I love them that love Me; and those that seek Me early shall find Me.
Proverbs 8:17
Words: Vincent S. S. Coles, 1871. Coles, Curate at Wantage, used to have large confirmation classes for young people, and it was for them that he wrote this hymn.
Music: Dies Dominica John B. Dykes, in the Anglican Hymn Book, 1871 (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tune:
If you know where to get a good photo of Coles (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
We pray Thee, heavenly Father,
To hear us in Thy love,
And pour upon Thy children
The unction from above;
That so in love abiding,
From all defilement free,
We may in pureness offer
Our Eucharist to Thee.
Be Thou our guide and helper,
O Jesu Christ, we pray;
So may we well approach Thee,
If Thou wilt be the way:
Thou, very truth, hast promised
To help us in our strife,
Food of the weary pilgrim,
Eternal source of life.
And Thou, Creator Spirit,
Look on us, we are Thine;
Renew us in Thy graces,
Upon our darkness shine;
That, with Thy benediction,
Upon our souls outpoured,
We may receive in gladness
The body of the Lord.
O Trinity of Persons!
O Unity most high!
On Thee alone relying
Thy servants would draw nigh;
Unworthy in our weakness,
On Thee our hope is stayed,
And blest by Thy forgiveness
We will not be afraid.