John Newton Bicentenary service
St Peter's & St Paul's Church, Olney
Friday 21st December 2007, 7.30 pm
Welcome & Notices: Philip Davies
Hymn Introduction: Elizabeth Knight
In 1764 the Rev. John Newton was appointed curate in charge of this church. And like most people moving to a new place, as he wrote to a friend, ‘went to Olney to take a glance at the place and the people’. Unfortunately, we do not have a record of his first impressions!
However, Newton’s Diary records he preached his first sermons here on Sunday, 27th May: ‘Opened my commission at Olney…. Blessed be God for ennobling me and honouring me thus far. I find a cordial reception amongst those who know the truth, but many are far otherwise minded. I desire to be faithful and honest, and patiently to pursue the path of duty through both good and ill report.’
Newton was an unusual minister of the gospel for his day in that he associated with his congregation of townspeople, and particularly the poor lacemakers. He conceived the idea of teaching them their Bible by writing hymns to accompany the prayer meetings he established in people’s homes, and were sometimes written to reflect upon his sermons.
Later, in 1771, he took the notion of publishing these hymns he and his friend, William Cowper, the poet, had written, but because of Cowper’s occasional periods of melancholy, the project took much longer than expected, and explains why of the 348 hymns, Cowper’s contribution was only 67, while Newton’s was 281! In the publication known as The Olney Hymns, Newton generously indicated those written by his friend with a capital C alongside the title of the hymn.
The numbers attending the prayer-meetings increased, including the one in Molly Mole’s house, which Newton called ‘the Mole Hill’, and in 1769 in a letter to his friend, Captain Clunie, Newton wrote: ‘We are going to remove our prayer-meeting to the great room in the Great House, which I know not if you have seen.’ (A large house situated between the church on the south side and the Mill Stream, in what is now the Mill House Garden.) ‘We proposed to open it next Tuesday evening; but if the present sharp weather continues, we may perhaps defer it a week longer. It is a noble place, with a parlour behind it, and olds one hundred and thirty people conveniently. Pray for us, that the Lord may be in the midst of us there.’
Two hymns were written for the occasion, one by Cowper and one by Newton. We still sing Cowper’s ‘Jesus where’er thy people meet’, but Newton’s has been forgotten. It was subtitled, ‘On opening a place for social prayer’. Tonight, we will bring it to bring it to life again, as the words are still so appropriate for a House Group Meeting.
Let us stand to sing, ‘O Lord, our languid souls inspire’
Hymn: On opening a place for social prayer.
O LORD, our languid souls inspire,
For here, we trust, thou art!
Send down a coal of heavenly fire,
To warm each waiting heart.
Dear Shepherd of thy people, hear,
Thy presence now display;
As thou hast given a place for prayer,
So give us hearts to pray.
Show us some token of thy love,
Our fainting hope to raise;
And pour thy blessings from above,
That we may render praise.
Within there walls let holy peace,
And love, and concord dwell;
Here give the troubled conscience ease,
The wounded spirit heal.
The feeling heart, the melting eye,
The humble mind bestow;
And shine upon us from on high,
To make our graces grow!
May we in faith receive thy word,
In faith present our prayers;
And, in the presence of our Lord,
Unbosom all our cares.
And may the gospel's joyful sound
Enforced by mighty grace,
Awaken many sinners round,
To come and fill the place.
[Olney Hymns, Book 2, Hymn 101]
Old Testament Reading: Joan Lewry
Genesis 8
Hymn Introduction: Basil Margrave
John Newton appears to have written the hymn “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds” to accompany his sermon which took for the text
Because of the savour of thy good ointments
Thy name is as ointment poured forth …
John Newton began his sermon by saying ‘A chief part of this little book’ (meaning the Song of Solomon), ‘is an attempt to answer that question: What is thy beloved more than another beloved?’
Newton continues, speaking personally, ‘I knew nothing about the fear of God. I never had a hearty desire to keep his commandments, till I began to know a little of Christ. I was starving and he fed me, I was sick and he visited me, I was naked, destitute of all good, and he clothed me with his own righteousness; I was shut up in the prison of sin and he came and burst open the doors and set me at liberty. How great is his goodness; how great is His beauty.’
The sermon continued by enquiring what is meant by Jesus’ name, why it can be compared to ointment and how this ointment can be poured forth. Newton gave the meaning of Jesus’ name as a Saviour, A Mediator and A Husband.
