Pride still lies dormant in the Christian's heart,
But sleeping, lives, and may awake to start
A furious flame, like powder touched by spark,
To spread destruction and to leave its mark
Of ruin far and wide.

Then while we move and carry with us still
This dangerous explosive, working ill,
Give grace, O Lord, that we may distant stay
From flattering lips, which bring the spark alway
That lights the charge of pride.

For truly ominous the doleful day
When proud hearts stop to hear what flatterers say.
When pride meets flattery, ah, then, and there,
Near by at hand is Lucifer. Beware!

E. H. Hageman