m "S" sn ss" s FOR gisrssriDiiir ffloai®®^© List of contributors, intended only for the friends of the compiler, and not for publication. Mrs. L. H. Sigourney, Hymn 14, 31, 37 Mrs. L. H. Cleaveland, a 38, 41, 43, 45, 46 Miss Sarah Savage, u 44 Miss L. Hooper, u 22, 23, 40, 48 Miss M. E. Rhodes, a 4, 19,25,34 Anonymous, a 2, B. B. Thatcher, u 20, S. E. Sewall, (( 17, 49 J. F. Otis, (( 28,29 S. J. Beals, (( 26,32 Wm. J. Snelling, (( 35 T. Gray, Jr. 11 11,13 N. Hall, Jr. u m, 10 Wm. H. Furness, u 5, 7, 16 C. Bobbins, (( 47 S. F. Streeter, a 50, 52, 53, 54, 55 f" 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, I S. Williams, i 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39, 42, 51, i" 56, 57 ^cB Sectloa ORIGINAL SillUISi^flFIil S(gIlI®®IljSo ' I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.' 1 Cor. iv, 15. ' And they sang a new song.' Rev. v, 9. BOSTON: LILLY, WAIT, COL MAN, & HOLDEN 1833. Entered, according to Act of Congiess, in the year 1833, By Lilly, Wait, Colman, & Holden, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Mass. ADVERTISEMENT. In the publication of this httle volume, we do not mean to come in competition with any other similar work, nor do wish to inti- mate a belief that others of the kind are not excellent. The Hymns (with the ex- ception of two or three) were written ex- pressly for this collection. Although the names of the writers are not given, it may not be improper to mention that there are some among them of high literary rank, and whose names would honor any collec- tion of poetry. The prayers are added, in the hope that they may at times be used with advantage in the place of extempora- neous service. To THE Children, we would say, that this book was written expressly for them; IV ADVERTISEMENT. that it contains truths, which, if carefully studied and remembered, will teach them to lead useful and happy lives on earth, and prepare them for that better state, where both teachers and scholars shall live as the children of God in heaven. J. S. W. Boston, October, 1833. CONTENTS, Page Great God, to thy children assembled, draw near, 9 Our Father, lend a listening ear, 11 The mind is a garden, and youth's sunny morn, 13 Glad hearts to thee we bring, 16 I feel within a want, 17 Star of promise ! from above, 19 Feeble, helpless, how shall I, 20 Behold that one of placid brow, 21 There is a land where we shall greet, 23 My Father, God — the mighty One, 24 Father! day, 26 Tho' lost to our sight we may not deplore thee, 28 Come, 'tis the hour of rest, 29 The sun hath gone to rest, 32 See from the east the sun arise, 33 Blessings on thee, gracious Lord, 34 The spring is returning, 35 When night has veiled the sky, 37 When the joyous day is dawning, 38 VI CONTENTS. Page I will not weep, I will not weep, 40 As o'er the earth the weary dove, 41 How kind was the promise, 45 We come our Sabbath hymn to raise, 47 The voice of God, in accents clear, 48 Teach me, oh Father, with filial submission, 49 Come to God's altar ! oh draw near ! 51 The violet on its slender stalk, 52 Jesus, who once dwelt here on earth, 53 Lord — teach my heart to learn, 54 Like to the modest tender flower, 55 To thee, great God, our prayers we bring, 56 Earth's busy sounds and ceaseless din, 58 Upon the Jordan's healing flood, 59 When clouds of trouble cast their shadows, 61 Come, see the grassy bed, 63 I know that earth is not the home, 64 Grant us, Lord, thy choicest blessing, 65 Lord, may this little band, 66 How good and happy I should be, 67 In the freshness of youth, 68 O thou whose constant love has shed, 69 My God, when memory turns to gaze, 71 How very fast my years roll on, 73 Father ! I love to read of thee, 74 Grateful thanks, before we part, 75 The sun is in the west, 76 God, our Father, our preserver, 77 CONTENTS. Vll Page There is a flower, a holy one, 78 He has gone to the home of the angels on high, 80 Weep not that death hath called away, 82 Father of mercies ! God of love, 83 Father of life ! we raise, 84 God o'er the universe presides, 85 We come great God with gladness, 86 When shall we all meet again ? 88 PRAYERS. Worship, 90 General Supplication, 91 Reverence — Piety, 92 Gratitude, 93 Penitence, 94 Jesus Chiist, 95 Digitized by tine Internet Arciiive in 2011 witin funding from Calvin College http://www.archive.org/details7briginalhymnsfor00will ORIGINAL HYMNS. HYMN 1. Heaven our Home, [Home.] Great God, to thy children assem- bled, draw near, Guide, guard, and protect us, we pray, with thy care ; We'll never forget while on earth we shall roam, 'Tis only our resting place, 'tis not our home. Home, sweet, sweet home, This earth is our resting place, 'tis not our home. 2 10 When childhood has passed, o'er the world we shall rove, Oh then wilt thou guide us, where e'er we shall move ; Should trouble o'ertake us, or danger be nigh, For comfort and refuge, to Thee we will fly. Home, sweet, sweet home, We'll always remember our home in the sky. Should pleasure entice us, or tempt us to stay To taste of life's sweets that hang over our way, We ask for that wisdom which comes from above. Illumine our path with the light of thy love. 11 Home, sweet, sweet home. When death shall release us, we'll gladly go home. HYMN 3. Our Father, lend a listening ear. Towards thy children's prayer ; And meet us, who assemble here, To ask thy love and care. Be with us w^hile we learn our will, Be with us in our practice still. The thoughts that rise not, Lord, to Thee, Banish from every mind ; And grant that naught of vanity An entrance here may find. But as thy love we would ensure. Make us as thou our God art, pure. 12 In every heart may Charity Exert her gentle sway ; That grieves another's faults to see, When led from Thee astray ; And may we who for mercy sue, Be merciful to others too. Teach us to thank Thee as we ought, For all Thy blessings given ; And may we (by Thy precepts taught), Unite at length in heaven ; Where endless hymnsof praise shall be Our joyful offering, Lord, to Thee. 13 HYMN 3. Youth. r [Portuguese Hyniii.] The mind is a garden, and youth's sunny morn, The season for planting ; the rose and the thorn Will spring up together ; then let us take care, That none but the sweetest of roses, grow there. If seeds of deception, of envy, and strife. Are suffered to grow in the spring time of life ; When the autumn of age chills the breath of the air. We must gather the fruits of our lit- tle parterre. 