God of mercy, do thou never
From our offering turn away,
But command a blessing ever
On the memory of this day.
Light and peace do Thou ordain it;
O'er it be no shadow flung;
Let no deadly darkness stain it,
And no cloud be o'er it hung.[2]
May the song this people raises,
And its vows, to Thee addressed,
Mingle with the prayers and praises,
That Thou hearest from the blessed.
When the lips are cold, that sing Thee,
And the hearts that love Thee, dust,
Father, then our souls shall bring Thee
Holier love and firmer trust.
John Pierpont
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/hymns-for-ordination-and-installation-iii/
