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 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 an angel—hence to guide A band of pilgrims on their way, That, softly walking at thy side, We fail not, faint not, turn nor stray. Come as a watchman—take thy stand Upon the tower amidst the sky, And when the sword comes on the land, Call us to fight, or warn to fly. 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. |