S. M

425

Saturday Evening.

1 THE hours of evening close;

Its lengthened shadows, drawn
O'er scenes of earth, invite repose,

And wait the Sabbath dawn.

2 So let its calm prevail

O'er forms of outward care;

Nor thought for "many things" assail
The still retreat of prayer.

3 Our guardian Shepherd near

His watchful eye will keep;

And, safe from violence and fear,
Will fold his flock to sleep.

4 So may a holier light

Than earth's our spirits rouse,

And call us, strengthened by his might,
Το pay the Lord our vows.

1 SWEET is the light of Sabbath eve,
And soft the sunbeams lingering there;
For these blest hours, the world I leave,
Wafted on wings of faith and prayer.

2 The time how lovely and how still;

Peace shines and smiles on all below

L. M.

The plain, the stream, the wood, the hill-
All fair with evening's setting glow.

3 Season of rest, the tranquil soul

Feels the sweet calm, and melts to love-
And while these sacred moments roll,
Faith sees the smiling heaven above.

4 Nor will our days of toil be long,
Our pilgrimage will soon be trod;
And we shall join the ceaseless song-
The endless Sabbath of our God.

1 SOFTLY fades the twilight ray Of the holy Sabbath day;

Gently as life's setting sun,

When the Christian's course is run.

2 Peace is on the world abroad;
'Tis the holy peace of God,-
Symbol of the peace within,
When the spirit rests from sin.

3 Still the Spirit lingers near,
Where the evening worshipper
Seeks communion with the skies,
Pressing onward to the prize.

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4 Saviour, may our Sabbaths be Days of peace and joy in thee; Till in heaven our souls repose,

Where the Sabbath ne'er shall close.

428

The Lord's Prayer.

1 OUR Heavenly Father, hear

The prayer we offer now;

Thy name be hallowed far and near,

To thee all nations bow.

2 Thy kingdom come; thy will
On earth be done in love,
As saints and seraphim fulfil
Thy perfect law above.

3 Our daily bread supply,

While by thy word we live;
The guilt of our iniquity,
Forgive as we forgive.

4 From dark temptation's power,
From Satan's wiles defend,

Deliver in the evil hour,

And guide us to the end.

5 Thine then for ever be

Glory and power divine;

The sceptre, throne, and majesty

Of heaven and earth are thine.

S. M.

6 Thus humbly taught to pray

By thy beloved Son,

Through him we come to thee, and say
All for his sake be done.

429

Prayer of Parents for their Children.
1 SHEPHERD of the fold of God,
Who hast bought us by thy blood,
Make these little ones thy care,
Keep their hearts from every snare;
Bid them see thy heavenly charms,
Fold them in thy gracious arms.

2 Shepherd of the fold of God,
Who the vale of sorrows trod,
Once thyself a little child,
Holy, harmless, undefiled,
Now these waiting children see,
Cause them to resemble thee.

3 Shepherd of the fold of God,
Hear us from thy high abode;
For these lambs to thee we cry:
Let them on thy grace rely;
Let their follies be forgiven,

Fit them for the bliss of heaven.

7s.

1 WHEREVER two or three may meet,
To worship in thy name,
Bending beneath thy mercy-seat,
This promise they may claim:
2 Jesus in love will condescend
To bless the hallowed place;
The Saviour will himself attend,
And show his smiling face.

3 How bright the assurance! gracious Lord, Fountain of peace and love,

Fulfil to us thy precious word,

Thy loving-kindness prove.

4 Our offspring to thine arms we bring;
Receive our infant race;

O tune their lips thy love to sing,
And fill their hearts with grace.

1 BEFORE thy footstool kneeling,
To thee, O Lord, we cry;
While for thy gift of healing
We raise our voice on high:
Diseases and afflictions

Thy ready servants are;
Chastisements and corrections

To quicken us in prayer.

C. M.

7s & 6s.