| The Secrets of a Beautiful Life |
Chapter 8 |
Page 5 |
John Newton, in one of his hymns, tells the story of such a prayer. He asked the Lord that he might grow in faith, and love, and every grace. He hoped that in some favored hour the request would be at once answered, and his sins subdued by love’s restraining power. Instead of this, however, he was made to feel the hidden evils of his heart, and his soul was assaulted by the angry powers of darkness.
“‘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 trails I employ
From self and pride to set thee free;
And break thy schemes of earthly joy,
That thou mayest seek thine all in me.’”
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