Hymnal: Hymns, Selected and Original #566 (1828) Meter: 8.8.8.8 Lyrics: 1 Father of mercies, in thy house
Smile on our homage and our vows;
While with a grateful heart we share
These pledges of our Saviour's care.
2 The Saviour, when to heaven he rose
In splendid triumph o'er his foes,
Scatter'd his gifts on men below,
And wide his royal bounties flow.
3 Hence sprung th'Apostles' honour'd name,
Sacred beyond heroic fame;
In lowlier form to bless our eyes,
Pastors from hence, and teachers rise.
4 From Christ their varied gifts derive,
And fed by Christ their graces live;
While guarded by his potent hand,
'Midst all the rage of hell they stand.
5 So shall the bright succession run
Through the last courses of the sun;
While unborn churches by their care
Shall rise and flourish large and fair.
6 Jesus our Lord their hearts shall know,
The spring whence all these blessing flow;
Pastors and people shout his praise
Through the long round of endless days.
Topics: Kingdom and Church of Christ Ordination and Licensure; The Institution of a Gospel Ministry from Christ Scripture: Ephesians 4:8
Father of mercies, in thy house