4 Think of my prayers on Olivet, My musings by the sea; And though the heavy chain may bind, That truth shall make you free. 386. L. M. * Ordination. 1 Thy servant's sandals, Lord, are wet With Jordan's wave but lately met, And in that sacred river fall The olden thoughts, the spirit's pall. 2 He stands upon the holy land, And angels take his trustful hand; The Jordan sanctifies his breast, And Christ now leads him to his rest. 3 His rest? his battle! he must win Fair Zion's gate through ranks of sin; Why are these words, this solemn show, If sin be not his deadly foe? 4 There gathers here no heavenly host; No fiery tongues of Pentecost,-- No gentle dove with winnowing wings The spirit to thy servant brings. 5 The still, small voice hath called him here, And thus is God himself most near:-- My people, lift your hearts in prayer, And keep your God forever there. 387. S. M. Drummond. A Public Fast. 1 "Is this a fast for me?" Thus saith the Lord our God; "A day for man to vex his soul, And feel affliction's rod? 2 "No; is not this alone The sacred fast I choose: Oppression's yoke to burst in twain, The bands of guilt unloose? 3 "To nakedness and want Your food and raiment deal, To dwell your kindred race among, And all their sufferings heal? 4 "Then, like the morning ray, Shall spring your health and light; Before you, righteousness shall shine, Around, my glory bright!" 388. 7 & 6s. M. Italian. Prayer of a Stricken People. 1 O Thou, whose power stupendous Upholds the earth and sky, Thy grace preserving send us,-- To Thee, O Lord! we cry. 2 From wilds of fearful error, Wherein we darkly stray, Oppressed with doubt and terror, For saving aid we pray. 3 O God of mercy, hear us! Our pain, our sorrow, see; Thy healing pity spare us, And bring us home to Thee! 389. 6s. M. Anonymous. The New Year. 1 Joy! joy! a year is born; A year to man is given, For hope, and peace, and love, For faith, and truth, and heaven. Though earth be dark with care, With death and sorrow rife, Yet toil, and pain, and prayer, Lead to our higher life. 2 Behold, the fields are white! No longer idly stand! Go forth in love and might; Man needs thy helping hand. Thus may each day and year To prayer and toil be given, Till man to God draw near, And earth become like heaven. 390. C. M. Gaskell.