No. 68 Christian Soldier, Gos 207
Heptatonic ionian, mode 3 A + b (I II III IV V VI VII)
Here at Thy table, Lord, We meet To feed on food divine;
Thy body is the bread we eat, Thy precious blood the wine.
He that prepares the rich repast, Himself comes down and dies;
And then invites us thus to feast, Upon the sacrifice.
The bitter torments he endured upon the shameful cross,
For us his welcome guests procured these heart-reviving joys.
His body torn with rudest hands becomes the finest bread,
And with the blessings he commands, our noblest hopes are fed.
His blood that from each opening vein in purple torrents ran
Hath filled this cup with generous wine, that cheers both God and man.
Sure there was never love so free, dear Savior, so divine;
Well thou may’st claim that heart of mine, which owes so much to thine.
The text is one of those which rationalize religious rites; in this case, that of the communion. The tune is credited to Freeman Price. Its second part reminds of ‘The Merry, Merry Milkmaids’, Sharp, Country Dances, Set No. 5.