3 The force of their united cries 4 Then mountains sink at once to plains, 5 Though men despise them, or revile, 6 Though meanly clad, and coarsely fed, They would not change their gospel-bread 7 When cheer'd with faith's sublimer joys, 8 Dear Lord, assist our souls to pay That we enjoy a gospel-day, 1 XLVIII. Praise for the Continuance of the 1 ONCE, while we aim'd at Zion's songs, 197 * Wherever a separation is threatened between a minister and people who dearly love each other, this hymn may be as seasonable as it was once in Olney. 3 Oft as that memorable hour The changing year brings round again, Come, ye who trembled for the ark, 6 Though to our lot temptations fall, XLIX. A Famine of the Word. 1 GLADNESS was spread through Israel's host 2 But when they had it long enjoy'd, Their hearts were by the plenty cloy'd, 3 Thus gospel-bread at first is priz'd, But afterwards too much despis'd, 4 But should the Lord, displeas'd, withhold The bread his mercy sends, To have our houses fill'd with gold 5 How tedious would the week appear, 6 How would believing parents bear 7 The gospel, and a praying few, 8 Then sin, in this once favour'd town, And wrath and vengeance hasten down, 9 Preserve us from this judgment, Lord, L. Prayer for Ministers. 1 CHIEF Shepherd of thy chosen sheep, From death and sin set free ; May every under shepherd keep His eye intent on thee! 2 With plenteous grace their hearts prepare To execute thy will; Compassion, patience, love, and care, 3 Inflame their minds with holy zeal Their flocks to feed and teach; 4 Oh, never let the sheep complain, 5 He that for these forbears to feed 6 The sword of God shall break his arm, A blast shall blind his eye; His word shall have no power to warm, 7 O Lord, avert this heavy woe, And grace, and strength, on each bestow, LI. Prayer for a Revival. 1 SAVIOUR, visit thy plantation, Unless thou return again : 2 Surely once thy garden flourish'd, Zechariah xi, 17. Then thy word our spirits nourish'd, 3 Where are those we counted leaders, Fill'd with zeal, and love, and truth? Old professors, tall as cedars, Bright examples of our youth ? We shall meet no more below; 4 Younger plants-the sight how pleasant, Thou canst make them bloom again; Oh, permit them not to wither, Let not all our hopes be vain ! 5 Let our mutual love be fervent, Make us prevalent in prayers; Let each one esteem'd thy servant Shun the world's bewitching snares; Break the tempter's fatal power, Turn the stony heart to flesh; And begin, from this good hour, To revive thy work afresh. LII. Hoping for a Revival. 1 My harp untun'd, and laid aside, (To cheerful hours the harp belongs,) My cruel foes insulting cried, "Come, sing us one of Zion's songs." |