352		LM
	FATHER of mercies, bow Thine ear,    Attentive to our earnest prayer; We plead for those who plead for Thee; Successful pleaders may they be!
2	Clothe them with energy divine, And let their words be truly Thine; To them Thy sacred Truth reveal; Suppress their fear, increase their zeal.
3	Teach them to sow the precious seed: Teach them Thy chosen flock to feed; Teach them immortal souls to gain, Nor let them labour, Lord, in vain.
4	Let thronging multitudes around Hear from their lips the joyful sound, In humble strains Thy grace implore, And feel Thy new-creating power.
5	Break, Lord, the sinners’ massive chains, Make souls distressed forget their pains; Let light through distant realms be spread, And converts praise their glorious Head.
	Benjamin Beddome, 1717-95‡