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;
But when through weariness they failed,

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;
And what she has she misapplies,
For want of clearer light.

How long beneath the law I lay
In bondage and distress:
And toiled, the precept to obey,
But toiled without success.

Then, to abstain from outward sin
Was more than I could do ;
Now, if I feel its power within,
I feel I hate it too.

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
And hear His pardoning voice,
Changes a slave into a child,
And duty into choice.

"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,
He grants the soul again.

A season of clear shining,
To cheer it after rain.

In holy contemplation

We sweetly then pursue The theme of God's salvation, And find it ever new:

Set free from present sorrow,
We cheerfully can say,
E'en let the unknown morrow

Bring with it what it may.