Great comforts it must needs afford

Verse 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.

Verse 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.

Verse 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.

Verse 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.

Verse 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.

Verse 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.

Verse 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.

Verse 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.