The writer of this verse was Mary Elizabeth Dobell Maxwell. She wrote four known hymns, but beyond that little is known about her. Born in 1846 at Is­ling­ton, Lon­don, Engl­and, Maxwell lived about 90 years, dying March 24, 1936, at East­bourne, Sus­sex, Eng­land. She was married and attended Congregational Churches, so it is reported. What is known from her hymns is that she understood the New Covenant life of surrender to Christ and living only by His life in her. These truths come forth in all her hymns.

Enjoy this example of surrendered thinking.

The Potter and The Clay  – Mary Maxwell

As clay within the potter’s hand, Responsive to his will,
So let us be, and in us, Lord, Thy purposes fulfill;
Made willing in Thy day of power, Each restless spirit still.

Lord, make this place Thy potter’s house, Where Thou shalt have Thy way,
To mold and fashion as Thou wilt, Upon Thy wheel today;
Cleansing from sin’s impurity, Make pliant as the clay.

Thou hast a purpose in each life, Thou hast Thine own great plan;
Thou seest possibilities, Unseen by us in man;
And where man says, “Impossible,” Thy love has said, “I can.”

Dear Lord, too oft we’ve hindered Thee And would not passive lie,
And let Thee work Thy work in us, Thy name to glorify;
Now with desire “Thy will be done,” Our longing spirits cry.

Banner image via author, Beartooth High Lakes, Wyoming. Pottery image via Pixhere.