Master Supreme, I Look to Thee

Master supreme, I look to thee
For grace and wisdom from above;

Master supreme, I look to thee
For grace and wisdom from above;
Vested with thy authority,
Endue me with thy patient love;

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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:

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!

For the Head of a Household