The Sacred Minister: a New Poem, Part I

The Man who would be wise for winning Men, Before he ventures on his arduous Task, Discretely should begin his work at Home.

As he his Hands, from all that's foul, should cleanse, And learn, instead of evil, to do well: He should not yet, like the vain Pharisee, Rest, if the out-side of the Cup be wash'd: But he should get the inside purify'd, From worldly Passions and from sensual Lusts. Entirely and forever should his All Be yielded to his Saviour, that his Whole May sacred be to HIM, and by HIM own'd.

When thus he shall be cleans'd from Sin and Lust; A Vessel unto Honour meet he'll prove, Fit for his Master's Use in holy Things, And well to ev'ry good Work thus prepar'd.

May I, howe'er unfit, be one of These! And may all they, who Invitations have To bear the Sanct'ary's Vessels, like them, be Both pure and solid! May we, one and all, For This, with constant Ardour, always pray!

Divine Enlightner of the human Race, Enlighten Thou my Eyes with Rays Divine, That I the Wonders of thy Law may see, And, of thy Grace, the Glories may behold; That so, from Glory unto Glory, I May, by thy SPIRIT, to thine Image come. And, O Thou, who Divinely purify'st; While I myself would cleanse from Filthiness, All Filthiness of Flesh and Spirit; give Help This to do well; and, in the Fear of Thee, Still to press on and perfect Holiness: For I am naught without Thee; nor can do Aught fit for Thee, or thine Acceptance fit: Therefore to Thee myself I free resign, With all I have: Gracious, my all receive, And, to thy Will, completely all conform.

Now Earth I leave; and Creatures I renounce: They shall not hence my chosen Portion be: My Saviour GOD is my most happy Choice: Henceforth HE shall be all in all to me.