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the absent communicant.
I hear in thought the organ's tone,
Its rich harmonious swell,
The plaintive hymn breathed forth again,
Of Jesus' love to tell,
The pastor's voice of kind regard,
Beloved so long and well,
Then see the sacred symbols given,
And mortals eat the bread of heaven.
Its rich harmonious swell,
The plaintive hymn breathed forth again,
Of Jesus' love to tell,
The pastor's voice of kind regard,
Beloved so long and well,
Then see the sacred symbols given,
And mortals eat the bread of heaven.
In thought, alas! in thought alone,—
I may not kneel to-day,
Among that band of worshippers,
Or in that temple pray,
Or taste with them that blessed food,
Strength for life's pilgrim way:
The holy feast is spread, and prayer
Ascends, but one is absent there.
I may not kneel to-day,
Among that band of worshippers,
Or in that temple pray,
Or taste with them that blessed food,
Strength for life's pilgrim way:
The holy feast is spread, and prayer
Ascends, but one is absent there.
The church bells have been ringing out
With their enlivening tone,
And yet within my chamber's bound,
All silent and alone,
With their enlivening tone,
And yet within my chamber's bound,
All silent and alone,
