MASTER, thy grace vouchsafe to me, The loving firm fidelity, That mindful of...

MASTER, thy grace vouchsafe to me, The loving firm fidelity, That mindful of thy word I may, with all my skill and might, Perform my every work aright, And please my heavenly Lord.

My heart, thy meanest house, I keep, If thou whose eyelids never sleep The watchful power bestow; I mark the thoughts that thence proceed, Not one shall pass into a deed Before thy mind I know.

Cautious the door of sense I close, And keep it shut against my foes, Who press to enter in; All commerce with the world preclude, Nor let the tempting fiend intrude, Or the besetting sin.

No unexamined thought or word Shall pass, but such as serve my Lord, And execute his will; I only live to watch and pray, And for thy second coming stay, And all thy mind fulfil.

Happy, if, watching to the end, I see thee gloriously descend, The man thou dost approve; Enter into my Master's joy, And all eternity employ In ecstasies of love.