_Child, did I hear you say you want my best?
With nothing less—will you be satisfied?
You add you'll follow where I choose to lead,
Though all forsake, e'en to be crucified.

You ask you know not what … Well, let it be
As you desire … And now, a little test:
Your social standing I shall first require;
A humble place must bring to you—my best.

It hurts? … Of course it hurts—the snubs, the slights,
From those whose favor you delighted in,
When they were told you'd found "The Priceless Pearl"
And willingly renounced this world for Him.

The step you've taken, they pronounce insane!
Wilt go a little further on this road?…
Your reputation. How you shrink! Too much to pay?
Child, I do only take you, at your word._

_Beloved one, still more I now desire;
Your worldly comforts — e'en your home which you enjoy.
Can't part with them? Step out, my child, and try;
I promise you I'll substitute — my joy.

You do not understand? But soon you shall:
I'm going to trust you in a hard, hard place;
Therefore destruction of your idols I must make,
To help you run —and win- this glorious race.

Come! take your place within these rescue homes,
Where I have brought some priceless gems of earth,
To cleanse, to cut, then polish for my crown:
Your services I need to enhance their worth.

The world has long rejected them with scorn,
These human gems from out the mire and dust;
A lapidary I would make of you,
Whilst I some precious gems with you entrust.

Your patience and forbearance will be taxed
Beyond endurance! And you've none, you say.
Then I must teach these lessons to you, child;
You promised to go with me all the way._

The trials are too great! Nay, say not so.
Privations too! and disappointments sore!
And just as the gem begins to scintillate,
My search-light doth disclose some dreadful flaw.

And you must start anew the task again….
Cheer up, dear child. I never will forsake.
Come, dry those tears and rest a while with me.
I soon will rectify your very sad mistake.

Think not you are the only one who fails,
For all have failed. Not all have tried again;
Thus have they missed my best, for which they prayed.
Courage. Be brave. The attempt was not in vain.

Now then, that gem with such a dreadful flaw,
Bring it to me…. Ah yes! I now will prove
Too soon the surface you did undertake
To polish—e'er the ugly flaw's removed.

Plunge it anew into the precious blood of Jesus,
Thus anew—the work's begun….
You're wining? My beloved, obedient child,
Not many live the prayer, "Thy will be done."

I'm going to prove this precious gem by fire;
'Tis next in order. This, to consume the dross.
It's size will be reduced. Nay, do not fear;
Perfect and flawless gems must suffer loss.

For further process, see these varied wheels
For grinding, till the blemished spot we reach.
Not too much haste! Be careful. Watch and pray;
Soon then you'll learn each lesson as I teach.

You wish to know the names of all these wheels?
These two are Joy and Peace, and this, Long-suffering.
This one is Gentleness, then Goodness next.
Now to the front the wheel of Faith I bring.

And are these all? Not quite. The Meekness wheel
So gently polishes. Then Temperance comes in
To aid in handling gems with special care:
Thus give the final touch of polishing.
(The nine fruits of the Holy Spirit. Gal. 5:22-26.)

You ask what motive power propels these wheels.
Dear child, your teacher is the God above.
He tells you. Surely you have learned his name;
His motive power is Love, and only Love,

Press on, press on. The secret now you know;
The willing, the obedient stand the test.
Supported by my love, your eye on me,
Surely I have—for you—my very best.