14 But let us be wise, and pluck up by the roots, All poisonous plants, ere we taste of their fruits ; And place in their stead, such as na- ture designed, To improve, and adorn, and embellish the mind. In one peaceful spot shall the olive branch grow. And near it the stream of Religion shall flow. There too shall the plant of kind Mercy spring up. Refreshed from th' o'erflowing of Charity's cup. 15 Oh let the young germs of fair Know- ledge abound, To scatter their truths to the plants all around ; So likewise the Laurel its arms spreading wide, In friendship shall shield the sweet rose at its side. When the sun that has cheered us in life's early days, Withdraws from the garden the light of his rays ; From the flowers as they wither. Oh may there arise A grateful perfume, that shall reach to the skies. 16 HYMN 4. Prayer, [Italian hymn. 6s & 4s.] Glad hearts to thee we bring, With joy thy name we sing, Father above ; Creation praises thee, O'er all around we see, Tokens of love. Thou who in heaven art, To us that grace impart, Our master knew ; Aid us like him to live. To thee our young hearts give, Thou only true. Giver of all our powers, Now in life's morning hours, 17 May they be thine ; Pure, and from error free, An offering worthy Thee, Parent divine. Unite our souls in love, Smile on us from above, 'Till life be o'er ; Then gather us to Thee, In thine own fold to be, Forever more. HYMN 5. Looking unto Jesus. [S. M. 6's.] I FEEL within a want, Forever burning there ; What I so thirst for, grant, O thou who hearest prayer* # 18 This is the thing I crave — A likeness to thy Son ; This would I rather have, Than call the v^orld my own. Like him, now in my youth, I long, O God, to be, In tenderness and truth. In sweet humility. 'Tis my most fervent prayer, Be it more fervent still. Be it my highest care. Be it my settled will ! 19 HYMN 6. Jesus our morning star, * / am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning starJ* [Benevento.] Star of promise ! from above, Brightly shine o'er life's dark track ; Should we wander, let thy love Safely guide our footsteps back. When perplex'd with doubt or fear, Sweetly shine, our doubts remove ; Let us as life's clouds appear. Look with faith to thee above. When bereft of health and peace, Star of promise ! cheer our way : Raise our hopes ; our faith increase, Of a brighter, purer, day ! 20 When the noon of life has past, Gently shine, till close of even, Then our weary souls at last, Guide through death's dark vale, to heaven. HYMN 7. Triist in Jesus. [Benevento.] Feeble, helpless, how^ shall I Learn to live, and learn to die ? Who, O God, my guide shall be ? Who shall lead thy child to thee ? Blessed Father, Gracious One ! Thou hast sent thy holy Son ; He will give the light I need. He my trembling steps will lead. 21 Through this world, uncertain, dim, Let me ever lean on him ; From his precepts, wisdom draw, Make his life my solemn law. Thus in deed and thought, and word. Led by Jesus Christ the Lord, In my weakness, thus shall I Learn to live, and learn to die. Learn to live in peace and love. Like the perfect ones above. Learn to die, without a fear. Feeling thee, my Father, near. HYMN 8. [Arlington. C. M.] Behold that one of placid brow. In yonder crowd who stands ; See, to a child he beckons now. And stretches forth his hands. 22 He takes it in his arms, above He looks, as if in prayer ; Oh what a smile of pitying love, That gentle face doth wear. It is the Saviour — children, go, That heavenly smile return ; He loves you more than you can know, That love, Oh do not spurn. But Jesus now has gone above. No more on earth to live. Still on each child he looks in love, His blessing still he'll give. That blessing — Oh make haste to be 'Mong those to whom 'tis given ; For it is peace and joy on earth, 'Tis bliss with him in heaven. 23 HYMN 9. Heaven, [Jordan. C. M.] There is a land where we shall greet The friends we loved below, Where kindred minds together meet, Each other's jojs to know. There is a land where sunshine reigns ; No clouds of trouble throw Their darkning shade o'er those bright plains, There living waters flow. No wasting sickness there shall shed Its blight, where all is fair ; Nor gloomy war its horrors spread, For all are happy there. 24 Since with the eye of faith we view Those scenes above the sky ; May we prepare to dwell there too, Where we shall never die. HYMN 10. [Old Hundred.] My Father, God — the mighty One, Who built the earth, who made the sun ; — Yet makes the smallest child His care, And listens to its faintest prayer. Angels are round about his throne ; Yet all my wants to Him are known ; Unnumber'd worlds His power obey ; Yet He upholds me in my way. How wond'rous this, how far above All other power, all other love. 25 How shall a child such love repay ? That very love hath told the way. I must thmk much of God — must give Him daily thanks : must learn to live As He commands, and seek and pray To know the right, the heavenly way. I must that glorious being love, God's blessed Son — - who from above Still bids me be his heavenly guest With those whom when on earth he blest. 