304 THE METHODIST HYMN-BOOK ILLUSTRATED
On October 9, 1852, Thomas Robinson Allan, who afterwards founded the Allan Library, found his way to the Wesleyan Chapel in Windsor Street, Brighton, where the Rev. Peter Cooper preached from the prayer of Jabez (i Chron. iv. 10), and read the first verse of this hymn. Was I led to this place to-night to receive an answer to a petition which had long been matter of prayer, and which I particularly and earnestly pleaded this morning ? I believe it was so ; though it was accompanied by a " kind, upbraiding look " from my adorable Master, when the preacher said, " Perhaps you engaged in the business with out consulting God at all." Though the matter was not in my thoughts on entering the place, yet it came strongly into my mind at the conclusion of the service, that the Lord had graciously condescended to give me a token that He had heard my prayer. And whether the answer takes effect in this way or that, I leave to His wisdom and His love.
Hymn 504. What various hindrances we meet. WILLIAM COWPER (60).
Exhortation to Prayer, Olncy Hymns, 1779, in six stanzas. The last three verses are omitted, and a fourth verse added.
Hymn 505. Lord, teach us how to pray aright.
JAMES MONTGOMERY (94).
Prov. xvi. i. Written in 1818 ; first printed on a broadsheet for use in the Nonconformist schools in Sheffield, with the hymns, Prayer is the soul s sincere desire, What shall we ask of God in prayer? Thou, God, art a consuming fire.
In Cotterill s Selection, 8th edition, 1819, it appears in four verses of eight lines, headed The preparations of the heart in man.
Hymn 506. Come, my soul, thy suit prepare. JOHN NEWTON (109).
OIney Hymns, 1779. Ask what shall I give thee. I Kings iii. 5. Ver. 7 reads
Show me what I have to do, Every hour my strength renew ; Let me live a life of faith, Let me die Thy people s death.
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