The highest and the holiest place
guards not the heart from sin;
the Church that safest seems without
may harbor foes within.
Thus in the small and chosen band,
beloved above the rest,
one fell from his apostleship,
a traitor-soul unblest.
But not the great designs of God
man's sins shall overthrow;
another witness to the truth
forth to the lands shall go.
The soul that sinneth, it shall die;
thy purpose shall not fail;
the word of grace no less shall sound,
the truth no less prevail.
Righteous, O Lord, are all thy ways;
long as the worlds endure,
from foes without and foes within
thy Church shall stand secure.