FATHER of mercies, bow Thine ear, Attentive to our earnest prayer; We plead for those who plead for Thee; Successful pleaders may they be!
Clothe them with energy divine, And let their words be truly Thine; To them Thy sacred Truth reveal; Suppress their fear, increase their zeal.
Teach them to sow the precious seed: Teach them Thy chosen flock to feed; Teach them immortal souls to gain, Nor let them labour, Lord, in vain.
Let thronging multitudes around Hear from their lips the joyful sound, In humble strains Thy grace implore, And feel Thy new-creating power.
Break, Lord, the sinners’ massive chains, Make souls distressed forget their pains; Let light through distant realms be spread, And converts praise their glorious Head.
Benjamin Beddome, 1717-95‡