However Faint, However Small
Alight! Alight! O little flame
Kindled for His holy Name.
Quickened by the Spirit’s call
However faint, however small.
He addeth to thee happy days,
Little flames to join in praise.
Perfect gifts to show His grace
Diffuse rays of His embrace.
Jealous that thou seek His face
Jealous for thy growth in grace.
He takes according to His ways,
A little gift from thy embrace.
To the cross, to the cross! To keepeth hot
And burn away indwelling rot.
No trial He brings on thee for naught
What marvelous works His hands have wrought.
He purifies through pain of loss,
To wipe away thy sinful dross.
With nail-pierced hands doth He thee clench,
Thy smoking flax He will not quench.
Too oft returning to the mire
Easily tempted with strange fire.
Never subject to His ire
He keepeth thee by His desire.
Still beset with iniquity
His blood secures thy surety.
Thou burneth still within the squall,
However faint, however small.
He is gracious! He is gracious! He keeps thee lit
Never, ever to dread the pit.
Thy light procured, shall never fall
However faint, however small.
Once weak and dull upon the trim
Soon radiant ‘fore the diadem.
Effulgent in His regal hall
Soon with the Son, once and for all.
– John Buckner
