p. 1 | LORD, IS IT I? by S. M. Spicer

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 27, 1879

“LORD, IS IT I?”

By S. M. Spicer

“Is it I?” to betray thee, my dear loving Jesus, Even I, now sharing thy bountiful board? Am I so ungrateful, so vile and so cruel? No, never; ah never! I forbid it, dear Lord. I will ever befriend thee and stay by thy side, Naught e’er shall offend me, whatever betide.

Oh, weak human nature! though confident ever, How forgetful! how powerless in Gethsemane’s vale! In the garden of agony even found sleeping, Forgetting to watch while dark powers prevail. Now by the rude soldiers Jesus captive is led, “And all the disciples forsook him and fled.”

Do I too betray thee, my kind loving Saviour, Forget thee, forsake thee, when scoffers deride? And fearing, when sinners are near, to confess thee, Deny the Redeemer, who for me has died? How many prove faithless when dangers are nigh, And know not the Master. Dear Lord, is it I?

How many professing to follow thy pathway Traced in humility, patience, and love, Walk so far from thee in coldness and darkness, They forget the sweet Spirit that comes from above; So unlike the pattern, the faith they deny, And dishonor thy name. Dear Lord, is it I?

Many, while seeking the kingdom of Heaven, Love better the world, its false pleasures and show, Its riches, though cankered, its garments, moth-eaten, The heart with its treasures all centered below. How can they be fitted for dwelling on high While worshiping mammon? Dear Lord, is it I?

O teach me the meaning of life's holy mission! Let me fear not the foe, and choose not the world; Forgetful of self, let me scatter true blessings, Relief for earth's sufferings and sorrows untold, Pointing to others the way—true in word and in deed— May I gain that blest Heaven, dear Saviour, I plead. S. M. Spicer.