p. 8 | What I Must Give Up for God by Amos R. Wells

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 4, 1907

What I Must Give Up for God

By Amos R. Wells

Exclusions

If I would talk with God, my hasty tongue Must hold itself for that high converse pure, As one who has appointment with a king Scorns gossip with a minion at the gate.

If I would listen to the voice of God, I dare not hear the prattlement of men, The bargaining, the vaunting, the untruth, The words that crawl and sting; for ears have room For somewhat, and no more. If I would walk Beside my God, his comrade and his friend, I must go his way; he will not go mine.

If I would own the wealth of God, the gold, The gems of affluent heaven, like the dross Of basest refuse I must hurl away The spoil of greed and all the miser’s glut.

If I would know the wondrous lore of God, What sciences I shall not dare to know! If I would wield the awful power of God, How I must sink myself in helplessness! If I would revel in the love of God, What lesser loves must I disdain to serve!

O Infinite, O Lover, O Supreme, Father and Leader and unfailing Friend, What littles must I gladly lose for thee, What nothings must I tread beneath my feet To reach thy hand, thy bosom, and thy face! — Amos R. Wells.