GROWTH IN GRACE | AdventAI

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 10, 1872

GROWTH IN GRACE.

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 favored 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 hands he seemed Intent to aggravate my woe, Crossed all the fair designs I schemed, Blasted my gourds, and laid me low. Lord, why is this? I trembling cried. Wilt thou pursue a worm to death? 'Tis in this way, the Lord replied, I answer prayer for grace and faith.

These inward trials, I employ, From pride and self, to set thee free, And break the schemes of earthly joy, That thou may'st seek thy all in me. —Sel.