I stand engaged to hold thee up,
And guide thee safely through."
88.
The Woman of Canaan.—Matt, xv, 22-28.
1 PRAYER an answer will obtain,
Though the Lord awhile delay ;
None shall seek his face in vain,
None be empty sent away.
2 When the woman came from Tyre,
And for help to Jesus sought,
Though he granted her desire,
Yet at first he answer d not.
3 Could she guess at his intent
When he to his foll wers said,
" I to Israel s sheep am sent;
Dogs must not have children s bread " ?
4 She was not of Israel s seed,
But of Canaan s wretched race ;
Thought herself a dog indeed ;
Was not this a hopeless case ?
5 Yet although from Canaan sprung,
Though a dog herself she styled,
She had Israel s faith and tongue,
And was own dfor Abram s child.
6 From His word she draws a plea :
" Though unworthy children s bread,
Tis enough for one like me
If with crumbs I may be fed."
7 Jesus then his heart reveal d:
" Woman, canst thou thus believe ?
I to thy petition yield,
All that thou canst wish receive."
8 Tis a pattern set for us,
How we ought to wait and pray ;
None who plead and wrestle thus
Shall be empty sent away.