In comparing Jesus’ name to ointment he said some ointments were for healing. In his words, ‘Applied to wounds and bruises and putrefying sores. Now the sinner when he is awakened and comes to himself, finds himself like the Man (in Luke 10) stripped and wounded and half dead. Jesus like the good Samaritan comes with an eye of pity, to pour in the ointment of his name. This is a certain and the only cure for the wounds of sin….. But this ointment made them whole.’
Newton went on to explain the word ‘savour’ in the text: ‘Precious ointments have a savour, a perfumed smell, which distinguishes the person that bears them. So this ointment of the name of Jesus, when poured into a believer’s heart, it makes him smell as a field which the Lord has blessed. It is this communication of grace and holiness which they have received from their beloved which makes them known to each other and distinguishes them from the world. We read (in Mark 14) that the woman brought precious ointment in a box and when she broke the box then, and not before, the whole house was filled with its fragrance. Thus the grace and virtue of this name was confined and known but to few while our Lord conversed upon earth – but afterwards it was poured forth.’
So I now invite you to stand to sing all the verses printed in your service sheet.
Hymn: The name of Jesus. Song of Solomon 1:3
How sweet the name of Jesus sounds
In a believer's ear?
It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,
And drives away his fear.
It makes the wounded spirit whole,
And calms the troubled breast;
'Tis Manna to the hungry soul,
And to the weary rest.
Dear name! the rock on which I build,
My shield and hiding place;
My never-failing treasury filled
With boundless stores of grace.
By thee my prayers acceptance gain,
Although with sin defiled,
Satan accuses me in vain,
And I am owned a child.
Jesus! my Shepherd, Husband, Friend,
My Prophet, Priest, and King;
My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End,
Accept the praise I bring.
Weak is the effort of my heart,
And cold my warmest thought;
But when I see thee as thou art,
I'll praise thee as I ought.
'Till then I would thy love proclaim
With every fleeting breath,
And may the music of thy name
Refresh my soul in death.
[Olney Hymns, Book 1, Hymn 57]
Gospel Reading: Philip
Matthew 11: 25 – 30
Hymn Introduction: Marylynn Rouse
Olney had three Fairs a year: Easter Monday, 29 June (called Cherry Fair, which you still hold in the Glebe just outside the church) and a hiring fair in October.
Newton loved to seize an opportunity. He always held a special service on these evenings, which he called ‘opening his booth’. He would choose his Scripture texts carefully to match the occasion, such as:
• Buy the truth and sell it not
• Taste and see that the LORD is good:
On the day linked to this next hymn, he spoke about the kingdom of heaven being like a merchant man, looking for good quality pearls: who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
Though many people attended the service, it hurt him to see so many others more intent on commercialism.
‘Ah my Lord’, he wrote in his diary that night, ‘how art thou slighted and rejected by thy creatures. And how little do even thy own people conceive of thy excellency and love! I know that thou art the pearl and that nothing is worthy of my thoughts which does not come from thee or lead to thee’. [then, with his characteristic honesty…] ‘Yet how often am I busied in pursuit of mere pebbles.’
A travelling fair, or circus, had come to Olney that week, bringing with it a lion. Cowper described it as a magnificent – ‘seventy years old, and as tame as a goose’. He and Mary Unwin watched the lion embrace its keeper with its paws, and lick his face. ‘Others’ said Cowper, ‘saw him receive his head in his mouth, and restore it to him again unhurt. - a sight we chose not to be favoured with, but rather advised the honest man to discontinue the practice. - a practice hardly reconcilable to prudence, unless he had a head to spare.’
Newton, observed the lion closely. ‘Would willingly have learnt a lesson from the gentleness and docility of so wild a creature to its keepers’ he wrote. ‘Alas! the human heart is more furious and intractable than a lion. O Lord thy power alone can tame us, and our natural savageness breaks out even against thee our keeper and provider, upon the slightest reason.’
He shared his thoughts on the lion with the Independent minister of Newport Pagnell, William Bull:
‘He was wonderfully tame’ he wrote, ‘as familiar with his keeper, as docile and obedient as a spaniel; yet the man told me he had his surly fits, when they durst not touch him.’ As he looked at the lion, Newton felt he was looking into a mirror, that plainly reflected his own heart. ‘I could trace every feature. As wild and fierce by nature, yea, much more so; but grace has in some measure tamed me. I know and love my Keeper, and sometimes watch his looks, that I may learn his will. But, oh! I have my surly fits too—seasons when I relapse into the savage again—as though I had forgotten all. I got a hymn out of this lion, which you shall see when you come to Olney.’
