I cannot give it up,
The little world I know!
The innocent delights of youth,
The things I cherish so!
"Tis true, I love my Lord,
And want to do His will,
And oh! I may enjoy the world,
And be a Christian still!
I love the hour of prayer,
I love the hymns of praise,
love the blessed Word that tells
Of God's redeeming grace.
But I am human still!
And while I dwell on earth
God surely will not grudge the hours
I spend in harmless mirth!
Lord Jesus! Let me dwell
"Outside the camp," with Thee!
Since Thou art there, then there alone
Is peace and home for me,
Thy dear reproach to bear
I'll count my highest gain,
Till Thou return, my banished King,
To take Thy power, and reign