Hymns and Sacred Poems (1749), Hymn 32: Before Work

Forth in Thy name, O Lord, I go,
My daily labour to pursue,
Thee, only Thee resolved to know
In all I think, or speak, or do.

The task Thy wisdom hath assign'd
O let me cheerfully fulfil,
In all my works Thy presence find,
And prove Thine acceptable will.

Preserve me from my calling's snare,
And hide my simple heart above,
Above the thorns of choking care,
The gilded baits of worldly love.

Thee may I set at my right hand,
Whose eyes mine inmost substance see.
And labour on at Thy command,
And offer all my works to Thee.

Give me to bear Thy easy yoke,
And every moment watch and pray,
And still to things eternal look,
And hasten to Thy glorious day.

For Thee delightfully employ
Whate'er Thy bounteous grace hath given,
And run my course with even joy,
And closely walk with Thee to heaven.