When the Sunday evening service came round, Newton recorded in his diary: “I spoke from a subject suggested by seeing the lion lately”. And now we sing the hymn he wrote for that service.
Hymn: The tamed lion
A Lion, though by nature wild,
The art of man can tame;
He stands before his keeper, mild,
And gentle as a lamb.
He watches, with submissive eye,
The hand that gives him food;
As if he meant to testify
A sense of gratitude.
But man himself, who thus subdues
The fiercest beasts of prey;
A nature, more unfeeling shows,
And far more fierce than they.
Though by the Lord preserved and fed,
He proves rebellious still;
And while he eats his Maker’s bread,
Resists his holy will.
Alike in vain, of grace that saves,
Or threatening law he hears;
The savage scorns, blasphemes, and raves,
But neither loves nor fears.
O Saviour! how thy wondrous power
By angels is proclaimed!
When in thine own appointed hour,
They see this lion tamed.
The love thy bleeding cross displays,
The hardest heart subdues;
here furious lions while they gaze,
Their rage and fierceness lose.
Yet are we but renewed in part,
The lion still remains;
Lord, drive him wholly from my heart,
Or keep him fast in chains.
[Olney Hymns, Book 2, Hymn 93]
Sermon: Philip Davies
1. Introduction.
Having just been singing about a lion, it is time for me to move your attention now on to birds. You may not have made the connection between the raven and the dove in the story of Noah's Ark and the Flood, with the words of Jesus, ‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest,’ but John Newton did. You may have thought that Genesis chapter 8 was a strange reading to have this evening, but I am taking up the theme of one of John Newton's sermons.
You will be pleased to know that he preached a series of at least eleven sermons on just those six verses of Matthew 11: 25 to 30, and that he normally preached each time for no less than an hour. Sadly therefore, all that I can bring you this evening is a highly edited extract of some of his thoughts on these readings.
2. Newton's Sermon Notes.
First, Newton's own words, from his sermon notes:
Genesis, chapter 8, and verse 11: And the dove came in to him in the evening; and lo, in her mouth was an olive leaf plucked off: so Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth.
Noah sent forth first the raven, which returned no more, then a dove, which, not finding rest, returned to the ark - but the second time brought an olive leaf. It was probably from an imperfect tradition of this circumstance that an olive branch has been considered an emblem of peace among all nations. The raven is an unclean bird. A bird of prey, it was confined in the ark and glad of its liberty, for it could find subsistence abroad. But the dove could not live upon ravens' food and therefore returned till the earth was fully dried. Thus the carnal heart can find satisfaction in the world, but the believer can find no rest but in the ark. As Noah put forth his hand to receive her, so Jesus graciously receives the weary soul into his rest.
The dove, though it came back unsuccessful, is sent forth again and at last brings the token. The peace of God is revealed to persevering prayer, and when the heart has been humbled by the Word and brought into a meek and gentle spirit. The peace of God is made known not to ravens but to doves. At last the dove likewise took its flight and returned no more. The earth was dried and the fruits ready for its food. Believers go forth upon the wing of faith and prayer; they receive tokens of good and are witnesses and messengers of the Lord's mercy. But in time their hope is exchanged for possession, and they take their flight from the church below, to the land of eternal rest, from whence they shall come back no more.
3. An Olney Hymn.
John Newton put these thoughts into one of his Olney Hymns:
Does the gospel-word proclaim,
Rest for those who weary be?
Then, my soul, put in thy claim,
Sure that promise speaks to thee:
Marks of grace I cannot show,
All polluted is my best;
Yet I weary am I know,
And the weary long for rest.
In the ark, the weary dove,
Found a welcome resting-place;
Thus my spirit longs to prove,
Rest in Christ, the ark of grace:
Tempest-tossed I long have been,
And the flood increases fast;
Open, Lord, and take me in,
Till the storm be overpast.
Safely lodged within thy breast,
What a wondrous change I find!
Now I know thy promised rest,
Can compose a troubled mind.
You that weary are like me,
Hearken to the gospel call;
To the ark for refuge flee,
Jesus will receive you all!
