295    L.M.     John Newton
Prayer Answered by Crosses. Ps. 65. 5; Acts 14. 22

1 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.

2 [’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.]

3 I hoped that in some favoured hour,
  At once he’d answer my request;
  And, by his love’s constraining power,
  Subdue my sins, and give me rest.

4 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.

5 Yea, more, with his own hand he seemed
  Intent to aggravate my woe;
  Crossed all the fair designs I schemed,
  Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.

6 “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.

7 “These inward trials I employ,
  From self and pride to set thee free;
  And break thy schemes of earthly joy,
  That thou mayst seek thy all in me.”