Hymn: If from the right course I depart

Author: Watchman Nee

Translated from Chinese:

If I would only stray a bit,

Then ease my lot would be;

But I recall how Christ my Lord

Did suffer faithfully.

The world I have forever left

And severed all its ties;

The way may yet more narrow grow

And all against me rise.

But though the worldlings glare in rage;

I seek His smiling face.

Though outward glory others choose,

I, His “well done” through grace.

My heart’s desire is not for fame

Nor profit in these days;

I humbly wish to serve my Lord

And gain that day His praise.

Unto the judgment seat of Christ

I daily look away;

May all my living and my work

Abide the fire that day.

You may your reputation hold,

Wealth, friends, and glory gain;

You may win all success and praise,

A following great obtain.

But I would be but lonely, poor,

With no prosperity;

My heart desires to follow Him

And finish faithfully.

My Lord, when here on earth, I know,

Gained nothing but the cross.

I only hope to be like Him

And for Him suffer loss.

My glory’s in the coming age,

Today I’ll patient be.

I’d ne’er enjoy ahead of Him

This world’s prosperity.

That day I shall receive the crown,

He’ll wipe away my tears.

So faithfully I’ll journey on

Till He at length appears.