3 26 HYMN 11. Evening Hymn, [Pilgrim's Invitation.] Father ! day Passes away. Deep the shadows, dark the sky — Through the night hour Fountain and flower Dim and silent sleeping lie. Bright o'er that gloom the morning shall break, And nature to life and beauty awake. So o'er our days Life's evening rays Cloud the way with toil oppressed. Dark though it be. Father, with thee, Sweetly shall the weary rest. 27 Rest till thy dawn break cloudless and fair : — There joy fadeth not, no sorrow comes there. Swiftly our day Passes away ; Shadows dim of night draw nigh. Deeper they come, O Father, home Take us to thy rest on high, When life's short day, how swiftly ! is o'er, And light from this world shines round us no more. 28 HYMN 12. On the death of a Sunday School Teacher, [Frederick.] Tho' lost to our sight, we may not deplore thee, The bright light of faith shall illu- mine thy road ; Through the dark valley shall angels watch o'er thee. And guide thee in peace to the home of thy God. Thy heart, while on earth, in his praises delighted, Thy voice, ever ready to speak of his love ; And now by life's shadows no longer benighted, Thou'lt love him, and praise him, in heaven above. 29 And there may we meet thee when life shall be ended, All tears wiped away, and all errors forgiven, And there may our prayers together be blended In the song of sweet praise to our master in heaven. HYMN 13. Sabbath Morning. [The sun-set tree. ] Come, 'tis the hour of rest From earthly toil and care, The day that God hath blest. The sacred hour of prayer. 30 Come, thou whom sorrows press, Here bring thy weary load, Humbly thy sms confess, And trust a pardoning God. Come, 'tis the hour, &c. Come, when temptation's power Sweeps tempest-like thy soul ; So the tremendous hour, Shall strength from heaven control, Here bow thy prostrate form. And meekly, humbly, pray : And He who rules the storm. Shall bid it pass away. Come, 'tis the hour, &c. Come, thou whom joys surround, Their giver grateful bless. Here let his praises sound Thy heart's deep thankfulness. ^n 31 So round thy hoary brow He, light from Heaven will pour, When that which cheers thee now, Shall guide thy steps no more. Come, 'tis the hour, &c. Come, sinful one and pray Humbly before his throne ; He will not turn away From the repenting one. But from His mercy seat He will efface thy stain, And lead thy erring feet Back to His fold again. Come, 'tis the hour, &c. Come then, while come ye may — E'er earthly hopes grow dim, And pleasures fade away. Turn ye in truth to Him. 32 Bow to your Father's will Though clouds conceal His love, Ye shall see sunshine still And cloudless heavens above. Come, 'tis the hour, &c. HYMN 14. Thoughts at sunset, [Shirlancl. S. M.] The sun hath gone to rest, The bee forsakes the flower ; The young bird slumbers in its nest. Within the leafy bower. Where have I been this day ? — Into what follies run ? — Forgive me, Father, when I pray Through Jesus Christ thy son. 33 When all my days are o'er, And in the tomb I rest, Oh may my ransom'd spnit soar Up to a Saviom^'s breast. i HYMN 15. Morning Hymn, L. M. [Evening Hymn.] See from the east the sun arise, His joyous beams now fill the skies, With cheerful rays of glory bright, He scatters all the clouds of night. Oh Father, may we like the sun. Begin our heavenward course to run; Send to our minds fair wisdom's ray, To chase the shades of doubt away. 4 34 And, when obedient to thy laws, He from the world his light withdraws. So may we, when life's task is done. Sleep sweetly as the setting sun. HYMN 16. ' And he took them up in his arms, imt his hands on them, and blessed them.^ [Turin. 6's.] Blessings on thee Gracious Lord, Every child shall bless thy name. For each gentle look and word When to thee the children came. Happy child upon whose head, As he sat upon thy knee, Thy kind hand was softly laid. Blessing him most tenderly. 35 Hark ! that voice is raised in prayer, Which could still the tempest wild, Lo ! that mighty hand is there. Laid in blessing, on a child. Blessings on thee, gracious Lord, Every child shall bless thy name. For each gentle look and word. When to thee the children came. HYMN 17. Spring, [St Dennis. 118.] The spring is returning, the land- scape is bright, The trees wave their blossoms, like clusters of light ; 36 Perfumes fill the air, and the birds gaily sing, How cheerful, how lovely, the first blush of spring. When winter was with us, dark, sober, and drear. Did dry, leafless branches, and brown earth appear. The birds flew away from the cold howling wind. In far southern regions, sweet sum- mer to find. The power which can bid outward nature resume, When all seemed departed, life, fra- grance and bloom ; 37 That power, when these bodies to earth shall be given, Shall raise, clothed wdth beauty, our spirits to Heaven. HYMN 18. When night has veiled the sky. We gladly seek our bed, Our souls then free From care, to thee, O God, their wishes spread. We sleep beneath the wing Of thy Almighty love. We feel no dread, For morn will shed Its light from heaven above. 38 Thus may we sweetly rest, When life's short day is o'er. Then morn shall break, And we shall wake, To sleep in death no more. HYMN 19. ' Morning Hymn. ' JRememher now thy Creator in the days of thy youth. ^ [Sicilian Hymn. 8 & 7.] When the joyous day is dawning. And the happy light we see ; We who live in life's pure morning, Father, would remember Thee. While in quiet we were sleeping ; Kindly, though we knew it not, Thou a guardian watch wert keeping; Never is thy child forgot. I 39 Now another day is given, With thy love may it be blest ; May we think of Thee and Heaven, Of that purer, better, rest. Jesus who was good and holy, When a child remembered Thee, Gentle, mild, forgiving, lowly. He has said that we must be. For the kindness Thou hast shown us, We would render fervent love ; Then as children Thou wilt own us, Take us to Thy fold above. 