  (Suggested by a sermon delivered by the late Rev. Doctor W. W. Carson.) If I have conquered self to-day, If I have trod the narrow way, Nor let my footsteps from it stray, Then shall I have reward. If self has conquered me to-day, Has beckoned to the broader way, And I have chosen thence to stray, Have pity on me, Lord! Thou knowest—Thou and I alone, Within my breast the judgment throne; Thy dear voice whispers there “Well done,” And perfect peace I gain: Or prone I lie, and sob “Unclean,” Thy presence felt, though all unseen; I dare not look—Thy sad, stern mien Would rend my heart in twain. Man may misjudge—Thine image bright May flood my soul with Heaven’s own light, Yet men may doubt, and count all night Of gloom and guilt within. Or, when the temple doors should close Against me, I may find repose In Sacred Courts, and even those Who welcome, guess no sin. Thou knowest, Lord, the moments sweet, When lowly sitting at Thy feet, My spirit shares the Angels’ meat, And I am satisfied. Thou knowest, too, when I would fill The soul’s deep void with husks—and still For lack of them I faint—Oh! will I ne’er with Thee abide? |
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