Receiving a Christian Friend

Welcome friend, in that great name
Whence our every blessing flows,
Enter, and increase the flame
Which in all our bosoms glows.

Sent of God, we thee receive:
Hail the providential guest!
If in Jesus we believe,
Let us on His mercies feast.

Jesus is our common Lord,
He our loving Saviour is;
By His death to life restored,
Misery we exchange for bliss:

Bliss to carnal minds unknown,
O 'tis more than tongue can tell,
Only to believers known,
Glorious and unspeakable!

Christ, our Brother and our Friend,
Shows us His eternal love;
Never let our triumphs end,
Till we join the host above.

Let us walk with Christ in white,
For our bridal day prepare,
For our partnership in light,
For our glorious meeting there!