If I should meet the worldling's scorn,
His scoffing at the Christ;
If I should test in darkened morn
My truth so dearly priced—
If through his claim of mortal might
I need a clearer, lovelier sight,
Oh, may I learn forgiveness true
To follow, Lord, the way of you.
And should a moment of rebuff
Be mine, through his satire,
May I be wrapped in love enough,
And clad in love's attire,
To see the shafts of mortal hate
Dissolve at once and dissipate—
For you did show forgiveness, Lord,
In dealing with the mortal horde.
And then I pray for firmness, Lord,
And willingness to do,
To hold to Truth — can I afford
To fail to follow you?
If I must take a stand for right,
Oh, let me never once lose sight
Of your clear path. For fearlessness
Goes hand in hand with righteousness.
And if in following this dear way
I meet ambition's pride,
May I with meekness humbly say,
Love, keep me by your side.
For I am safe if my own thought
With your forgiveness, Lord, is fraught;
Then shall I know, as does the dove,
The peace and quiet of true love.
