"GOD IS THE STRENGTH OF MY HEART."
By L. M. T. Ayres
WHEN faint and weary is my soul,
And crossed are all my brightest plans,
When disappointment seems enrolled
On every page of life's short span,
I visit then the place of prayer,
And find my God, my portion, there. When light from heaven shines o'er my heart,
Discovering every latent wrong;
I see the wounds and feel the smart,
Th' oppressive burden checks my song—
Fresh beauties in my Saviour see,
And glory that he died for me. My foes are strong, a subtle host;
Combatants in unequal war—
Myself incompetent to boast
One conquest; e'en a weapon bear:
Prayer is my citadel; I fly
To my sure refuge:—God is nigh. My enemies are vanquished all;
Though for a while are not consumed.
While Jesus listens to my call,
Can I once yield or dare presume
To doubt! Trials are morsels from above;
Although He slay me; still I'll trust his love. When I shall tread the gloomy vale,
Or yield my last expiring breath;
My Father's care, that never fails,
Will calm my fears and sweeten death.
My God, my life, will then my portion be;
And grace shall tune my heart eternally. Fulton Center, Ills. L. M. T. AYRES.