Exhortation To Prayer.

What various hindrances we meet     In coming to a mercy-seat!     Yet who that knows the worth of prayer,     But wishes to be often there?     Prayer makes the darkend cloud withdraw,     Prayer climbs the ladder Jacob saw,     Gives exercise to faith and love,     Brings every blessing from above.     Restraining prayer, we cease to fight,     Prayer makes the Christians armour bright;     And Satan trembles when he sees     The weakest saint upon his knees.     While Moses stood with arms spread wide,     Success was found on Israels side;     But when through weariness they faild,     That moment Amalek prevaild.[1]     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.     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.