111

THE SIGN OF THE CROSS.

"Thou therefore endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." 2 TIMOTHY ii. 3.

"In token that hereafter he (or she) shall not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified, and manfully to fight under his banner, against sin, the world, and the devil; and to continue Christ's faithful soldier and servant unto his (or her) life's end. Amen."-BAPTISMAL SERVICE.

66

“ IN

token" that we shall not fear

Christ crucified to own,

The cross is printed on us here,
And stamps us His alone.

"In token" that we shall not blush

To glory in his name,
Upon our front is blazon'd thus
His glory and his shame.

"In token" that we shall not flinch

Christ's conflict to maintain,
But 'neath his banner manfully

Firm at our post remain ;

Thus outwardly and visibly

We're seal'd the Saviour's own:

And may each brow that wears his cross,
Hereafter share his crown!

112

CONFIRMATION.

"Come, and let us join ourselves to the Lord in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten."-JEREMIAH 1. 5.

HILE others strive and hope in vain,

WH

Bound to the world, and slaves to sin; A nobler toil may I sustain,

A heav'nly crown and treasure win!

May I resolve with all my heart,

With all my pow'rs to serve the Lord; Nor ever from his law depart,

Whose service is a rich reward.

Be this the purpose of my soul,

My solemn, fix'd, determin'd choice,
To yield to his supreme controul,
And in his kind commands rejoice.

Oh, may I never faint, and tire ;

Nor wand'ring leave his sacred ways; Great God! accept my heart's desire, And let my life declare thy praise.

113

CONFIRMATION.

"Thou hast avouched the Lord this day to be thy God, and to walk in his ways, and to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and to hearken unto his voice."

DEUTERONOMY XXVI. 17.

H, happy day! that fix'd my choice
On thee, my Saviour, and my God;
Well may this glowing heart rejoice,
And tell its raptures all abroad.

Oh happy bond! that seals my vows
To Him, who merits all my love;
I'll praise him in his sacred house,
And gladly to his altar move.

Now with his saints I choose my part,
With them I come a welcome guest;
Here rest, my once divided heart!
In Him, thy blissful portion, rest.

High heav'n, that heard the solemn vow,
That vow renew'd shall daily hear;
Till call'd at last from all below,

I bless in death a bond so dear.

L

114 GOING OUT INTO THE WORLD.

"Behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest."-GENESIS XXViii. 15.

IFE'S busy scenes demand thy thought,

L'

And call thee hence away;

Forget not what thou here wast taught,
Still read, and praise, and pray.

Think, 'midst thy cares for earthly things,
'Twas God that brought thee here:
From Him thy ev'ry blessing springs,
His name, His word revere.

Dangers will oft disturb thy rest,
And hedge thy paths about:
Sin dwells within thy yielding breast,
And Satan tempts without.

O make the Saviour thy retreat,
From earthly joys depart;

His light will guide thy erring feet,
His truth will shield thy heart.

May Jesus, Lord of life and death,
Send thee His Spirit down,

To arm thy soul with conq'ring faith,
And seal thee for His own.

"Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions."-PSALM li. 1.

GOD, my Father, hear me pray,

Wash my sin and guilt away:

Wretched, helpless, lost, undone,
Hear me for Thy blessed Son.
Lord, unnumber'd sins are mine,
But eternal love is Thine.

God, my Saviour, look on me,
All my guilt I cast on Thee;
Give my troubled spirit peace,
Bid my fears and sorrows cease.
Lord, unnumber'd sins are mine,
But eternal love is Thine.

God my Comforter, my light,
Strengthen me with holy might;
Make Thy dwelling in my heart,
Faith, and joy, and hope impart.
Lord, unnumber'd sins are mine,
But eternal love is Thine.

Blessed, glorious Trinity,
Holy, everlasting Three!