| I asked the Lord that I might growIn 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 pow’r,
 Subdue my sins, and give me rest.
 Instead of this, He made me feelThe hidden evils of my heart;
 And let the angry pow’rs of hell
 Assault my soul in every part.
 Yea more, with His own hand He seemedIntent 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 thy worm to death?
 “’Tis in this way, the Lord replied,
 I answer prayer 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 may’st find thy all in Me.”
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