Poems (Edwards)/"No Need of Prayer?"
TO ONE WHO SAID"THERE IS NO NEED OF PRAYER."
O! mast thou seen thy hopes and joys All broken at thy feet,And yet disdained to seek relief, Low at the mercy seat?Hast seen thy pleasures melt away, Like music on the air,And felt, while mourning o'er the past, There was no need of prayer?
No need of prayer! O! if thy heart Has ever loved its own,If friendship's star, upon thy soul, Its radiant light has thrown; If joy has ever filled thy cup, If love has mingled there,Then hast thou had the constant need Of humble, grateful prayer.
Behold the earth around thee spread, The work of God's high hand,Behold the stars like worshippers, That in his temple stand;The wonder of his mighty power Is round thee every where,For all life's benefits, O man! There's cause for thankful prayer.
If thou hast thanklessly received The gifts which God has given,If thou acceptest without prayer, The benefits of Heaven;Remember thou, a time shall come, A certain joyless day,An hour, O man! when thou wilt kneel In prayer, but can'st not pray.