Verse 1
The word pronounc’d, the gospel-word,
The crowd with various hearts receiv’d:
In many a soul the Saviour stir’d,
Three thousand yielded, and believ’d.
Verse 2
These by th’ apostles’ counsels led,
With them in mighty pray’rs combin’d,
Broke the commemorative bread,
Nor from the fellowship declin’d.
Verse 3
God from above, with ready grace
And deeds of wonder, guards his flock,
Trembles the world before their face,
By Jesus crush’d, their Conqu’ring Rock.
Verse 4
The happy band whom Christ redeems,
One only will, one judgment know:
None this contentious earth esteems,
Distinctions, or delights below.
Verse 5
The men of worldly wealth possest
Their selfish happiness remove,
Sell, and divide it to the rest,
And buy the blessedness of love.
Verse 6
Thus in the presence of their God,
Jesus their life, and heav’n their care,
With single heart they took their food
Heighten’d by Eucharist and pray’r.
Verse 7
God in their ev’ry work was prais’d:
The people bless’d the law benign:
Daily the church, his arm had rais’d,
Receiv’d the sons of mercy in.