As the Disciples, When Thy Son Had Left Them

As the disciples, when thy Son had left them,
met in a lovefeast, joyfully conversing,
all the stored mem'ry of the Lord's last Supper
fondly rehearsing,

so may we here, who gather now in friendship,
seek for the spirit of those earlier churches,
welcoming him who stand and for an entrance
patiently searches.

As, when their converse closed, and supper ended,
taking the bread and wine, they make thanksgiving,
breaking and blessing, thus to have communion
with Christ the living,

so may we here, united in one Body,
make this our lovefeast and commemoration,
that in his Spirit, we may have more worthy
participation.

And, as they prayer and sang to thee rejoicing,
ere in the nightfall they embraced and parted,
in their hearts singing as they journeyed homeward,
brave and true-hearted,

so, may we here, like grain that once was scattered
over a hillside, now one bread united,
led by the Spirit, do thy work rejoicing,
lamps filled and lighted.