The Prayer of a Departing Minister

Shepherd of souls, the great, the good,
Who on Thy servant's side hast stood,
And bless'd my ministry,
Ready my prosper'd course to end,
I to Thy guardian love commend
The flock received from Thee.

Beneath Thy wings, their sure defence,
Protected by Omnipotence,
Thy most distinguish'd care,
The lambs and sheep of England's fold
Now in the book of life enroll'd
Preserve for ever there.

Our church a thousand-fold increase,
With every gospel-blessing bless,
And o'er the earth disperse,
Till every heart Thy kingdom own,
Till Thou art fear'd, confess'd, and known
Throughout the universe.
In hope of that most joyful day,
To quit this tenement of clay
Thy summons I receive,
For when I lay my body down
Thy work shall still be carried on,
And God for ever live.
The Spirit's residue is Thine:
Fit instruments of Thy design,
Dispensers of Thy grace,
(If some, like salt, their savour lose,)
Thou canst from other stones produce,
And nobler vessels raise.
Come then, Thy servant to release,
And suffer'd to depart in peace,
Without a lingering sigh,
In all the confidence of hope
I now ascend the mountain-top,
And get me up and die.
FINIS.