By A Collection of Hymns

      L.M. For the Head of a Household.
      1 MASTER supreme, I look to thee
      For grace and wisdom from above;
      Vested with thy authority,
      Endue me with thy patient love;

      2 That, taught according to thy will
      To rule my family aright,
      I may the appointed charge fulfil,
      With all my heart, and all my might.

      3 Inferiors as a sacred trust
      I from the sovereign Lord receive,
      That what is suitable and just
      Impartial I to all may give:

      4 O'erlook them with a guardian eye;
      From vice and wickedness restrain;
      Mistakes and lesser faults pass by,
      And govern with a looser rein.

      5 The servant faithfully discreet,
      Gentle to him, and good, and mild,
      Him would I tenderly entreat,
      And scarce distinguish from a child.

      6 Yet let me not my place forsake,
      The occasion of his stumbling prove,
      The servant to my bosom take,
      Or mar him by familiar love.

      7 Order if some invert, confound,
      Their Lord's authority betray,
      I hearken to the gospel sound,
      And trace the providential way.

      8 As far from abjectness as pride,
      With condescending dignity,
      Jesus, I make thy word my guide,
      And keep the post assigned by thee.

      9 O could I emulate the zeal
      Thou dost to thy poor servants hear!
      The troubles, griefs, and burdens feel
      Of souls entrusted to my care:

      10 In daily prayer to God commend
      The souls whom Jesus died to save;
      And think how soon my sway may end,
      And all be equal in the grave!