Great comforts it must needs afford

1 Great comforts it must needs afford
To those who preach the Gospel word;
When circumstances shew them plain,
That they have labour'd not in vain.

2 To find their labours, have been bless'd
Is what has been their souls request:
It fills their heart with thankful pray'r,
With love to God, and holy fear.

3 They bear their flock upon their mind
And feel with love to them inclin'd;
Their love from day to day enlarge,
To all their flock and all their charge.

4 Their hearts with thanks & praise abound
To see their feeble efforts crown'd--
Their joys they cannot well express
To find their labours have success.

5 They pray to God with all their heart,
That God in mercy would impart;
His grace divine to carry on!
His glorious works in Saints begun.

6 The flock redeem'd with Jesus' blood,
Becomes united to their God;
In him they live, in him they grow,
And shew his praise in all they do.

7 Here Gospel Ministers are taught,
How they in all their office ought:
To teach their flock to watch and pray,
That Christ may keep them in his way.

8 May we who labour in that call
Have that great care for one and all;
Be zealous for that noble cause,
As Paul, the great Apostle was.


Source: Church Hymn Book: consisting of newly composed hymns with the addition of hymns and psalms, from other authors, carefully adapted for the use of public worship, and many other occasions (1st ed.) #CXLI