Woman Of Canaan
Prayer an answer will obtain, Though the Lord awhile delay; None shall seek his face in vain, None be empty sent away. When the woman came from Tyre, And for help to Jesus sought; Though he granted her desire, Yet at first he answered not. Could she guess at his intent, When he to his follow'rs said, I to Israel's sheep am sent, Dogs must not have children's bread. She was not of Israel's seed, But of Canaan's wretched race; Thought herself a dog indeed; Was not this a hopeless case? Yet although from Canaan sprung, Though a dog herself she styled; She had Israel's faith and tongue, And was owned for Abraham's child. From his words she draws a plea; Though unworthy children's bread, 'Tis enough for one like me, If with crumbs I may be fed. Jesus then his heart revealed, Woman canst thou thus believe? I to thy petition yield, All that thou canst wish, receive. 'Tis a pattern set for us, How we ought to wait and pray; None who plead and wrestle thus, Shall be empty sent away.
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