Prayer Answered By Crosses

I ask'd the Lord, that I might grow In faith, and love, and ev'ry 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 answer'd pray'r;

But it has been in such a way,

As almost drove me to despair.

I hop'd that in some favour'd hour,

At once he'd answer my request:

And by his love's constraining pow'r,

Subdue my sins, and give me rest.

Instead of this. he made me feel The hidden evils of my heart;

And let the angry pow'rs of hell Assault my soul in ev'ry part.

Yea more, with his own hand he seem'd Intent to aggravate my woe;

Cross'd all the fair designs I schem'd,

Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.

Lord, why is this,

I trembling cry'd,

Wilt thou pursue thy worm to death? "'Tis in this way," the Lord reply'd, "I answer pray'r 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 mayst seek thy all in me."