Hymn XLVI. For the Conversion of Saint Paul.
[_]
Paul, having been a cruell Persecutor, was extraordinarily
called, to be an Apostle to Preach the
Faith which he had persecuted; and of a Wolfe
became a Pastor; and the most laborious in the
Vineyard of Christ: which Mercy of God,
is here commemorated to his praise, and for our comfort.
Sing this as the former.
[1]
A
Convert, and Conversion strange
Was made, when Saul, a Paul became:
And, Lord, for making such a change,
We praise, and glorifie thy Name.
For, whilst he went from place to place,
To persecute thy Church and Thee;
He was reclaimed by thy Grace,
A Preacher of thy Truth to be.
2
Lord, when from thee we go astray,
Or injure Truth, by blinded Zeal,
Vouchsafe to stop us in that way;
And, then, thy Will, to us reveal.
Disclose that Brightnesse from above,
Which proves the Sensuall Eye-sight blind;
And, from our Eyes, the skales remove,
That, hinder us, thy way to finde.
3
And, as thy blessed Servant Paul,
(When thy Disciple he became)
Exceeded by Apostles, all,
In painfull preaching of thy Name.
So, grant, that we, who have in Sin
Exceeded others heretofore,
The start of them, in Faith, may win;
Love, Serve, and Honour thee, the more.
