Fast and vigil, alms and prayer,
These the penitential stair
Leading slowly day by day
Up the toilsome heavenward way.

Following these I thought to be
Always near, dear Lord, to Thee;
Now — alas! Thou knowest all;
Fruitless strife and frequent fall!

Trust of self, or selfish aim,
Toil unhallowed by Thy Name,
Envy, pride, — oh, make me know
What has laid Thy servant low!

By this same unchanging stair —
Fast and vigil, alms and prayer —
Following Thee Thy saints have passed
To victorious peace at last.

And this ladder I must scale;
Nought instead will me avail;
Every round I know I need,
Though my feet thereon should bleed.

None the less, dear Lord, I know,
Worse than vain each step I go
If Thou art not at my side
To prevent, uphold, and guide.

Take in Thine my trembling hand;
Give me grace and strength to stand;
Once again I will assay
At Thy word the heavenward way.

Oh for courage not to faint!
Oh for silence from complaint!
Oh for patience to forbear;
Love to conquer; faith to dare!

Stay me, Lord, with holy fear!
Fill me, Lord, with holy cheer!
Humbly leaning on Thy strength
May I gain the end at length.

Nought I can do, or have done;
If I win 'tis Thou hast won;
Putting all my trust in Thee
Now my ladder's worth I see.