Many centuries have fled

1 Many centuries have fled
Since our Saviour broke the bread,
And this sacred feast ordained,
Ever by his church retained:
Those his body who discern,
Thus shall meet till his return.

2 Through the church's long eclipse,
When, from priest or pastor's lips,
Truth divine was never heard--
'Mid the famine of the word,
Still these symbols witness gave
To his love who died to save.

3 All who bear the Saviour's name,
Here their common faith proclaim;
Though diverse in tongue and rite,
Here, one body we unite;
Breaking thus one mystic bread,
Members of one common bread.

4 Come, the blessed emblems share,
Which the Saviour's death declare;
Come, on truth immortal feed;
For his flesh is meat indeed:
Saviour! witness with the sign,
That our ransomed souls are thine.

Source: The Voice of Praise: a collection of hymns for the use of the Methodist Church #492