XIII. The GOD of Spirits sought to supply Vacancies in the Congregations of his People

FATHER of Spirits, from thy Hand
Our Souls immortal came;
And still thine Energy divine
Supports th' ethereal Flame.

By thee our Spirits all are known;
And each remotest Thought
Lies wide expanded to his Eye,
By whom their Powers were wrought.

To thee, when mortal Comforts fail,
Thy Flock deserted flies;
And, on th' eternal Shepherds Care,
Our chearful Hope relies.

When o'er thy faithful Servants Dust,
Thy dear Assemblies mourn,
In speedy Tokens of thy Grace,
O Israel's GOD, return.

The Powers of Nature all are thine,
And thine the Aids of Grace;
Thine Arm has borne thy Churches up
Thro' every rising Race.

Exert thy sacred Influence here,
And here thy Suppliants bless,
And change, to Strains of chearful Praise,
Their Accents of Distress.

With faithful Heart, with skilful Hand,
May this thy Flock be fed;
And with a steady growing Pace
To Zion's Mountain led.