SELF OR CHRIST? - Theodore Monod

Oh, the bitter shame and sorrow
That a time could ever be
When I let the Saviour’s pity
Plead in vain, and proudly answered,
“All of self, and none of Thee!”

Yet He found me; I beheld Him
Bleeding on the accursed tree,
Heard Him pray, “Forgive them, Father!”
And my wistful heart said faintly,
“Some of self and some of Thee!”

Day by day His tender mercy,
Healing, helping, full and free,
Sweet and strong, and, ah, so paitent
Brought me lower, while I whispered,
“Less of self, and more of Thee!”

Higher than the highest Heaven,
Deeper than the deepest sea,
Lord, Thy love at last hath conquered,
Grant me now my supplication–
“None of self, and all of Thee!”

Theodore Monod