"He held the lamp each passing day,

     So low that none could miss the way,

     And yet so high to bring in sight

     That picture fair of Christ the Light,

 

     That, gazing up, the lamp between,

     The hand that held it was not seen!

     "He held the pitcher, stooping low,

     To lips of little ones below;

 

     Then raised it to the weary saint,

     And bade him drink when sick and faint!

     They drank; the pitcher them between,

     The hand that held it was not seen!

 

     "He blew the trumpet, soft and clear,

     That trembling sinners need not fear,

     And then with louder note and bold,

     To storm the walls of Satan's hold;

 

     The trumpet, coming thus between,

     The hand that held it was not seen!

     "And when our Captain says, 'Well done!

     Thou good and faithful servant, come!

 

     Lay down the pitcher and the lamp;

     Lay down the trumpet, leave the camp,'

     Thy weary hands will then be seen

     Clasped in His pierced ones, naught between!"