Poetical fragments heart-employment with God and it selfPoetical fragments heart-imployment with God and it self

THE wondrous Mercy of my bounteous Lord, Wch sent me forth to Preach his sacred Word. Prepared my way, and called me to the place, Where I must first proclaim his Saving Grace: All things thou suitedst fitly to my need, Giving me freedom, season, ground and seed: Poor thirsty Souls, attend with greedy Ear, Crowding in multitudes thy Word to hear: Thy Mercy opening so wide a door, Gave some first-fruits betimes, and hopes of more.

THE wondrous Mercy of my bounteous Lord, Wch sent me forth to Preach his sacred Word. Prepar'd my way, and call'd me to the place, Where I must first proclaim his Saving Grace: All things thou suitedst fitly to my need, Giving me freedom, season, ground and seed: Poor thirsty Souls, attend with greedy Ear, Crowding in multitudes thy Word to hear: Thy Mercy opening so wide a door, Gave some first-fruits betimes, and hopes of more.

The various places where my Lot did fall, Were all appointed to me by thy Call. I never was to any of them brought, By the Direction of my own forethought: Much less was ever any by me sought; And least of all, by price or bargain bought. I near found cause of one place to repent; (Although my sins in all I must lament.) None were foreseen; yet after seen to reason, To be the fittest for the work and season. ⟨p. 46⟩But among all, none did so much abound, With fruitful mercies, as that barren ground, Where I did make my best and longest stay, And bore the heat and burden of the day; Mercies grew thicker there than Summer flowers: They over-numbered my days and hours: There was my dearest Flock, and special Charge. Our hearts in mutual love thou didst enlarge: 'Twas there that mercy did my Labours bless; With the most great and wonderful success.

The various places where my Lot did fall, Were all appointed to me by thy Call. I never was to any of them brought, By the Direction of my own forethought: Much less was ever any by me sought; And least of all, by price or bargain bought. I nere found cause of one place to repent; (Although my sins in all I must lament.) None were foreseen; yet after seen to reason, To be the fittest for the work and season.