1 Forth from the dark and stormy sky, Lord, to thine altar's shade we fly; Forth from the world, its hope and fear, Father, we seek thy shelter here: Weary and weak, thy grace we pray; Turn not, O Lord, thy guests away. 2 Long have we roamed in want and pain; Long have we sought thy rest in vain; Wildered in doubt, in darkness lost, Long have our souls been tempest-tost: Low at thy feet our sins we lay; Turn not, O Lord, thy guests away. 25. 11s. M. Edmeston. The House of God. 1 There's a refuge of peace from the tempests that beat, From the dark clouds that threaten, the wild wind that blows; A holy, a sweet and a lovely retreat, A spring of refreshment, a place of repose. 2 'Tis the house of my God, 'tis the dwelling of prayer, The temple all hallowed by blessing and praise; If sorrow and faithlessness conquer me, there My heart to the throne of his grace I can raise. 3 For a refuge like this, ah, what praises are due! For a rest so serene, for a covert so fair: Ah, why are the seasons of worship so few? And why are so seldom the meetings of prayer? 26. 8 & 7s. M. J. Taylor. The Fount of Blessing. 1 Far from mortal cares retreating, Sordid hopes, and vain desires, Here our willing footsteps meeting, Every heart to heaven aspires. 2 From the fount of glory beaming, Light celestial cheers our eyes, Mercy from above proclaiming Peace and pardon from the skies. 3 Who may share this great salvation? Every pure and humble mind, Every kindred, tongue, and nation, From the stains of guilt refined. 4 Blessings all around bestowing, God withholds his care from none, Grace and mercy ever flowing From the fountain of his throne. 27. C. M. Newton. A Blessing sought. 1 Great Shepherd of thy people, hear; Thy presence now display; We kneel within thy house of prayer; O, give us hearts to pray. 2 The clouds which veil thee from our sight, In pity, Lord, remove; Dispose our minds to hear aright The message of thy love. 3 Help us, with holy fear and joy, To kneel before thy face; O, make us, creatures of thy power, The children of thy grace. 28. 7s. M. J. Taylor. Preparation for Worship. 1 Lord, before thy presence come, Bow we down with holy fear; Call our erring footsteps home, Let us feel that thou art near. 2 Wandering thoughts and languid powers Come not where devotion kneels; Let the soul expand her stores, Glowing with the joy she feels. 3 At the portals of thine house, We resign our earth-born cares; Nobler thoughts our souls engross, Songs of praise and fervent prayers. 29. C. M. Rippon's Coll.