Written When Under Reproach

O My Galilean King,
Can I glory in this shame?
Can I this dishonour bring,
As a suffering for Thy name?
Lord, Thou know'st, and Thou alone,
All our hearts to Thee are known.

Naked, and without disguise
In Thy sight my spirit stands:
Have I not from outward vice
Wash'd, in innocence, my hands,
From the great transgression free?
Lord, I dare appeal to Thee.

Inwardly like other men,
Wholly born in sin I am:
Only Thou didst still restrain
For the honour of Thy name;
Kept by Thine almighty grace,
Thee I render all the praise,

Nought have I whereof to boast,
Only sin to me belongs,
Scorn of the Philistine host,
Subject of the drunkard's songs,
Mark of Pharisaic zeal,
All the virtuous rage of hell.

Master, is it not for Thee?
If I suffer for Thy cause,
Bless the sacred infamy,
Crown the scandal of Thy cross,
Now the peaceful answer give,
Let me now Thy love receive.

Me if Thou hadst never sent,
Satan's strongest holds to' o'erthrow,
Would he thus his malice vent.
Stir up all his powers below,
Make me as his children black;
Would he his own kingdom shake?

Lord, my time is in Thy hand:
Judged in man's unrighteous day,
Let me in Thy judgment stand,
When the wicked melt away,
Vindicate Thy servant there,
Clear me at the last great bar!