40 HYMN 20. To a Sister in Heaven* [Lanesboroiigh. C. M.] I WILL not weep, I will not weep, O loved and lost, for thee — That thou a crowned and blessed saint In thine own home should be. But long and far o'er life's dim sea, Thy memory divine, Through many a time, through many a tear. Unto my soul shall shine. . Oh hopes ! bright hopes ! my mourn- ful hours. Like stars shall lighten o'er — Of that fair land, where we shall meet, To mourn and part no more. 41 HYMN 21. [Shoel. L. M.] As o'er the earth the weary dove Sought for a place of rest in vain, And finding nought but stormy seas. Flew to the ark of peace again ; So hath my soul when wandering far, Found this wide w orld a dreary space; Where none but seas of trouble roll. No fertile spot, no resting-place. Oh may I then a lesson learn Of wisdom, from the gentle dove ; And leaving earth where sorrow dwells Fly to my Father's ark of love. 42 HYMN 22. Thoughts on Death, [The Lord my shepherd is. S. M.] Let children never fear To leave this world of ours, To close their eyes to beauty here, And summer's fading flowers. Beyond the hills that stand In majesty alone, — There is a purer land, And there our Father's throne. No mortal step can tread Upon a shore so fair ; No mortal voice be heard. But angels-harps are there. 43 And thither soars the soul, When life's brief day is done, There is the destined goal For each immortal one. Then shall we turn away When God would call us home ? No ! let us rather say. Father we'll gladly come. HYMN 23. Morning Hymn, Father, now thy children see, Listen to their prayer ; Let their thanks arise to thee, With the morning air. They come, while yet the flower Of life but half is blown ; To pray its opening horn- May bloom for thee alone . 44 The dew is on the leaf, As they lay it on the shrine ; May the pure and fragrant breath Of the offering be thine. Oh guard it by thy care, That when eventide draws on, No spot nor stain may mar The purity of morn. Oh not upon its bud, Be thy mercy poured in vain, May the teachings of thy word. Fall like the gentle rain. 46 HYMN 24. ' Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.'' [Hiuton.] How kind was the promise, but hard is the task, Thy help to perform it. Oh Father we ask ; 'Tis the best of all blessings, the high- est reward. When death shall release us, to dwell with the Lord. From the fount of thy mercy, great God, we would pray. Thou 'd cleanse from our souls all their errors away. 46 When beset with temptation, then may we endure, With minds ever steadfast, and hearts ever pure. We trust to thy promise, we look to thy love. Oh grant us that wisdom that comes from above ; May we ever be faithful, then to us shall be given. The favor of God, in the Kingdom of Heaven. 47 HYMN 25. On the death of a Sabbath School Scholar, [Barby. C. M.] We come our Sabbath hymn to raise, Our humble prayer to pour ; One voice is hushed, its notes of praise Shall mingle here no more. The lips are still, the eye is dim That beamed with joy and love ; The spirit it hath gone to Him Who gave it from above. We w^ill not weep, for Jesus said ' Let little children come,' But pray that our young hearts be led To seek that better home. 48 HYMN 26. The Voice of God, ^ Ml thy works -praise thee, God.'' [Stonefield.] The voice of God, in accents clear Is heard above, below^, around ; To all his children far and near, The universe repeats the sound. Through the thick grove of lofty trees, Where cheerful sun-beams never shine. It whispers in the gentle breeze, Yes, list ! and hear the voice divine. And every flower, and every plant. The heavens, the earth, and ocean's waves. 49 In one sweet strain his glories chant, With songs of triumph hymn his praise. But sweeter far his voice is heard, Telling of heaven, and peace, and love, To those who keep his holy word. To those who hope for joys above. HYMN 27. Submission to the divine ivilL ' The cup ivhich my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it.^ [Scotland.] Teach me, Oh Father, with filial sub- mission, To bow to thy will whatsoever it be ; 5 ^T^ 50 And oh wilt thou grant that whate'er my condition, Thy hand, overruling each change, I may see. If the cup of affliction should fall to my share, I will yield in obedience and never repine ; I will taste it with meekness, let this be my prayer, ' The will of my Father be done, and not mine.' From the stream of thy bounty, which ever flows free. Should thou fill up my cup, then shall gratitude's call Bid my heart in its fullness be given to thee, The great benefactor, the giver of all. 51 ' When the cord shall be loosed, and the golden bowl broken,' And I shall be freed from this world and its strife, With a voice full of kindness, may these words be spoken, « Oh come, and drink freely the wa- ters of life.' HYMN 28. The Invitation, [Portugal. L. M.] Come to God's altar ! oh draw near ! In trusting love, in humble fear ; He calls thee now his face to meet, Then haste and bow thee at his feet. Come to God's altar ! oh draw near ! And gladly come ! for God is here ; 52 Come at the call of that kind voice, That bids thee in his love rejoice. Come to God's altar ! oh draw near ! With grateful praises gather here ; Your father calls, — your maker, friend, Oh come ! and in His presence bend. HYMN 29. Humility, [Medfield. C. M.] The violet on its slender stalk In humble beauty grows. And scarce above the garden walk, Its modest petals shows. Yet none more sweet or fragrant there In yonder summer bower ; — Oh who the lesson can declare. Taught by that gentle flower ? 