope is from above.
1 Unto Thy temple, God of love, Once more we come with willing feet, To raise our thoughts this world above, And Thy paternal blessing meet.
2 May all Thy purest presence feel, And silent keep each vain desire; With humble hearts before Thee kneel, And unto holier strength aspire.
3 May all be bound in bonds more true To Thee, who art our life and light, That through each path which we pursue, We still may keep Thy love in sight.
4 And may we, when the day shall close, Review its course without a fear; And, nearer heaven than when it rose, Feel it is good to have been here.
1 Lord! what offering shall we bring, At Thine altars when we bow? Hearts, the pure, unsullied spring, Whence the kind affections flow:
2 Willing hands, to lead the blind, Heal the wounded, feed the poor; Love, embracing all our kind, Charity, with liberal store.
3 Teach us, O thou Heavenly King, Thus to show our grateful mind, Thus the accepted offering bring, Love to Thee and all mankind.
1 Here, in this place of prayer, Father! Thy face we seek: Grant us that blessed peace to share, Known to the pure and meek.
2 Come then to holy prayer, Souls that seem lost in night; Leave to the Lord your heavy care, Who giveth life and light.
3 Come with a trusting prayer, Though fears press down your souls; The Saviour's promise, "I am there," Each saddening fear controls.
4 Here, in this place of prayer, Let hearts in union meet: Come, cast the load you cannot bear Low at the Saviour's feet.