To such what prayer can thought accord Than crying" I believe, O Lord! This is that lowly frame of mind, That all is possible to him. Who full belief can own; Whose eye, through faith, no longer dim, ONE THING WANTING. "Then Jesus beholding him, loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest,"-Mark, x. 21. THERE yet are many such Of love divine which unto Christ would draw. On whom a gracious Lord Hath look'd with love which should their souls enthral ; To whom he would accord The power to follow Him, forsaking all. But, when the terms they hear, They turn reluctant, sorrowful, away; Something is still too dear, For them such hard conditions to obey. No common impulse mov'd Yet the inquirer mournfully withdrew. Withdrew, no more, perchance, To hear those winning accents; or to see Oh, ye, who, like this youth, Pleading in love, "One thing is lacking yet." I Forfeit not heavenly bliss, Death will o'ertake you destitute of all! PROMPT FORGIVENESS ENJOINED. "And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any."— Mark, xi. 25. WAIT not until prayer be ended, Praying hearts can never cherish Shouldst thou, then, in thy devotion, Feel against thy brother aught, Instantly, with deep emotion, Check each unforgiving thought; While thy heart resentment bears, God will never hear thy prayers. Neither think thou of delaying; Hatred on delay can live ;— Even while thou standest praying, Freely, heartily forgive; Or, whate'er thy sins may be, Hope not God will pardon thee.. Should thy resolution falter, Hatred has thy heart defil'd; Leave thy gift before the altar, WATCHFULNESS IMPERATIVE ON ALL. "And what I say unto you, I say unto all, Watch."- Mark, xiii. 37. ART thou a sinner, from the sleep Have growing light and added power Forsake not thou thy fortress-tower, Only while vigilance is thine, Canst thou expect the blessing Their Lord and Master will assign To pilgrims onward pressing. Art thou a saint, by grace redeem'd, |