John & Charles Wesley · 233 of 258

Job 22:8,9,10

Forward I now in duties go, But, O my Saviour is not there! Heavy He makes me drive, and slow, Without the chariot-wheels of prayer.

I look to former times, and strain The footsteps of my God to trace; Backward I go (but still in vain) To find the tokens of His grace.

Surrounded by His power I stand, His work on other souls I see, He deals His gifts on either hand, But still He hides Himself from me.

Groaning I languish at His stay, But He regards my every groan; Dark and disconsolate my way, But still my way to Him is known.

When fully He my faith hath tried, Like gold I in the fire shall shine, Come forth when seven times purified, And strongly bear the stamp Divine.