James Montgomery

On the Appointment of a Minister. -- Phil. ii.29.

We bid thee welcome in the Name

Of Jesus, our exalted Head;

Come as a servant, so He came,

And we receive thee in His stead.

Come as a shepherd; guard and keep

This fold from hell, and earth, and sin;

Nourish the lambs, and feed the sheep,

The wounded heal, the lost bring in.

Come as a watchman; take thy stand

Upon thy tower amidst the sky;

And when the sword comes on the land,

Call us to fight, or warn to fly.

Come as an angel, hence to guide

A band of pilgrims on their way,

That, safely walking at thy side,

We fail not, faint not, turn, nor stray.

Come as a teacher sent from God,

Charged His whole counsel to declare;

Lift o'er our ranks the prophet's rod,

While we uphold thy hands with prayer.

Come as a messenger of peace,

Fill'd with the Spirit, fired with love;

Live to behold our large increase,

And die to meet us all above.