The faithful servants of the Lord

1 The faithful servants of the Lord,
Who teach the plain and simple word
Are always tempted, always tried,
Distress'd and vext on ev'ry side.

2 Such was the first Apostl's fate,
As sacred writings do relate;
And all their faithful partners meet,
The like reward and equal treat.

3 Oftimes they are falsely accus'd,
And therefore slander'd and abus'd;
When they endeavour to discharge,
Their office to the world at large.

4 The Gospel is the purest light,
It brings the sacred truth to sight;
But where the truth, its beauty shows,
There Satan's Kingdom will oppose.

5 The Servants of the Saviour are
Expos'd to danger, dread and fear;
Continual conflicts, war and strife
Attends the course of all their life.

6 Expos'd to wants of ev'ry kind,
Distress'd in body and in mind--
Esteem'd as men of meanest worth,
As the off-scourings of the earth.

7 Oftimes as Pilgrim's, here they roam,
No certain stay, or Place of home;
The chief reward they hope to have,
Is that which is beyond the grave.

Source: Church Hymn Book: consisting of newly composed hymns with the addition of hymns and psalms, from other authors, carefully adapted for the use of public worship, and many other occasions (1st ed.) #XLVIII