A Hymn (Triumphs of Faith 1.8)

A HYMN.

O Jesus, dearest Lord,
            Forgive me if I say-
For very love-Thy sacred Name
            A thousand times a day!
I love Thee so, I know not how
            My transports to control,
Thy love is like a burning fire
            Within my very soul.

O wonderful that Thou shouldst let
            So vile a heart as mine
Love Thee with such a love as this
            And make so free with Thine!
The craft of this wise word of ours
            Poor wisdom seems to me,
O dearest Jesus, I have grown
            Childish with love of Thee!

For Thou, to me, art all in all,
            My honor and my wealth,
My heart’s desire, my body’s strength,
            My soul’s eternal health.
Burn, burn, O love, within my heart,
            Burn fiercely night and day,
Till all the dross of earthly love
            Is burned and burned away.

O light in darkness, joy in grief,
            O Heaven begun on earth,
Jesus my love, my treasure, who
            Can tell what Thou art worth?
O Jesus, Jesus, sweetest Lord,
            What art Thou not to me?
Each hour brings joys before unknown,
            Each day new liberty.

What limit is there to Thee, Lord?
            Thy fight when wilt Thou stay?
On, on, our Lord is sweeter fair
            Today than yesterday.
O love of Jesus, blessed love,
            So will it ever be,
Time cannot hold Thy wondrous growth,
                No, nor eternity!                  -Selected.

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Wouldest thou that thy flesh obey thy spirit? Then let thy spirit obey thy God. Thou must be governed that thou mayest govern. –St. Augustine.