THY HAND WAS HEAVY UPON ME."

I ASKED the Lord, that I might grow
In faith, and love, and every grace;
Might more of His salvation know,
And seek more earnestly His face.

'Twas He who taught me thus to pray,
And He, I trust, has answered prayer ;
But it has been in such a way
As almost drove me to despair.

I hoped that in some favoured hour,
At once He'd answer my request;
And, by His love's constraining power,
Subdue my sins, and give me rest.

Instead of this, He made me feel
The hidden evils of my heart;
And let the angry powers of hell
Assault my soul in every part.

Yea more, with His own hand He seemed
Intent to aggravate my woe;

Crossed all the fair designs I schemed,
Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.

66

Lord, why is this?" I trembling cried, "Wilt Thou pursue thy worm to death?". ""Tis in this way!" the Lord replied, "I answer prayer for grace and faith."

"These inward trials I employ,
From self and pride to set thee free;
And break thy schemes of earthly joy,
That thou mayest seek thy all in Me."

66 MY PRESENCE SHALL GO WITH THEE."

THAT man no guard or weapon needs,
Whose heart the blood of Jesus knows;
But safe may pass, if duty leads,

Through burning sands, or mountain snows.

Released from guilt, he feels no fear;
Redemption is his shield and tower;
He sees his Saviour always near,
To help in every trying hour.

Though I am weak, and Satan strong,
And often to assault me tries;
When Jesus is my strength and song,
Abashed the wolf before me flies.

His love possessing, I am blest,
Secure whatever change may come :
Whether I go to east or west,

With Him I shall be still at home.

If placed beneath the northern pole, Though winter reigns with rigour there, His gracious beams would cheer my soul, And make a spring throughout the year.

Or, if the desert's sun-burnt soil
My lonely dwelling e'er should prove,
His presence would support my toil,
Whose smile is life, whose voice is love.

OFT as the bell, with solemn toll,
Speaks the departure of a soul,
Let each from vainer trifles fly,
And ask, "Am I prepared to die?"

Soon, leaving all I love below,

To God's tribunal I must go ;

Must hear the judge pronounce my fate, And fix my everlasting state.

But could I bear to hear him say,

"Depart, accursed, far away!

"With Satan, in the lowest hell,

"Thou art for ever doomed to dwell!"

Lord Jesus, help me now to flee

And seek my hope alone in Thee:
Thy cleansing blood, Thy Spirit give,
Subdue my sins, and bid me live!