Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
1 Corinthians 4:1–2
Words: James Montgomery, The Christian Psalmist (Glasgow, Scotland: Chalmers & Collins, 1825), page 424. On the appointment of a minister.
Music: Keble John B. Dykes, 1875 (🔊 pdf nwc).
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 world 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,
Filled with the Spirit, fired with love;
Live to behold our large increase
And die to meet us all above.