By A Collection of Hymns

      L.M. Luke xviii. 7.
      1 A WIDOW, poor, forlorn, oppressed,
      Importunate her suit could gain;
      And shall not we our joint request
      By persevering prayer obtain?

      2 A stranger to the judge she was,
      But we God's chosen people are;
      And, wishing us to gain our cause,
      Himself doth all our burdens bear.

      3 To an unrighteous judge she came,
      But to a righteous Father we,
      Who bids us confidently claim
      His grace for needy sinners free:

      4 The widow's and the orphan's Friend
      Kindly commands us to draw nigh:
      And lo, our hearts to heaven ascend,
      And boldly Abba, Father, cry!

      5 She had no promise to succeed,
      And but at times could find access;
      Encouraged we, and sure to speed,
      Both day and night our suit may press.

      6 Her vehemence did the judge provoke;
      But God our earnestness approves,
      Watches our every sigh and look,
      And most the boldest suitor loves.

      7 She had no friend or patron kind,
      To enforce and make her suit his own;
      But we a powerful spokesman find
      Before us at the Father's throne.

      8 Our Advocate for ever lives
      For us in heaven to intercede,
      For us the Comforter receives,
      And sends him in our hearts to plead.