We met within the humble dwelling of one that to each heart was near,
To join ourselves in hallowed union, that blessed union bought so dear.
Though few our names, we thought ’twas pleasing to God that we a band unite.
Two of his faithful ones were present, to aid us in this solemn rite.
We sang of earth’s forlorn condition, of hearts that trembled, filled with woe,
Calling for aid, on men of wisdom, seeking in vain the cause to know,
Of famine, war, and persecution, that ’mid them all our cry should be,
Jesus, hasten thine appearing, O come, and set thy people free.
Then rose the man of God with feeling, in duty’s path to point aright,
We should each other fondly cherish, and strive to make each burden light.
He spoke of future bliss preparing, and tried to point us on the way,
God bless, and help you to be faithful, then kneeling, said, Come, let us pray.
O God, thou mighty God, assist us, while we this little band unite,
Let now thy heavenly Spirit aid us, to do all pleasing in thy sight;
This little flock, O Father, spare them, from wicked spirits keep them pure,
And gather only to their number such as shall to the end endure.
Angels seemed present, Heaven seemed near us, our names were in the book inscribed,
Praying meanwhile to have them written in Christ, the Lamb’s own book of life.
We counted o’er our earthly treasures, that we, a portion might lay by,
To hasten on the glorious message, and save poor sinners ere they die.
While we to one another plighted our love, our help, and watchful care,
We felt in Jesus Christ united, stronger the ills of life to bear.
In bonds of love and holy union, we mean to tread the narrow way,
Till, an unbroken band in Heaven, we chant the victor’s joyful lay.