Before Preaching

Forth in Thy strength, O Lord, I go,
Thy Gospel to proclaim,
Thy only righteousness to show,
And glorify Thy name.

Ordain'd I am, and sent by Thee,
As by the Father Thou:
And, lo! Thou always art with me!
I plead the promise now.

O, give me now to speak Thy word
In this appointed hour;
Attend it with Thy Spirit, Lord,
And let it come with power.

Open the hearts of all that hear,
To make their Saviour room;
Now let them find redemption near,
Let faith by hearing come.

Give them to hear the word as Thine,
And (while they thus receive)
Prove it the saving power Divine
To sinners that believe.