Sacred Poems And Hymns

8.8.8.8

James Montgomery

Christian Union symbolized by Natural Objects.

Free, though in chains, the mountains stand,

The valleys link'd run through the land;

In fellowship the forests thrive,

And streams from streams their strength derive.

The cattle graze in flocks and herds,

In choirs and concerts sing the birds;

Insects by millions ply the wing,

And flowers in peaceful armies spring.

All nature is society,

All nature's voices harmony,

All colours blend to form pure light, --

Why then should Christians not unite?

Thus to the Father pray'd the Son,

"One may they be as We are one,

That I in them, and Thou in me,

They one with Us may ever be."

Children of God! combine your bands;

Brethren in Christ! join hearts and hands,

And pray, -- for so the Father will'd,

That the Son's prayer may be fulfill'd: --

Fulfill'd in you, fulfill'd in all,

That on the name of Jesus call,

And every covenant of love

They bind on earth be bound above.