By A Collection of Hymns

      L.M. Primitive Christianity.
      1 HAPPY the souls that first believed,
      To Jesus and each other cleaved,
      Joined by the unction from above
      In mystic fellowship of love.

      2 Meek, simple followers of the Lamb,
      They lived, and spake, and thought the same;
      They joyfully conspired to raise
      Their ceaseless sacrifice of praise.

      3 With grace abundantly endued,
      A pure, believing multitude,
      They all were of one heart and soul,
      And only love inspired the whole.

      4 O what an age of golden days!
      O what a choice, peculiar race!
      Washed in the Lamb's all-cleansing blood,
      Anointed kings and priests to God!

      5 Ye different sects, who all declare,
      "Lo, here is Christ! " or, "Christ is here!"
      Your stronger proofs divinely give,
      And show me where the Christians live.

      6 The gates of hell cannot prevail;
      The church on earth can never fail;
      Ah, join me to thy secret ones!
      Ah, gather all thy living stones!

      7 Scattered o'er all the earth they lie,
      Till thou collect them with thine eye,
      Draw by the music of thy name,
      And charm into a beauteous frame.

      8 For this the pleading Spirit groans,
      And cries in all thy banished ones;
      Greatest of gifts, thy love impart,
      And make us of one mind and heart.

      9 Join every soul that looks to thee
      In bonds of perfect charity;
      Now, Lord, the glorious fullness give,
      And all in all for ever live!