Casting the Gospel Net

I

When Peter, through the tedious night,
Had often cast his net in vain,
Soon as the Lord appear’d in sight
He gladly let it down again.

II

Once more the gospel net we cast;
Do thou, O Lord, the effort own!
We learn from disappointments past
To rest our hope on thee alone.

III

Upheld by thy supporting hand,
We enter on another year;
And now we meet at thy command,
To seek thy gracious presence here.

IV

May this be a much-favour’d hour
To souls in Satan’s bondage led;
clothe thy word with sovereign power
To break the rocks and raise the dead!

V

Have mercy on our num’rous youth,
Who, young in years, are old in sin;
And by thy Spirit, and thy truth,
Show them the state their souls are in.

VI

Then by a Saviour’s dying love,
To every wounded heart reveal’d,
Temptations, fears, and guilt remove,
And be their sun and strength and shield

VII

To mourners speak a cheering word,
On seeking souls vouchsafe to shine;
Let poor backsliders be restored,
And all thy saints in praises join.

VIII

O hear our prayer, and give us hope,
That when thy voice shall call us home,
Thou still wilt raise a people up
To love and praise thee in our room.