January 23
OUT OF THE DUST
“He knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I
shall come forth as gold.”—Job xxiii. 10.
“Dust of gold.”—Job xxviii. 6.
Were I the dust beneath Thy Feet,
Lord, when Thou passest, they would make
The whole wide world around me sweet,
And life within me all awake;
Were I the dust beneath Thy Feet,
Thereunder earth and Heaven would meet
Were I the dust upon the hem
Of Thy sweet robe for ever nigh,
Each pang would be a precious gem
And stumbling-stones yet lift me high;
Were I the dust upon Thy hem,
My thorns would weave a diadem.
Were I the dust about Thy path
Which still is everywhere and good,
Soft would the buffets be of wrath
In such a blessed Brotherhood;
Were I the dust about Thy path,
Gold would be then my aftermath.
Were I the dust below the dust
Whereon Thy gracious steps are laid,
Forth from the very grave my trust
Would spring and no more be afraid;
Were I the dust below the dust,
Life would be mine because it must.
