The praise, therefore, which I have heard, Delights not so my mind, As those things make my heart afeard Which in myself I find; And I had rather to be blamed, So I were blameless made, Than for much virtue to be famed When I no virtues had. Though slanders to an innocent Sometimes do bitter grow, Their bitterness procures content, If clear himself he know. And when a virtuous man hath erred If praised himself he hear, It makes him grieve and more afeard Than if he slandered were. Lord, therefore make my heart upright, Whate'er my deeds do seem; And righteous rather in thy sight, Than in the world's esteem. And if aught good appears to be In any act of mine, Let thankfulness be found in me, And all the praise be thine. --George Wither (1588-1667). One part, one little part, we dimly scan, Through the dark medium of life's feverish dream; Yet dare arraign the whole stupendous plan, If but that little part incongruous seem. Nor is that part, perhaps, what mortals deem, Oft from apparent ill our blessings rise. O then renounce that impious self-esteem That aims to trace the secrets of the skies; For thou art but of dust, be humble and be wise. --James Beattie. HUMILITY O humble me! I cannot bide the joy That in my Saviour's presence ever flows; May I be lowly, lest it may destroy The peace his childlike spirit ever knows. I would not speak thy word, but by thee stand While thou dost to thine erring children speak; O help me but to keep his own command, And in my strength to feel me ever weak; Then in thy presence shall I humbly stay, Nor lose the life of love he came to give; And find at last the life, the truth, the way To where with him thy blessed servants live; And walk forever in the path of truth-- A servant, yet a son; a sire and yet a youth. --Jones Very. TURN FROM SELF This is the highest learning, The hardest and the best-- From self to keep still turning, And honor all the rest. If one should break the letter, Yea, spirit of command, Think not that thou art better; Thou may'st not always stand! We all are weak--but weaker Hold no one than thou art; Then, as thou growest meeker, Higher will go thy heart. --George Macdonald. In proud humility a pious man went through the field; The ears of corn were bowing in the wind, as if they kneeled; He struck them on the head, and modestly began to say, "Unto the Lord, not unto me, such honors should you pay." --From the Persian. MEEKNESS OF MOSES Moses, the patriot fierce, became The meekest man on earth, To show us how love's quickening flame Can give our souls new birth.