When the vessel is quite empty,
Then the Spirit has full play,
And the Word of God has power
In the life, from day to day.

Oh, ’tis well that it is empty!
Yea, but this will not suffice,
For it also must be broken,
E’en to meet the foe’s device.

’Tis alone the broken vessel
That reveals the hidden light,
Gives us victory in the battle,
Puts the enemy to flight.

’Tis God’s hand alone that breaks it,
Though we take it painfully,
We can trust Him, for He loves us,
He has proved it perfectly.

All man’s empty, broken vessels
Are cast out upon the heap;
But, with God, they are His treasures,
Just the things He loves to keep.

(From Help and Food, Vol. 50.)