Scripture Verse

Let Thy priests be clothed with righteousness. Psalm 132:9

Introduction

portrait
James Montgomery
(1771–1854)
National Portrait Gallery

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Words: James Mont­go­me­ry, 1833.

Music: Lud­bo­rough Ti­mo­thy R. Mat­thews, in Church Hymns with Tunes, ed­it­ed by Ar­thur S. Sul­li­van (Lon­don: So­ci­ety for Pro­mot­ing Chris­tian Know­ledge, 1874), page 12 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tune:

Lyrics

illustration
Aaron Consecrated
as High Priest
B. Barnards

Lord, pour Thy Spir­it from on high,
And Thine ordainèd servants bless;
Graces and gifts to each supply,
And clothe Thy priests with right­eous­ness.

Within Thy temple when they stand,
To teach the truth as taught by Thee,
Savior, like stars in Thy right hand,
Let all Thy Church’s pastors be.

Wisdom, and zeal, and faith impart,
Firmness with meekness, from above,
To hear Thy people in their heart,
And love the souls whom Thou dost love.

To watch, and pray, and ne­ver faint,
By day and night their guard to keep,
To warn the sinner, cheer the saint,
To feed Thy lambs, and tend Thy sheep.

So, when their work is finished here,
May they in hope their charge resign;
So, when their Mas­ter shall appear,
May they with crowns of glo­ry shine.