BURIAL OF THE DEAD.
With patient uncomplaining love, Still would I cling to Thee.
Oft when I seem to tread alone Some barren waste with thorns o'ergrown,
A Voice of love in gentlest tone
Whispers," Still cling to Me." Though faith and hope awhile be tried, I ask not, need not, aught beside; How safe, how calm, how satisfied, The souls that cling to Thee!
I would rather walk with Him by faith,
Than walk alone by sight. Amen. They fear not life's rough storms to
535 Is
brave,
thy cruse of comfort wasting? Haste its failing drops to share, And through all the years of famine Thou shalt still have drops to spare. Love divine will fill thy storehouse, Or thy handful still renew; Scanty fare for one will often Make a royal feast for two.
THE ORDER FOR THE
Then it may be He has waiting For the coming of my feet Some gift of such rare blessedness, Some joy so passing sweet, That my lips shall only tremble With the thanks they cannot repeat. I journey on not knowing;
I would not, if I might:
[ God,
I would rather walk in the dark with Than walk alone in the light;
[ save; Since Thou art near and strong to Nor shudder e'en at death's dark wave, Blest is my lot, whate'er befall: Because they cling to Thee. What can disturb me, who appal,[ all, While, as my strength, my rock, my Saviour, I cling to Thee? Amen.
For the heart grows rich in giving; 537 0 SAVIOUR, I have nought to
plead,
is living Seeds, which mildew in the garner, Scatter'd fill with gold the plain. Is thy burden hard and heavy?
In earth beneath or heaven above, But just my own exceeding need And Thy exceeding love.
Do thy steps drag wearily? Help to bear thy brother's burden; God will bear both it and thee. Numb and weary on the mountains, Wouldst thou sleep amidst the snow? Chafe that frozen form beside thee,
And together both shall glow. Art thou stricken in life's battle? Many wounded round thee moan; Lavish on their wounds thy balsams, And that balm shall heal thine own. Is the heart a well left empty?
None but God its void can fill; Nothing but a ceaseless fountain Can its ceaseless longings still. Is the heart a living power? Self- entwined, its strength sinks It can only live in loving, And by serving love will grow. 536 0 HOLY Saviour, Friend un
[ low,
Amen.
seen,
The need will soon be past and gone, Exceeding great but quickly o'er: The love unbought is all Thine own And lasts for evermore. Amen.
The Communion of the Sick. 538 THE sun is set, the twilight's
o'er,
The night- dews fall like rain: A Prince stands at a suppliant's door, And knocks, and knocks again.
I slumber; but my heart is moved With joy and holy fear:
" Is it Thy footstep, O beloved, Thy hand, Thy voice, I hear? " Tis I, thy Lord, who stand and wait
Beneath the darkening sky: Arise, unbar, unclose the gate, Fear nothing; it is I.
The bread of life is in My hand;
The wine of heaven I bring: Fulfil My tenderest last command: Thy bridegroom is thy King. Eat, drink; and muse in loving trust, The while I sup with thee,[ must If this be heaven on earth, what My bridal banquet be." Amen.
The faint, the weak on Thee may lean: Help me, throughout life's varying By faith to cling to Thee.[ scene, Blest with communion so divine, Take what Thou wilt, shall I repine, When, as the branches to the vine, My soul may cling to Thee? Far from her home, fatigued, opprest, Here she has found a place of rest; An exile still, yet not unblest,
The Order for the Burial of the Dead.
While she can cling to Thee.
What though the world deceitful 539 THOU art gone to the grave;
but we will not deplore thee,[ compass the tomb;
prove,
And earthly friends and joya remove, Though sorrows and darkness en
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