WILT thou be great? Then get thee down
From proud ambition’s lofty throne;
Content to wear Love’s unseen crown,
Be “loved and prized by God alone.”
No niche of fame in Church or State
Need show to men where thou hast stood—
“Only the good are truly great,
The truly great are good.” Wilt thou be great? No earthly power
Can raise thee to that blissful height
Where lowliness hath built her tower
In simple dignity and might.
Men earthly honors overrate,
And meekness, strength misunderstood—
“Only the good are truly great,
The truly great are good.” For goodness is from God, and He
Is only great because He’s good;
His power might fill eternity,
His love alone is Fatherhood.
Then at His feet submissive wait;
Seek not earth’s laurels, if you could—
“Only the good are truly great,
The truly great are good.” To humble souls at Jesus’ feet
There comes a rapture all unknown
To men who, taking chaff for wheat,
Seek heavenly joys in earth’s renown;
There is no higher, noble state
Than lying at the feet of God—
“Only the good are truly great,
The truly great are good.”