YOU CAN'T BUILD A SPIRE FROM THE TOP



You simply can't teach others to live,

Till your own foundations are sure;

Nor pour out words of wisdom and love

Till the fountain within you is pure.



If you would go forth with soul winning zeal,

Then friendship with evil must stop -

No matter how strong may be the desire;

You can't build a spire from the top!



Repentance and faith and study and prayer -

All these must be in their place;

Living for Christ must be every day,

If you'd show forth his love in your face.



You can't start with all virtues, you must grow in grace,

But all friendship with evil must stop;

You can't walk arm in arm with fleshly desire,

And you can't build a spire from the top!



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