[Rest for weary souls, Book 3, Hymn 14]
So why do we here tonight focus on this theme and message of John Newton's? Not because you or I, this evening, might be weary, or in need of rest. But because we mark this evening, two hundred years to the day, when this man of God finally entered into his rest. And why are we here in Olney? Because his mortal remains lie at rest here in our churchyard. If any man can be thought to be weary, and in need of rest, we can forgive John Newton for it. Having laboured long and hard, not just in the life at sea of his early years, but for sixteen years of ministry here, and a further 28 in London, he can be understood to be weary. But none of us knows the day, hour, or year of our departing, and I find myself this evening wishing that John Newton's had somehow been other than just four days before Christmas!
4. Diary 1773.
In his diary for Friday 1st January 1773, the day he preached the sermon here that inspired the hymn, ‘Amazing Grace’, he wrote this: ‘This is the Ninth New Years day I have seen in this place. The entrance of this finds me in health and peace. I am still favoured with strength, and with some liberty for my public work and hope the Lord is still pleased to work by me, for the edification of his people already called, and the awakening of sinners. I am now in the 49th year of my age, and may expect in the course of a few years at most to go whence I shall no more return, nor have I a certainty of continuing here a single year, or even a month or a day.’
5. Diary 1804.
Some 31 years later (!), he wrote in his diary, on Wednesday 21st March 1804, his third from last diary entry, as follows: ‘Though I can scarcely see, I would make a short acknowledgement of the mercies which have followed and surrounded me thus far into my 79th year. Particularly remembering this is the anniversary of the great turning day of my life in 1748, when I was returning from Africa. But having obtained help of God I continue to this day. Thee supporting me in my great trials, and that I am still enabled, under my growing infirmities, to speak of thy goodness in public. Lord, grant that the uncertain remnant of my days may be devoted to thee. And that the prayer which thou hast permitted me to offer for many years, that my close of life may be without any stain unsuitable to my character as a Christian and a minister, may be answered! Preserve me from pride, envy, jealousy, impatience and every wrong and hurtful temper. Let me retire as a thankful guest from a full table and rejoice that others are coming forward to serve thee (I hope better) when I can do no more. For the rest I leave all to thee. Into thy hands I commend my spirit for thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of Truth! Thou hast done and wilt do all things well!’
Amen, rest in peace, John Newton. Received indeed into the loving embrace of our Lord Jesus Christ as he was, may we each labour in the Lord's service as he did, gladly, willingly, thankfully and joyfully. Take from this evening a reminder and an inspiration for holiness and for service. For Jesus's yoke is easy, and his burden is light. And so, in due time, may we also receive our rest and reward. For the glory of God, John Newton's Saviour and ours, Amen.
Hymn Introduction: Coral Bex
John Newton loved anniversaries. He always kept special days like his wife’s birthday, their wedding anniversary, and his own birthday (which was also the anniversary of his decision to enter the ministry).
New Year’s Day was another of those special anniversary days for Newton. His sermon on Friday morning 1 January 1773 was about King David’s prayer, from 1 Chronicles 17, where David thanked God for all that He had done for him.
‘The Lord bestows many blessings upon his people’ said Newton, ‘but unless He likewise gives them a thankful heart, they lose much of the comfort they might have in them.’
These verses are particularly good for a New Year, he said, to help us think back to ‘past mercies’ and forward to ‘future hopes’. This ought also fill our hearts with gratitude, like David experienced.
Newton wrote a hymn to help remember the main points:
• look back
• look around
• look forward
1st: look back
David had just been a shepherd boy when the Lord began to show his love to him.
Where were you, he asked, when the Lord found you?
Newton answered for himself: I was a wretch…
Amazing Grace, that saved a wretch like me!
What were you like then?
I was blind
I was lost
2nd: look around
David said to himself, if I was just a mere shepherd boy, how did I get from there to here, as King of Israel? Lord, you have brought me safe thus far.
Newton said, so how did you and I get here? Think of God’s care for us, ‘preserving us from a thousand seen, and millions of unseen dangers, when we knew Him not.’
‘Tis grace has brought me safe thus far
Remember the first time that we heard the Lord speak to us – ‘that never to be forgotten hour when He enabled us to hope in His mercy.’
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.
3rd: look forward
What about the future? David marvelled, ‘Lord, You have promised all these good things to me!’
So Newton said:
The Lord has promised good to me!
