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Saturday, January 21, 2012

Not I, But Christ

Not I, But Christ
Frances E. Bolton (d.1926)

Not, I, but Christ, be honored, loved, exalted,
Not I, but Christ, be seen be known, be heard;
Not I, but Christ, in every look and action,
Not I, but Christ, in every thought and word.

Oh, to be saved from myself, dear Lord!
Oh, to be lost in Thee!
Oh, that it might be no more I,
But Christ that lives in me!

Not I, but Christ, to gently soothe in sorrow,
Not I, but Christ, to wipe the falling tear,
Not I, But Christ, to lift the weary burden,
Not I, But Christ, to hush away all fear.

Christ, only Christ!  no idle words e'er falling,
Christ, only Christ; no needless bustling sound;
Christ, only Christ, no self important bearing,
Christ, only Christ; no trace of "I" be found.

Not I, but Christ, my every need supplying,
Not I, but Christ, my strength and health to be;
Not I, but Christ, for body, soul, and spirit,
Christ, only Christ, here and eternally.

Christ, only Christ ere long will fill my vision;
Glory excelling soon, full soon I'll see
Christ, only Christ my every wish fulfilling
Christ, only Christ my all and all to be.

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