711. L. M. Montgomery.

A Pastor Welcomed.

1We bid thee welcome in the name

Of Jesus, our exalted Head:

Come as a servant; so he came;

And we receive thee in his stead.

2Come as an angel, hence to guide

A band of pilgrims on their way;

That, safely walking at thy side,

We never fail, nor faint, nor stray.

3Come as a teacher sent from God,

Charged his whole counsel to declare;

Lift o'er our ranks the prophet's rod,

While we uphold thy hands with prayer.

4Come as a messenger of peace,

Filled with the Spirit, fired with love;

Live to behold our large increase,

And die to meet us all above.

Charge to a Pastor.

1Herald of the Lord's salvation,

Watchful in thy station stand;

Heed the heavenly proclamation,

Heed the Master's great command.

Mark old error's gathering forces

Compassing our Zion round;

Know in truth thine own resources,

Give the trumpet's certain sound!

2Christ proclaim in the new station,

Herald, now assigned to thee;

That the waiting congregation

God's salvation here may see.

Christ proclaim--no line abating

Of the counsel of the Lord;

From no promise deviating;

From no precept; "preach the word."

3Then, God's blessing resting o'er thee,

And his truth, by night, by day,

Cloud and pillar bright before thee,

Shall make glad thy gospel way;

Till thy work well done, the greeting

Of the Master will be given;

Till we rise to that one meeting--

Pastor--people--all--in heaven!