53 It is the christian's emblem pure, A meek confiding heart ; A heavenly calm that shall endure, When earthly joys depart. HYMN 30. * In my Father's house are many mansions.^ [Rochester. C. M.] Jesus, who once dwelt here on earth. Before he rose on high ; Bequeathed to those of heavenly birth, ' A mansion in the sky.' Behold the promise of our Lord, On which we will rely ; To all my followers I'll award ' A mansion in the sky.' 54 In vain the toils, we here endure, In vain w^e strive and try To build our house, and not secure ' A mansion in the sky.' Teach us. Oh God, to seek thy face, To be prepared to die ; Then shall w^e find a resting-place, ' A mansion in the sky.' HYMN 3L Hymn for a Scholar at entering School, [Dover. S. M.] Lord! teach my heart to learn, Prepare my ears to hear, And let me on this Holy day. Thy Holy w^ord revere. 55 If unforgiven sin Within my bosom lies ; Or evil motives linger there, To offend thy perfect eyes, Remove them far away, Instruct me in thy love ; That I may walk with thee below, And live with thee above. HYMN 32. Humility. [Shoel. L. M.] Like to the modest tender flower, That lifts its unassuming head ; And stooping to the cold wind's power, Sinks gently to its humble bed ; 56 Like the sweet daisy of the hills, Unknown but to the birds of spring, That bends its slender stalk, and fills With dew, its buds, just blossoming. Thus meek and lowly may we bend. Submissive to our Father's will ; Thus may the dews of heaven descend, With grace and truth our hearts to fill. HYMN 33. The LordPs Prayer, [Brattle Street. C. M.] To Thee, great God, our prayers we bring. For thou hast kindly said ; Thou'lt not reject the offering, That's on Thine altar laid. 57 Oh hasten Lord the happy time, When all who dwell below, From Lapland's shores, to India's clime, Thy heavenly will shall know. Give us this day, our daily bread, Forgive our sins we pray ; Avert all dangers from our head. All evils from our way. And should we in temptation fall, Oh ihen, will Thou be near ; To hear when we in trouble call. And drive away our fear. And may the voice of man, Oh God, Be heard from every shore ; Ascribing power, and glory. Lord, To Thee, forever more. 6 58 HYMN 34. Sabbath Morning, C, M, * Thi/ will be done.^ Earth's busy sounds and ceaseless din Wake not the morning air, A holy calm should welcome in This solemn hour of prayer. Now peace, be still! unhallowed care Be hushed within my breast, A holy joy should welcome there This happy day of rest. Each better thought my spirit knows. Come all its breathings fill. And Thou from whom that spirit flows, O teach it all thy will. 69 Then shall this day which God has blest Hallow life's every hour ; Prepare me for that better rest, Eternal, perfect, sure. HYMN 35. ' Suffer little children to come unto me.^ [Sabbath Evening. 8's.] Upon the Jordan's healing flood Amid the people listening round, As he, the blessed Saviour, stood, The law and gospel to expound, A multitude did gather there, And pressed to hear the truths he taught ; And some, the priceless gifts to share. Their little children with them brought. 60 And on their offspring's heads they prayed That he his saving hands would lay; His followers then their purpose stay- ed, And bade them take the babes away. ' Forbid them not' the Saviour cried, ' But suffer them to come to me ; Until ye be as each of these My kingdom ye can never see.' O sing with soul-exulting joy The plighted promise of the Lord ! Let us our every hour employ To be these children of his word. 61 HYMN 36. The voyage of life, [12's.] When clouds of trouble cast their shadows o'er your way, Oh list to Jesus' voice, that bids you watch and pray ; That heavenly voice once still'd the raging of the wave, 'Twill be forever near, when called upon to save. And when oppressed wdth care, or nearly drowned with grief, Then pray to God above, and He will give relief; And ever keep in mind, as o'er life's waves you roll, The body's but the bark, whose treas- ure is the soul. 62 And when with care you watch for the mornmg from afar, Oh ne'er forget to look to Him, yom' morning star ; And ever follow Him, who will a har- bor show, Which you in peace may enter, where tempests never blow. Be always on your guard, keep clear from dangerous shoals. Which often prove the wreck of many thousand souls ; Avoid Temptation's rock, with ever studious care. Or soon you're swallowed up in the whirlpools of despair. 63 When the voyage of life is ended, and eternity draws near, May you hear a voice repeating ' be thou of good cheer ; Come ye v^eary voyagers to a heav- enly port above. And enter the Pacific of everlasting love.' HYMN 37. Reflection at the Grave of a Sunday School Scholar. [Watchman. S. M.] Come, see the grassy bed. Where our companion lies. And, 'mid your tears, remember well, His buried dust shall rise. 64 The seed that sown in earth Is hidden from the eye, At length puts forth the leaf, the bud, The flower of radiant dye. When wintry storms are past, Spring decks the verdant tree, — And at the resurrection morn Such shall his rising be. HYMN 38. [St Martin's. C. M.] I KNow^that earth is not the home. Where I must always stay ; I only here awhile shall roam. Until a brighter day. Earth is the school where I must learn To do my Father's will, 65 That when he calls me to return j I may be with him still. Here I must purify my heart, My selfishness subdue. Father, thy gracious aid impart, My strength, my power renew. That I may pure and holy rise To meet a Father's love, Far, far beyond the starry skies, In that bright home above. HYMN 39. Dismission Hymn, [Greenville. 8's & 7's.] Grant us, Lord, thy choicest blessing, Smile on all our efforts here ; Oh forgive us, though transgressing, May we each thy favor share. 66 When exposed to life's temptation, Guide us safe, from every snare, Keep us. Lord, by thy salvation, Guard us, w^ith thy watchful care. HYMN 40. The Lord, is risen indeed.