ASK, AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN YOU." WHAT various hindrances we meet In coming to a mercy-seat! Yet who that knows the worth of prayer, But wishes to be often there? Prayer makes the darkened cloud withdraw, Prayer climbs the ladder Jacob saw, Gives exercise to faith and love, Brings every blessing from above. Restraining prayer, we cease to fight; Prayer makes the Christian's armour bright; And Satan trembles when he sees The weakest saint upon his knees. While Moses stood with arms spread wide, Success was found on Israel's side; That moment Amalek prevailed. Have you no words? ah! think again, Words flow apace when you complain, And fill your fellow-creature's ear With the sad tale of all your care. Were half the breath thus vainly spent, To heaven in supplication sent, Your cheerful song would oftener be, "Hear what the Lord has done for me." BUT YE HAVE RECEIVED THE SPIRIT OF ADOPTION," No strength of Nature can suffice To serve the Lord aright; How long beneath the law I lay Then, to abstain from outward sin Then, all my servile works were done A righteousness to raise; Now, freely chosen in the Son, I freely choose His ways. "What shall I do," was then the word, "That I may worthier grow "What shall I render to the Lord ?" Is my inquiry now. To see the law by Christ fulfilled "JOY COMETH IN THE MORNING." SOMETIMES a light surprises The Christian while he sings: It is the Lord, who rises With healing in His wings. When comforts are declining, A season of clear shining, In holy contemplation We sweetly then pursue The theme of God's salvation, And find it ever new: Set free from present sorrow, Bring with it what it may. |