By shrinking we’re gaining,

by losing ourself

we’re gaining Himself

“He brought me forth also

into a large place;

He delivered me;

because He delighted in me.”

Psa. 18:19

AND what is this “large place”?

What can it be but God Himself,

His infinite Being

in whom all other beings

In Him all other streams of life terminate

God is our large place.

And it is through humiliation,

It is through abasement,

It is through nothingness

David was brought into it.

Madame Guyon.

He bare us on eagle’s wings,

He brought us to Himself

Exod. 19:4

Fearing to launch on

“full surrender’s” tide

I asked the Lord

where would its waters glide

My little bark,

“To troubled seas I dread?”

“Unto Myself,” He said.

Weeping beside an open grave

I stood,

In bitterness of soul

I cried to God:

“Where leads this path

of sorrow that I tread?”

“Unto Myself,” He said.

Striving for souls,

I loved the work too well;

Then disappointments came;

I could not tell

The reason, till He said,

“I am thine all;

Unto Myself I call.”

Watching my heroes

those I loved the best

I saw them fail;

they could not stand the test,

Even by this the Lord,

through tears not few,

Unto Himself me drew.

Unto Himself!

No earthly tongue can tell

The bliss I find,

since in His heart I dwell;

The things that charmed me

once seem all as naught;

Unto Himself I’m brought.

—Selected