911. L. M. Ancient Hymns.

Commendatory of Christian Union.

1Blest with unearthly bliss were they

Who saw the church's infant day,

And strove their Christian part to bear,

By sign and spirit joined with her.

2The truth, which Christ's apostles taught,

Then ruled each faithful convert's thought;

Each aimed in unity to keep

Unrent th' apostles' fellowship.

3The bread, with rites harmonious broke,

The union of all hearts bespoke;

And prayer, with lips united prayed,

The union of all minds displayed.

4O thus that Christians still would live,

And thus delightful witness give,

How well the debt of love they know,

To Christ and to his church they owe!

For Union.

1Thou God of truth and love,

We seek thy perfect way,

Ready thy choice t' approve,

Thy providence t' obey;

Enter into thy wise design,

And sweetly lose our will in thine.

2Why hast thou cast our lot

In the same age and place?

And why together brought

To see each other's face?

To join with softest sympathy,

And mix our friendly souls in thee?

3Didst thou not make us one,

That we might one remain,

Together travel on,

And bear each other's pain;

Till all thy utmost goodness prove

And rise renewed in perfect love?