Rudyard Kipling

Limits and Renewals

At His Execution

I am made all things to all men—
    Hebrew, Roman, and Greek—
    In each one’s tongue I speak.
Suiting to each my word.
That some may be drawn to the Lord!

I am made all things to all men—
    In City or Wilderness
    Praising the crafts they profess
That some may be drawn to the Lord—
By any means to my Lord!

Since I was overcome
    By that great Light and Word.
I have forgot or forgone
The self men call their own
(Being made all things to all men)
    So that I might save some
    At such small price, to the Lord.
As being all things to all men.

I was made all things to all men.
But now my course is done—
And now is my reward—
Ah, Christ, when I stand at Thy Throne
With those I have drawn to the Lord.
Restore me my self again!

Last updated on Mon Mar 30 13:26:36 2009 for eBooks@Adelaide.