The words
Stanza 1. If Solomon for wisdom prayed,The Lord before had made him wise;Else he another choice had made,And asked for what the worldlings prize.
Stanza 2. Thus he invites his people still,He first instructs them how to choose;Then bids them ask whate’er they will,Assured that He will not refuse.
Stanza 3. Our wishes would our ruin prove,Could we our wretched choice obtain;Before we feel the Savior’s love,Kindle our love to him again.
Stanza 4. But when our hearts perceive his worth,Desires, till then unknown, take place;Our spirits cleave no more to earth,But pant for holiness and grace.
Stanza 5. And dost thou say, “Ask what thou wilt?”Lord, I would seize the golden hour;I pray to be released from guilt,And freed from sin and Satan’s pow’r.
Stanza 6. More of thy presence, Lord, impart,More of thine image let me bear;Erect thy throne within my heart,And reign without a rival there.
Stanza 7. Give me to read my pardon sealed,And from thy joy to draw my strength;To have thy boundless love revealedIn all its height, and breadth, and length.
Stanza 8. Grant these requests, I ask no moreBut to thy care the rest resign;Sick or in health, or rich or poor,All shall be well if thou art mine.
Olney Hymns (1779), Book 1, Hymn 32. John Newton. Public domain. CCEL transcription with modernized spelling. www.praylock.com/olney-hymns/1-32
