Young Christian's first lesson-book/Lesson Sixteen

by Philip Doddridge

LESSON XVI.

Of the Means of Grace which God has appointed

WHAT kind proviſion God has made,
That we may ſafe to heav'n be led!
For this the prophets preach'd and wrote,
For this the blets'd apoſtles taught,
Taught, as that Spirit did inſpire
Who fell from heav'n in tongues of fire,
And gave them languages unknown,
That diſtant lands his grace might own.
His hand has kept the ſacred page
Secure from man's and devil's rage.

⁠For this he churches did ordain,
His truth and worſhip to maintain:
For this he paſtures did provide.
In thoſe aſsemblies to preſide:
And from the round of common days
Mark'd out our Sabbaths to his praiſe.
Delightful day, when Chriſtians meet,
To hear, to pray, and ſing, how ſweet!

⁠For this he gives in ſolemn days,
Appointed tokens of his grace;
In ſacramental pledges there.
His ſoldiers to their general ſwear.
Baptiz'd into one common Lord,
They joyful meet around his board;
Honour the orders of his houſe.
And ſpeak their love, and ſeal their vows.