THE KING'S BUSINESS
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ation in that article, it must be admitted that the situation is spiritually grave. And to meet that “wayward mood of challenge at this hour” nothing will do but the challenge of a genuine radical spiritual revival. This is now within the reach of the churches if they will. After visiting the present revival and revivalists, one feels that Wales is being graciously offered another season of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. This may be the last offer before a time of great trouble comes upon this guilty world. One has tried to impress upon the present revivalists the importance of keeping on right lines, and would now earnestly desire to urge one’s fellow- countrymen to know the time of their visitation. There are signs of a dawn of revival, but, like that referred to by Joel 2 :2 R. V., it is “As the dawn spread (or broken and scattered by ugly clouds) upon the mountains.” “Ask what thou wilt.” And shall I ask The praise of men, the obsequious crowd That, fawning, break the fulsom flask Of flattery o’er the proud? “Ask what thou wilt?” And shall I ask A monarch’s might, a statesman’s skill, To bear the sword and wear the mask That rules the world at will? Ask what I will? Then, Lord, I ask Thy will, Thy praise, Thy kingdom be. Choose Thou my lot, my cross, my task, And I am rich in Thee. — S. S. Times. f) ^
obviously be incomplete without some reference to the revolution in the religious life of Wales. It is only nine years since the country was in the throes of a wonderful religious revival. It was shaken with a tempest of spiritual emotionalism, b u t a strangely different spirit prevails today. There can be no doubt that the old theology and all it stood for is rapidly losing its hold on the mind of young Wales. The fall in attendance at religious services, the marked decreases in voluntary contributions to religious causes, the shrill note of defiance and criticism in the writings of the younger men, all indicate that a fundamental change is proceeding— and no one can predict the issues. The Welshman will always need some definite form of spiritual expression, and for that reason he will never utterly forsake the temple; but that he is in a wayward mood of challenge at this hour is evident.” After allowing for evident exagger “Ask what thou wilt.” What shall I-ask? From labor and the cross release, Exemption'from the common task, A life of careless ease? “Ask what thou wilt.” Or shall I ask For gold, a million yellow suns With favoring beams, that 1 may bask With Fortune’s pampered sons? “Ask what thou wilt.” And should I ask For many days? That thou shouldst arm My strength with cuitas, shield, and casque, Invincible to harm?
“ Ask What Thou Wilt.” (
By J. H. Sammis.
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