Poem, December 31, 1905

[Comment by Aksel J. Smith: Someone wrote to Father and called him a big “I,” so Father wrote this poem.]

I.
Though devils all line up to fight,
To try and overtake me,
I’ve dwelt in rest, through Christ’s own might;
They cannot move or shake me.

II.
Such is the life that I’ve received.
Naught was my own endeavor.
In all things God shall honored be.
To Him be praise forever.

III.
If you say it’s just my big “I,”
This life which you’d suppress here,
It’s strong and tough; so though you try,
It still would have success here.

IV.
Seek not to smear or to debase
God’s work that He’s creating.
You’ll surely stumble in disgrace.
A painful fall is waiting.

V.
For, such a work is not your call.
Be careful—this is needful;
And nobody as yet did fall
Who upright was, and heedful.

VI.
The Lord Himself will prove all things;
To test our faith He tries us.
Through fire and water that He brings,
Refines and glorifies us.