THE GUEST-CHAMBER.
“The same night in which He was betrayed." 1 Cor. 11: 23.
O LORD, by Thee invited,
We gather in Thy name;
Each willing guest delighted
Thy presence here to claim:
What were the brethren's greeting,
If Thou didst not us greet?
What were our largest meeting,
Did we without Thee meet?
That night of deepest sadness,
O Jesus, Thou didst prove
Thy heart could still find gladness
In pouring forth its love:
O depth of Thy compassion!
The night Thou wast betrayed,
The emblems of Thy passion
By Thee a feast were made.
We see Thee, Lord of heaven,
To make Thy chosen meet,
All clean, and all forgiven,
Stoop down to wash our feet:
This joy was set before Thee,
This armed. Thy suff'ring heart,
That we should share Thy glory,
And with Thee have our part!
The feast is Thine, O Savior;
The bread, the cup are Thine;
Thy name the precious savor
Of ointment all divine:
Thy body, Lord, was broken
That we might eat and live;
We drink the cup the token
That Thou Thy life did give.
O Lord we sing with gladness
Each time we gather here;
Shorter’s the night of sadness,
Thy coming hasteneth near;
We show Thy death confessing
We wait for Thee to come;
And safe beneath Thy blessing
We onward journey home!