Scripture Verse

The table of the Lord. Malachi 1:12

Introduction

Introduction

portrait
Edward Miller
1735–1807
National Portrait Gallery

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Words: Phi­lip Dodd­ridge (1702–1751). Pub­lished post­hu­mous­ly in Hymns Found­ed on Va­ri­ous Texts in the Ho­ly Scrip­tures, by Job Or­ton (Shrop­shire, Eng­land: Jo­shua Ed­dowes & John Cot­ton, 1755), num­ber 171: God’s name pro­faned, when His ta­ble is treat­ed with con­tempt.

Music: Rock­ing­ham (Mill­er) Karl P. E. Bach (1714–1788). Ar­ranged by Ed­ward Mill­er, 1790 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tune:

portrait
Philip Doddridge
1702–1751

Lyrics

My God, and is Thy table spread,
And does Thy cup with love o’erflow?
Thither be all Thy children led,
And let them all its sweetness know.

Hail, sacred feast, which Jesus makes!
Rich banquet of His flesh and blood!
Thrice happy he, who here partakes
That sacred stream, that heav’nly food!

Why are its dainties all in vain
Before unwilling hearts displayed?
Was not for you the Victim slain?
Are you forbid the children’s bread?

O let Thy table honored be,
And furnished well with joyful guests;
And may each soul salvation see,
That here its sacred pledges tastes.

Let crowds approach, with hearts prepared;
With hearts inflamed let all attend;
Nor, when we leave our Father’s board,
The pleasure, or the profit end.

Revive thy dying churches, Lord,
And bid our drooping graces live;
And more that energy afford,
A Savior’s blood alone can give.