IF
If only I were stronger
I d conquer in the fight;
When one is weak and ailing
'Tis hard to do the right.
I d conquer in the fight;
When one is weak and ailing
'Tis hard to do the right.
If only I had riches
The poor should never need;
I envy not the miser
With all his love of greed.
The poor should never need;
I envy not the miser
With all his love of greed.
If only some would hearken
When I wise counsel give,
It would not seem so futile
For others' good to live.
When I wise counsel give,
It would not seem so futile
For others' good to live.
If only God would let me
In mine own way obey,
I could be His disciple
And tread the narrow way.
In mine own way obey,
I could be His disciple
And tread the narrow way.
········
Alas! these "ifs" are blotting
A page that might be fair;
As God has set the copy,
It should be writ—with care.
A page that might be fair;
As God has set the copy,
It should be writ—with care.
THE HEART OF CONSECRATION
(Phillips Brooks)
Wherein the Christian's fullest joy?
Where lies the gold without alloy?
'Tis hidden in the heart's deep well,
A bliss no spoken word may tell.
Where lies the gold without alloy?
'Tis hidden in the heart's deep well,
A bliss no spoken word may tell.
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