394    L.M.     WIlliam Cowper
Exhortation to Prayer. I Thess. 5. 17

1 What various hindrances we meet,
  In coming to the mercy-seat!
  Yet who that knows the worth of prayer,
  But wishes to be often there?

2 Prayer makes the darkened cloud withdraw,
  Prayer climbs the ladder Jacob saw;
  Gives exercise to faith and love;
  Brings every blessing from above.

3 Restraining prayer, we cease to fight;
  Prayer makes the Christian’s armour bright;
  And Satan trembles when he sees
  The weakest saint upon his knees.

4 [While Moses stood with arms spread wide,
  Success was found on Israel’s side;
  But when, through weariness, they failed,
  That moment Amalek prevailed.]

5 [Have you no words? ah! think again;
  Words flow apace when you complain,
  And fill your fellow-creatures’ ear
  With the sad tale of all your care.

6 Were half the breath thus vainly spent,
  To heaven in supplication sent,
  Your cheerful song would oftener be,
  “Hear what the Lord has done for me.”]