The way to exaltation is the dust,—
‘Tis known to all, who in the Savior trust.
The rocky heart, Immanuel’s love must melt.
And beggars’ dunghill-misery be felt,
Before to princely dignity we’re raised,
To sing, “The Lamb is worthy to be praised.”
And though, the blessed of the Lord we are,
Oft trials of our faith were called to bear,
(While trav’ling onward to our heavenly rest)
That we may still be more than ever blest.
Our choicest comforts, sometimes He requires,
To empty us of earth, and fond desires;
And when we find in God a ceaseless store.
If good, He’ll give us more than we’d before.
Through fierce temptations, stirring up within
The foul corruptions of indwelling sin,
We loathe ourselves; and praise and magnify
The Son of God, who did for sinners die.
Or should the mighty Tempter’s power prevail,
And all our weapons of resistance fail,
Thus wounded by the “fiery dart,” we cry—
“Lord help and heal thy child”—so Christ draws nigh!
Thus exercised, our graces are renew’d,
With heav’nly wisdom we become endu’d:
Pride, folly, and self-confidence depart,
And we advance in lowliness of heart.
The fetter’d spirit now to earth sits loose,
A vessel fitted “for the Master’s use;”
Bereft of former gloom, and anxious care,
We serve “with reverence and godly fear.”
Where all was drought refreshing streams are found,
And inward notes of melody abound;
And being more establish’d in His love,
We live by faith on Him who pleads above.
My soul! “be still” and know that He is God,
Be subject to thy loving Father’s rod;
And though at present tears and dust are thine,
He surely will exalt thee “in due time.”