Straight I upbraid my wandering heart, And blush that I should ever be Thus prone to act so base a part, Or harbour one hard thought of Thee. Oh! let me then at length be taught Sweet truth, and easy to repeat ! Unskilful, weak, and apt to slide. But, O my Lord, one look from Thee Thou art as ready to forgive As I am ready to repine; Thou, therefore, all the praise receive; Be shame and self-abhorrence mine. Cowper. 66 ASK, AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN YOU." HAT 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 darken'd 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; The weakest saint upon his knees. While Moses stood with arms spread wide, Have you no words? ah! think again, Were half the breath thus vainly spent, Your cheerful song would oftener be, "Hear what the Lord has done for me." Cowper. WHO COMFORTETH US IN ALL OUR TRIBULATION." JONG plunged in sorrow, I resign My soul to that dear hand of Thine, That hand shall wipe my streaming eyes, Or into smiles of glad surprise My sole possession is Thy love; And though with fervent suit I pray, My hours, with undiminish'd force Nor would I murmur at my doom, By Thy command, where'er I stray, And if my sufferings may augment It costs me no regret, that she Who followed Christ, should follow me : From all my bitter woes. Cowper, from Mad. Guion. "MY SOUL IS EVEN AS A WEANED CHILD." O UIET, Lord, my froward heart : Make me teachable and mild, What Thou shalt to-day provide, As a little child relies On a care beyond his own; ; Thus preserved from Satan's wiles, Till the promised hour appears, Newton. A FRIEND THAT STICKETH CLOSER THAN A BROTHER." NE there is, above all others, Well deserves the name of Friend; |