Hymns For Ordination And Installation Xi Poem by John Pierpont

MINISTER,

-solo.

To thine altar, Holy One,
Who dost now this temple fill,
As a servant of thy Son,
'Lo, I come to do thy will.'


PEOPLE,

-full choir.

Father! let thy servant's prayer
From thine altar rise to thee!
Make his body's health thy care;
Keep his spirit pure and free!


MINISTER.

To this people would I give
What of strength and light is mine;
But, Lord, that their souls may live,
Give them light and strength divine!


PEOPLE.

On our youthful pastor's head
Let thy holy spirit fall!
Send thy blessing with the bread
That he breaketh for us all!


MINISTER.

When my hands that bread shall break,
In thy sight may they be clean!
When my lips for thee shall speak,
Let their truth by thee be seen!


PEOPLE.

And when truth, from lips sincere,
To our listening ears shall come,
May it meet a welcome here!
Give it in our hearts a home.


MINISTER.

When my hands no more are spread,
For this people, towards thy throne,
Place a worthier in my stead!
Father, leave them not alone!


PEOPLE.

Father! in that solemn hour,
When his spirit leaves its clay,
Take him, by the Gospel's power,
To his rest in endless day.