Without the Camp

"Lord, I desire to live as one who bears a blood-bought name,"
To daily walk beneath a cross and gladly suffer shame;
Lord, I would dwell without the gate with Christ the Crucified,
Bear His reproach outside the camp, close to His wounded side.

I want to tread in narrow paths with those Your faithful few;
Who huddle by no foe's warm fire, but bravely follow You;
I long to walk with humble folk who seek no house of stone,
Whose only joy is knowing You, whose strength is God alone.

Mary Van Nattan Stephens