^ [S. M.] Lord, may this little band Find favor in thy sight ; We seek for thine Almighty hand. To guide our steps aright. Wilt thou forgive each sin. Reclaim us w^hen astray, Oh guide our w^andering footsteps in Thy pure and holy w^ay. 67 HYMN 41. The Gifts of God, [LitcMeld. C. M.] How good and happy I should be Blessed with such watchful friends. How grateful, O my God, to thee, From whom each gift descends. *Tis thou who givest them to me, Who filPst their hearts with love. My gratitude I owe to thee. Father ! in heaven above. 'Tis thou who made the streams to flow So peaceful on their way. And bade the flowers around me grow In beautiful array. I love to see the sun arise. And spread his golden rays, 68 To watch the stars that deck the skies, And shine their maker's praise. And these are thine, Almighty power, Created all by thee ; And yet thou guardest every hour A little child like me. HYMN 42. Lay up for yourselves treasures m Heaven. [6's ife 5's.] In the freshness of youth. In childhood's first morn. While we gather life's roses. But see not the thorn ; While the sun shines so brightly. No clouds intervene. With storms of misfortune To darken the scene. 69 We'll lay up our treasures In mansions of light ; Where Time ne'er destroys them, Where change cannot blight ; There our hearts shall be also, And there when I die. May my soul live forever With Jesus on high. HYMN 43. [St Helen's. L. P. M.] O THOU whose constant love has shed Unnumbered blessings round my head ; Whose goodness and whose mighty power, Guard and defend me every hour ; To thee I come, in humble prayer, To ask for thy continued care. 70 Father ! 1 know the hour shall come, When thou shalt call thy children home ; May I so live through joy or wo — So do my duty here below — That when my time on earth shall cease, I may enjoy eternal peace. When trials come and sorrows rise To thee PU turn my suppliant eyes; For thou by thy protecting power Canst guard me through tempta- tion's hour, Canst turn my evil thoughts away, And keep me sinless through the day. To thee I come without one fear ; I know that thou dost always hear ; 71 That thou art ready to forgive, And lead me as I ought to live ; If I but seek to do thy will Thou art my watchful guardian still. HYMN 44. Divine Love and Protection, [Braintree. C. M.] My God, when memory turns to gaze On all the varied past, She sees 'twas love that marked thy ways, E'en when with gloom o'ercast. For oft have sweetest joys been sent, In disappointment's train ; And e'er the aching heart was rent, Some healing balsam came. 72 And oft the favorite wish denied, Has proved the greatest good ; And brightest pleasures been con- cealed, Beneath affliction's hood. Then let no murmuring thoughts arise. Nor doubts, nor fears depress ; For thou, my God, art good, and w^ise, And w^ilt in mercy bless. If we thy mild commands obey With unremitting care. And seek protection every day Through humble, fervent prayer. Then ev'n should friendship's tie be broke. And social comforts cease. An intercourse with heaven will bring A pure and lasting peace, 73 HYMN 45. On Time. [Rochester. C. M.] How very fast my years roll on, Each brings me nearer death ; And now another day has gone, Yet 1 have life and breath. Thou guardest through the midnight hour From every threatening ill ; For while I sleep, thy mighty power Is watching o'er me still. I wake to meet a parent's smile. To feel a parent's care ; Which all my little griefs beguile. And all my pleasures share. 74 Father ! accept my grateful praise And fill my heart with love, And grant, when here I end my days, A brighter home above. HYMN 46. The Knowledge of God, [St Ann's. C. M.] Father ! I love to read of thee. And learn of heaven above ; To hear what thou hast done for me, By thy unceasing love. To think that all this world contains Was made and formed by thee ; And yet the power which all sustains Has thought and care for me. That thou art ever kind and good. My constant blessings prove ; 75 My home, my friends, my daily food, Speak thy unfailing love. Father, I know each living thing Should sing its Maker's praise ; O let me then my tribute bring. And swell these sacred lays. HYMN 47. Evening Dismission Hymn. [Pilton. 7^s.] Grateful thanks, before we part. Father ! rise from every heart, For this blessed season given To prepare our souls for Heaven. Give the teachings of this hour, O'er our lives a guiding power ; Deep impress each saving truth On the wavering heart of youth » 76 Guide and guardian be, to each, 'Till that safer home we reach. Where — sweet sabbaths never o'er— We shall all meet and part no more. HYMN 48. Closing Hymn, [The Lord is risen indeed. S. M.] The sun is in the west. How mild his every beam, How broadly e'er he sinks to rest He throws his parting gleam. Then Father hear us now. That when our day is done, A smile like his be on each brow, A welcome from thy throne. 