The great Apostle gave command

1 The great Apostle gave command,
Let ev'ry Church in order stand;
Good regulations must be made,
And be by all the Church obey'd.

2 To answer that, so good effect,
Saint Paul himself thus did direct:
To order Deacons ev'ry where,
Who should that sacred office bear.

3 Let such who act the faithful part,
And have the cause of Christ at heart,
And such as are of good repute,
That needful office execute.

4 Is it their aim in all they do,
To raise the Saviour's Church below!
Their faithful labours will be blest,
And Jesus' kingdom be increas'd.

5 Dear Lord be with thy spirit near,
While we ordain these brethren here;
May zeal and knowledge, love and grace,
Prepare and fit them for that place.

6 Be thou their counsel when they need,
Their conduct bless, their labours speed;
O may they be of greatest worth,
To aid and build thy church on earth.

Source: Church Hymn Book: consisting of newly composed hymns with the addition of hymns and psalms, from other authors, carefully adapted for the use of public worship, and many other occasions (1st ed.) #CLXVIII