As God promised that David’s line of descendants would continue forever, in the Messiah (Jesus), so those who believe in Him will also live forever.
God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.
‘O that crown’ said Newton, ‘that kingdom, that eternal weight of glory! We are travelling home to God. We shall soon see Jesus, and never complain of sin, sorrow, temptation or desertion any more.’
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
So we sing:
… Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)
That saved a wretch like me!
Anthem: Faith’s review and expectation. 1 Chronicles 17:16,17
Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace those fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.
[Olney Hymns, Book 1, Hymn 41]
Hymn Introduction: Elizabeth Knight
Towards the end of January 1779, John Newton was nearing the end of his task of transcribing the hymns to be published later that year as The Olney Hymns. He wrote in his diary on 28th January ‘I finished transcribing the hymns, only that I have a few short ones to make, suited to the introduction and conclusion of divine worship’.
Newton explained the layout of the Olney Hymn Book: ‘The hymns are distributed into three Books. In the first I have classed those which are formed upon select passages of Scripture, and placed them in the order of the books of the Old and New Testament. The second contains occasional Hymns, suited to particular seasons, or suggested by particular events or objects. The third Book is miscellaneous, comprising a variety of subjects relative to a life of faith in the son of God, which have no express reference either to a single text of Scripture, or to any determinate season or incident’.
Thirteen days later on 13th February he wrote in his diary, (one can almost hear the sign of relief): ‘This day by thy blessing, my gracious Lord, I finished the Hymns and purpose sending the book on Monday to be printed. O Thou God of all Grace, may it please thee to bless the publication. My heart devotes it to Thee, and to Thy service. I trust thy good Spirit and influences produced it. Whatever I am, have or do is of Thee, for in myself there is no sufficiency. O may I devote all to thee, and never aim short of thy glory. Another week closes upon me in peace. May thy grace make me thankful’.
Newton ended the Preface with a dedication. ‘I more particularly dedicate to my dear friends in the parish and neighbourhood of Olney, for whose use the hymns were originally composed as a testimony of the sincere love I bear them, and as a token of my gratitude to the Lord, and to them, for the comfort and satisfaction with which the discharge of my ministry among them has been attended’.
Let us now sing one of those short hymns Newton wanted to use as ‘an introduction or conclusion of divine worship’. ‘May the grace of Christ our Saviour’ is often sung as a benediction. Please note Newton wrote only two verses to this hymn, a doxology was added later, please stand to sing Newton’s version!
Hymn: 2 Corinthians 13:14
May the grace of Christ our Saviour
And the Father’s boundless love,
With the holy Spirit’s favour,
Rest upon us from above!
Thus may we abide in union
With each other, and the Lord;
And possess, in sweet communion,
Joys which earth cannot afford.
[Olney Hymns, Book 3, Hymn 101]
Prayers: Philip
In our prayers this evening, when I say: Lord, hear us, please respond: Lord, graciously hear us.
Lord God our Heavenly Father, we thank you this evening for the life of John Newton, and for the inspiration that he has been to so many. We thank you that through his writings, his wisdom, experience and faith have crossed the world and spanned the centuries. We pray today for all Christians who write hymns and sermons, books and for the media, that they would take the opportunity to declare your truth and love to the world. Give them the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, to communicate the message of your grace to all who read and sing and hear.
Lord, hear us, Lord, graciously hear us.
Lord Jesus, we thank you for your call to John Newton to preach your gospel and to enter the full-time ministry of your church. We thank you for his devotion to your service and to your people, both here and in London, over many years. We pray for all today who are called to Christian ministry, that you would grant them courage in the face of difficulties or opposition, strength and perseverance when weary, the constant inspiration and guidance of your Holy Spirit, and the wisdom to understand and teach your Word. Call many, we pray, to serve and follow you, for the harvest is plentiful, and the labourers are few; Your yoke is easy and your burden is light.
Lord, hear us, Lord, graciously hear us.
We thank you, Dear God, that you were able to transform the wretchedness and misery of John Newton's early life into fruitful, happy and productive labour. We praise you as the God who is able to bring good out of suffering, and character out of hardships. We pray tonight for all who suffer and are heavy laden or weary, that you will bear their burdens, and give them healing and rest. We pray especially for those known to us, who are sick, weary, anxious, lonely, grieving, desperate, or otherwise in need, in a moment of quiet.
Lord, hear us, Lord, graciously hear us.
