FESTIVAL HYMN: As sung by the Children of the Royal Freemasons' Female School. I. VITAL Fount of Heav'nly Love, Whence our daily blessings flow! Oh, for strains to soar above Such as angel-minstrels know At thy footstool may alight!. We would ask Thee for thy blessing Hallelujahs still addressing Where the Host of Glory treads: N II. Life's broad desert spread before- And no guide to lead us o'er, Fill'd our bosoms with dismay; Bearing up the shelt'ring dome Oh, regard Thy children, pleading A happy band, a happy band, a happy band! From the formless granite hewn, Fashion'd by the builders' skill, Strong and beauteous, forth have grown Ever, there, the orphan's cry Meets a Father's tender ear For the sons of Masonry Hold a Brother's orphan dear. We would ask Thee for thy blessing On our benefactors' heads, Hallelujahs still addressing Where the Host of Glory treads: Hallelujah Hallelujah! Hallelujah! iv. May this portal ever spread Wide its arms of fost❜ring love To the orphan, hither led By a Providence above !— May each heart it shelters glow With fair Virtue's holy flame, And a ray of glory throw Round a Mason's honour'd name! Benefactors, hear us bless ye! Teachers kind, and Matron dear, Children's grateful hearts address 'ye :— Praise the Lord! FESTIVAL HYMN FOR THE CHILDREN. I. EV'RY blade of grass that grows, Waving in the gentle wind, Ev'ry silver stream that flows, Own that Heaven's ways are kind. As each verdant spring returns, Breaking winter's bonds so strong, Nature's meanest object learns How to tune a grateful song: As each year, revolving, brings 'Neath the sky a festal throng, Hark! a choral anthem ringsJoyful Nature's grateful song— Hosanna! Hallelujah !—Amen. II. God's watchful love hath shielded well The pansy meek and snowdrop fairThe mead's warm bosom form'd the cell That hid them from the wintry air: Each early blossom of the moor As each year, revolving, brings 'Neath this dome a festal throng, Hark! our choral anthem rings- Hosanna! Hallelujah !—Amen. |