Purer yet and purer
I would be in mind,
Dearer yet and dearer
Every duty find;
Hoping still and trusting
God without a fear,
Patiently believing
He will make it clear.
Calmer yet and calmer
Trials bear and pain,
Surer yet and surer
Peace at last to gain;
Suffering still and doing,
To his will resigned,
And to God subduing
Heart and will and mind.
Higher yet and higher
Out of clouds and night,
Nearer yet and nearer
Rising to the light--
Light serene and holy--
Where my soul may rest,
Purified and lowly,
Sanctified and blest.
--Johann W. von Goethe.