Deacons…must be men worthy of respect, not double-tongued, not addicted to wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.
1 Timothy 3:8
Words: George B. Ide, The Baptist Harp (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: American Baptist Publication Society, 1849), number 494.
Music: Manoah, arranged from Gioachino A. Rossini (1792–1868) in Collection of Church Music, by Henry W. Greatorex, 1851 (🔊 pdf nwc).
Vouchsafe, O Lord, Thy presence now,
Direct us in Thy fear;
Before Thy throne we humbly bow,
And offer fervent prayer.
Give us the men whom Thou shalt choose,
Thy house on earth to guide;
Those who shall ne’er their power abuse,
Or rule with haughty pride.
Inspired with wisdom from above,
And with discretion blest;
Displaying meekness, temperance, love,
Of every grace possessed.
These are the men we seek of Thee,
O God of righteousness;
Such may our deacons ever be,
With such Thy people blest.