Precious Saviour, we thank you for John Newton's constant hatred of sin, his concern for the lost and sinful, and his passion for personal holiness. We pray for ourselves, that you would awaken such godly desires in each of us. Transform our lives, through repentance and faith, and make us bold and fearless in challenging the wrong, and doing and saying what is right. May we each so speak and think and act, that others will be pointed to you, and encouraged in faith and love. Raise up also many others who will profess and proclaim a similar passion and concern in our generation.
Lord, hear us, Lord, graciously hear us.
Quiet.
The Lord's Prayer.
Hymn Introduction: Paul Coli
Glorious things of thee are spoken, Zion, city of our God! is one of Newton’s best loved hymns. It was written for Easter Day on 16 April 1775.
Newton wrote in his diary that day: ‘Felt something of a sore throat in the morning – but speaking was so far from hurting me, that I found myself quite well at night. Hymn at night Zion. I was helped to speak from it with liberty, and the Great House was exceedingly full. O for a blessing! And O for a heart to desire a blessing more earnestly.’
Easter came in the middle of a sermon series he was preaching from 2 Samuel 23:5, the last words of David. Some of those sermons show how his thoughts were running at the time that he composed the hymn.
David was confident that God had yet made with him an everlasting covenant, or promise. ‘Believers – rejoice in this Covenant’, said Newton. ‘Walk about this Zion, consider her foundations and all the towers thereof and mark well the bulwark’.
Glorious things of thee are spoken, Zion, city of our God!
The covenant was sure. ‘See how it is fixed upon an immoveable rock, guarded by almighty power’ said Newton.
On the rock of ages founded, What can shake thy sure repose?
We may have many afflictions but we have a sure refuge in this Covenant of grace. ‘This secures us so that our enemies have no reason to rejoice over us’.
With salvation's walls surrounded, Thou may'st smile at all thy foes.
This covenant answers our every need. Who can faint while such a river ever flows their thirst t' assuage? ‘It is everlasting. It is inexhaustible. It has been the refuge of the people of God in all ages. It is not the weaker for all the assaults that have been made against it, it is not the poorer for all the supplies that have been derived from it, but, like its great Author, is the same yesterday, today and forever. It will be still the same to eternity’.
Grace, which like the LORD, the giver, Never fails from age to age.
‘Jesus has made atonement for our sins with his own blood.’
Blest inhabitants of Zion, Washed in the Redeemer's blood!
Meditate much on this subject. ‘You will never get strength by poring only upon your own hearts’ said Newton.
'Tis his love his people raises over self to reign as kings.
‘A Covenant signifies an agreement between two parties. But we can promise or perform nothing. Therefore it is called a Covenant of grace. We have no natural claim to the benefits of it, nor can we by any means perform the conditions. Upon this ground the covenant of grace became necessary.’
Saviour, if of Zion's city I through grace a member am…
Hymn: Zion, or the city of God. Isaiah 33:20,21
Glorious things of thee are spoken,
Zion, city of our God!
He, whose word cannot be broken,
Formed thee for his own abode:
On the rock of ages founded,
What can shake thy sure repose?
With salvation's walls surrounded
Thou may'st smile at all thy foes.
See! the streams of living waters
Springing from eternal love;
Well supply thy sons and daughters,
And all fear of want remove:
Who can faint while such a river
Ever flows their thirst t' assuage?
Grace, which like the Lord, the giver,
Never fails from age to age.
Round each habitation hovering
See the cloud and fire appear!
For a glory and a covering,
Showing that the Lord is near:
Thus deriving from their banner
Light by night and shade by day;
Safe they feed upon the Manna
Which he gives them when they pray.
Blest inhabitants of Zion,
Washed in the Redeemer's blood!
Jesus, whom their souls rely on,
Makes them kings and priests to God:
'Tis his love his people raises
Over self to reign as kings
And as priests, his solemn praises
Each for a thank-offering brings.
Saviour, if of Zion's city
I through grace a member am;
Let the world deride or pity,
I will glory in thy name
Fading is the worldling's pleasure,
All his boasted pomp and show;
Solid joys and lasting treasure,
None but Zion's children know.
Blessing: Philip Davies
May the God of peace sanctify you: may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before him at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. May he give you grace to follow him in faith and hope and love; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit rest upon you this night, and remain with you always, Amen.
© The John Newton Project 21 December 2007
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