77 HYMN 49. Gratitude to God. [Sicilian Hymii.] God, our father, our preserver, Guide and guardian of our youth ; We adore, with grateful fervor. Thy enduring love and truth. Thou, O father, showerest kindly, Gifts unnumbered on our days ; May we ne'er o'erlook them blindly. May we ne'er forget thy praise. Nature's face for us is smiling. Seas and skies for us are bright ; Melodies our hearts beguiling. Fill the woods with new delight. Vain were sights and sounds of glad- ness. Vain were nature's cheering tone ; 78 If our souls were lock'd in sadness. Or our lively senses flown. Life and health in full enjoyment, Active minds and senses free, All which gives our powers employ- ment, Heavenly Parent, come from thee. Ever, Father, we adore thee. For the bounties thou hast given ; May these blessings, we implore thee. Fit us for our home in Heaven. HYMN 50. Faith, [Billing's Jordan. C. M.] There is a flower, a holy one. That blossoms on my path, 79 No need of dew or daily sun, Or falling showers it hath ; It blooms as brightly on the storm, As on the cloudless day. And rears unharmed its humble form. When others fade away. That plant is Faith ; its holy leaves Reviving odors shed Upon the lowly place of grief, Or mansions of the dead. God is its sun ; his living light In happy hours he lends, And silently in sorrow's night Religion's dew descends. Plant of my soul, be fading things. By other hands carest, But through life's weary wanderings, I'll bear thee in my breast; 80 And when the icy power shall chill The fountains of my breath ; Thy loveliness shall cheer me still ; Ee'n in the hour of death. HYMN 51. On the Death of a Scholar, [12's.] He has gone to the home of the an- gels on high, Where the sins of this world are for- given ; Oh why should we wish to detain from the sky, A soul so well fitted for heaven. 'Tis truie that on earth we shall see him no more, No more will he greet us with kind- ness ; 81 But let us not hopeless his absence deplore, Nor murmur 'gainst God, in our blind- ness. We'll never forget, as we gaze on the sky, 'Tis the dwelling of him, who will love us With feelings e'en purer than earth could supply, In the mansions of light far above us. Let us trust in that power which is ready to save. And banish all trouble and sorrow ; For tranquil and short is the sleep of the grave. We shall meet him again on the mor- row. 8 82 HYMN 52. Weep not that death hath called away A spirit to its home ; It hath but burst the bonds of clay, In heavenly fields to roam. Oh ! surely he who soonest leaves This pilgrimage of pains, — And the all-glorious crown receives, Where Christ forever reigns, — Is happier than the earth-clad one, (Child of misfortune's frown,) Whose feeble head hath but begun, To wear life's thorny crown. And they who rest beneath the sod. In youth's unsullied day ; These are the dearly loved of God, From sorrow called away. 83 HYMN 53. Father of mercies ! God of love, Our Maker and our sovereign King, Bend from thy heavenly throne above, And bless thy children while we sing. Inspire our feeble tongues with skill. The wonders of thy works to praise, And give our infant minds the will. To walk in wisdom's peaceful ways. And may we never, Lord, in youth. Thy heavenly precepts disobey ; Or leave the pleasant path of truth. In sin's deceitful ways to stray. So shalt thou grant thy children strength, The varied ills of life to bear ; Receive our souls in heaven at length. To live with thee forever there. 84 HYMN 54. Father of life ! we raise To Thee a parting song, And ask thy saving grace Upon the youthful throng ; Let thy pure sun upon us shine, And light our way with truth divine. May what we here have heard. Lead us to worship thee ; Let thy most holy word. Our guide and comfort be ; And may thy spirit from above Descend and fill our souls with love. And when we hence depart. Where we have learned thy name. Preserve each youthful heart Unstained by sin or shame ; 85 Guide in thy path our feeble feet, And keep us till again we meet. HYMN 55. God o'er the universe presides, The planets in their courses guides. And rules them by his will ; And when the wind the forests shake. Or storms upon the ocean break, Commands — and they are still. His light illumines every star, That beams in evening skies afar, Bright as an angel's eyes ; With guardian care he watches all. When bonds of sleep each sense en- thral, And earth in darkness lies. 86 Whene'er on life's dark ocean driven, We raise our humble prayer to heaven, ' Lord help us in our need !' He shall rebuke the stormy wave, Save us from sin and sorrow's grave, And make us blest indeed. HYMN 56. Gratitude. [Missionaiy Hymn.] We come great God with gladness, Our humble thanks to bring ; With hearts yet free from sadness. Our hymns of praise we sing ; Fruits, flowers, for us are glowing ^^ In plenty round the land ; Like streams of bounty flowing Come mercies from thy hand. 87 Health, peace, and joy attend us, Kind friends are ever near ; And thou oh God doth send us, These gifts, these friends, so dear ; And still we in our blindness. Enjoy, but disobey ; And yet thou in thy kindness, Turn'st not these gifts away. And now in childhood's morning, Our hymns to thee we raise ; Thy love our lives adorning, Shall fill our hearts with praise. Thy will henceforth forever Shall be our constant guide. From that straight path, oh never, May our footsteps turn aside. 88 HYMN 57. When shall we all meet again ? And join once more the blissful strain Of praise to Him whose guardian care Has kept us safe from every snare ; We'll ask of Him, nor ask in vain, To guide us till we meet again. Some may leave their happy home, Afar in foreign lands to roam ; Should they e'er turn from wis- dom's way, To go in pleasure's paths astray. Preserve them, Lord, from sin's dark stain. And call the wanderers back again. 