W. Nee (242/413) -- Hymns and Spiritual Songs

W. Nee OLIVES that have known no pressure Never can oil bestow; If the grapes escape the winepress, Cheering wine can never flow; Spikenard only through the crushing, Its fragrance can diffuse. Shall I then, shrink from the suff’ring That Thy love would so induce? Each blow I suffer Is true gain to me. In the place of what Thou takest Thou dost give Thyself to me. 2 Do my heart-strings need Thy stretching, Music divine to prove? Must the sweetest music come from The harsh treatment of Thy love? Lord, I fear no deprivation If I be drawn to Thee; I would yield in full surrender All Thy heart of love to see. 3 I’m ashamed, my Lord, for seeking Myself to guard alway; Though Thy love had done its stripping, Yet I felt compelled Thy way. Lord, according to Thy pleasure Complete Thy work in me; Heeding not my human feelings, Only do what pleases Thee. 4 If Thy mind and mine should differ, Pursue, O Lord, Thy way; If Thy pleasure means my sorrow, Still my heart shall answer, “Yea!” ’Tis my deep desire to please Thee, Though I might suffer loss; E’en though Thy delight and glory Mean that I endure the cross. 5 Oh, I’ll praise Thee, e’en if weeping Be mingled with my song. Thine increasing sweetness calls forth Grateful praises all day long. Thou hast made Thyself more precious Than everything to me: Thou increase and I decrease, Lord— This is now my only plea.