Condemned in thought? Dear Lord, Thou know'st my
care
Lest in my inmost heart, to Thee laid bare,
Lurk aught that could not brook Thy vision fair.
Thou knowest all my life, nor dost accuse;
And shall I yield in bonds to those who choose,
Forgetting Thee, Thine own to sore abuse?
Condemned in word? Nay, Lord, while Thou art nigh,
And safely in Thy secret place I lie,
The clamor of the rabble passeth by;
And I am dumb, the while Thy voice is heard
Proclaiming through my lips Thy potent word;
Nor need I fear the depths of error stirred.
Condemned in action? Lord, Thou art my guide;
My faltering steps strive still to reach Thy side;
By Thine own love's law am I purified.
In light or shade, Thou boldest still my hand,
To me revealing all Thy love hath planned.
Can aught condemn, since Thou dost understand?
Condemned with Thee? Dear Lord, and shall I dare
To turn me from the cup Thine own must share
Ere worthily the crown of life they wear?
Nay, may I—though the world shall still deride,
Betray, reject,—stand ever at Thy side,
Until in me Thy soul is satisfied!