89 Disease may fall on some, whose brow, Shows naught but health and beauty now ; And trouble come, and sorrow's dart May wound the brightest, gayest heart ; We ask of Thee to heal the pain, And bid their souls rejoice again. But should we meet again no more, Till life's poor wanderings are o'er ; When death shall summon us, oh may He find us in that narrow way, That leads to that bright heavenly plain Where we all shall meet again. PRAYERS. [The prayers are divided into short sentences, for the purpose of having each sentence separately read by the superintendent, and repeated by the children.] Worship. Our Father who art in heaven! Thou art the greatest and best of all beings. We pray that we may know Thee and love Thee. We thank Thee that Thou dost let us call Thee our Father. May we live as thy children, who are always in thy sight, should live. We thank Thee that Thou hast sent Jesus Christ to be our Teacher and Friend. Oh may we learn of him, and try to be like him. We thank Thee that we meet here this morning to be made wiser and better. We pray that Thou wilt help us to think and do right here and every where. Wilt Thou, O God, forgive all that has been wrong in us ; and hear us in our pray- ers for thy own goodness' sake. Amen. 91 General Supplication. O God! We thank Thee for this clay. The sun as it shines tells us that Thou art good. The air that we breathe is thy gift. Our bodies are thine, for Thou hast made us. Our souls are thine, for Thou hast given us understanding. We thank Thee, our Father, for all thy blessings. O may we love Thee every day more and more ; and as we love Thee more, may we be more obedient to thy will. We rejoice that Thou hast taught us thy will by Jesus Christ, thy dear Son. May we learn of him, and do as he said, and be like him who was like Thee in his goodness. We have learn- ed through him to pray that Thou wilt for- give our sins ; O forgive them for thy mercy's sake. And now. Heavenly Father, that we have come together for Christian instruction, let us have thy bles- sing. Let us be made wiser and better by what we shall say and hear. And thine be all the glory. Amen. 92 Reverence — Piety. Our Father who art in heaven ! We seek Thee in prayer. Let us feel that Thou art with us, though we see Thee not. Thou art not seen by the bodily eye ; but the mind beholds Thee, and Thou dwel- lest within the humble and obedient heart. May thy greatness fill us with rever- ence, that we may stand in awe and sin not. We desire to know Thee. Let us grow in the knowledge of Thee. And let this knowledge make us happy. Let it keep us from all fear, and all evil. Let us become thy dear children, who shall think of Thee with delight and always trust in Thee. We are glad and thankful that Jesus Christ came to teach us how great and how good Thou art. We pray that his words may abide in our memo- ries, and his spirit dwell in our hearts. We pray that we may feel the excellence of his teaching and of his character. May we here learn to understand better what he 93 said, and to resemble him ; that we may be happy with him forever. And thine be all the praise and glory. Amen. Gratitude. God of love ! We thank Thee that anoth- er morning has called us from our homes to this place. We thank Thee for our homes, for our tender parents, for our kind friends, for all who love us and do us good. Every friend and every blessing is given us by Thee, who hast made every thing, and whose goodness has no end. We thank Thee for the teachers who meet us here, for the truths we here learn, and for the pleasure we here en- joy. Thou hast given us our birth and education in a Christian land. Thou didst send thy Son to bless us with the blessings of the mind and heart, that may always be ours. Grant us, Heavenly Father, thy continual help, that we may live as we ought to live in the midst of so many things to make us good and happy. 94 Bless all of us, we beseech Thee. We pray for one another. May those who teach be taught by Thee. May those who come to learn, get instruction that may guide them in all their duties. May thy care and thy love be with our friends. And may we all enjoy thy goodness here and forever. Amen. Penitoice. Oh God, our Heavenly Father ! Hear us when we pray to Thee. We need thy forgiveness and thy help. We have done many things which we knew to be wrong. We have not loved Thee so much as we ought. We have had bad thoughts and feelings, for which we are sor- ry, and we beseech Thee to forgive us. Oh that we may always try to do right. Teach us, Merciful God, that we may know our duty. And assist us, that we may do it. May we watch over our- selves, and keep our hearts from evil. May we remember that Thou seest us, and 95 knowest all things. May we resist every temptation to do wrong. May the fear and the love of Thee dwell togeth- er ill our hearts. We thank Thee that we have immortal souls, that may be prepared for heaven by repentance and obedience. Let us so live in this world that we may be happy forever. Let the instruction which we receive in this place have an influence on our characters and lives. Let us enjoy thy favor here, and hereafter. And all the praise shall bo to thy mercy, in which we have learned to trust through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Amen. Jesus Christ. Gracious God ! We call on Thee as our Father. For Jesus Christ has taught us when we pray, to say. Our Father, who art in heaven. We thank Thee that Thou didst so love the world as to send thy dear Son to save the world from error and sin. We rejoice that we have 96 heard of thy truth and mercy through Jesus Christ. May we learn of him who spoke and did according to thy will, and who lived and died for our good. May we be like him in his gentleness, his humility, his love of others, and his love of Thee. May we grow more like him every day that we live. May his life seem to us as true, and his character as beautiful, as they were. Oh help us, our Father, to remember and honor the Saviour whom Thou hast given us. When we come to this place to read and hear about him, may we bring teachable minds and open hearts. May we enjoy the hour that we spend here, and go away with good thoughts and good feelings. May we strive to be good as long as we live. And when we die, may we be wel- comed by Jesus Christ to the mansions which he has gone to prepare. Amen. FROM THE LIBRARY OF REV. LOUIS FITZGERALD BENSON. D. D. BEQUEATHED BY HIM TO THE LIBRARY OF PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY