Josiah Conder (1789–1855)

The Monthly Prayer-Meeting for Missions

COME to the house of prayer. It is the night

When, by a compact sweeter than command,

Their mutual prayers, throughout this happy land,

The scattered family of Christ unite.

Nor here alone observed the simple rite,

In western climes prolonged, by many a band

In busy town, lone wild, or coral strand;—

Where'er the Gospel shines, a beacon light.

Taught by one Spirit, all their prayers agree.

This night, the self-exiled for Christ can dare

Dwell on dear friends he ne'er again may see:

The thought is balm, that on their hearts they bear

His name while blending thus in harmony

The vows of faith. Come to the house of prayer.

The Cross

“God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself.” “Be ye reconciled to God.”—2 Cor. v. 19, 20.

MYSTERIOUS ambassage! Be reconciled,

Man, to thy Maker: to thy God return,

Poor, ruined wanderer, nor thy Saviour spurn,

Who woos thy stubborn heart in terms so mild.

Yield to his love, and be again a child.

Humbly accept what thou couldst never earn.

Look to THE CROSS, and there thy guilt discern;

And in that fountain wash thy soul defiled.

Only believe and love.—Distasteful creed!

More harsh than harshest lore of Stoic school,

Carthusian penance, or Franciscan rule,

To man's proud heart; and terms that far exceed

His reach, until he knows himself a fool,

Accepts the boon, and finds it grace indeed.