Answering God’s Patient Call

ALMIGHTY! it seemeth infinite grace on Thy part, that Thou shouldst listen to us when we beseech Thee for mercy, that our sinful lives may be purged; and yet we have heard, and we know that Thou dost beseech us. Thou dost beseech us in many ways, with the fair face of the world, and the gladsome beauty Thou hast put into all nature; and yet, amidst Thy wondrous works, how small we are, pitiful actors amidst marvellous surroundings.

Thou hast besought us, and we have not heard. In Thy word Thou hast besought us, besought us to live in pureness that we may live in peacefulness, and we have not been won. Thou dost speak to us through all things, and we are not won. Have patience, O Lord, till we are won to purity and peace. Thou hast besought us to turn away from evil, and we would not; Oh, beseech us yet again, now that we are weary, wasted, and worn, that we may at last come to Thee and find rest.

Give of Thy peace to our troubled hearts, and let the Comforter brood over us this day. Give us true understanding of all our duties, and strength for their faithful performance, whether galling or not. Make us to be faithful servants, day by day, till such happy time as Thou shalt put away the work, and close the gates, and shut us in, to the quietness and closeness of the grave.

Guide us with Thy right hand along this weary, dusty road of life, and receive us at last into Thine Eternal City.—AMEN.