Could the creatures help or ease us <br />Seldom should we think of prayer; <br />Few, if any, come to Jesus, <br />Till reduced to self-dispair: <br />Long we either slight or doubt him, <br />But when all the means we try, <br />Prove we cannot do without him, <br />Then at last to him we cry. <br /> <br />Thus the ruler when his daughter <br />Suffered much, though Christ was nigh, <br />Still deferred it, till he thought her <br />At the very point to die: <br />Though he mourned for her condition, <br />He did not entreat the Lord, <br />Till he found that no physician <br />But himself, could help afford. <br /> <br />Jesus did not once upbraid him, <br />That he had no sooner come; <br />But a gracious answer made him, <br />And went straitway with him home: <br />Yet his faith was put to trial <br />When his servants came, and said, <br />Though he gave thee no denial, <br />'Tis too late, the child is dead. <br /> <br />Jesus; to prevent his grieving, <br />Kindly spoke and eased his pain; <br />Be not fearful, but believing, <br />Thou shalt see her live again: <br />When he found the people weeping, <br />Cease, he said, no longer mourn; <br />For she is not dead, but sleeping, <br />Then they laughed him to scorn. <br /> <br />O thou meek and lowly Savior, <br />How determined is thy love! <br />Not this rude unkind behavior, <br />Could thy gracious purpose move: <br />Soon as he the room had entered, <br />Spoke, and took her by the hand; <br />Death at once his prey surrendered, <br />And she lived at his command. <br /> <br />Fear not then, distressed believer, <br />Venture on his mighty name; <br />He is able to deliver, <br />And his love is still the same <br />Can his pity or his power, <br />Suffer thee to pray in vain; <br />Wait but his appointed hour, <br />And thy suit thou shalt obtain.<br /><br />John Newton<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-ruler-s-daughter-raised/
