The Cyber Hymnal ‎#10526

10526. Desiring To Love Christ

1 Come, let me love: or is my mind
Hardened to stone, or froze to ice?
I see the blessèd Fair One bend
And stoop t’embrace me from the skies!

2 O! ’tis a thought would melt a rock,
And make a heart of iron move,
That those sweet lips, that heav’nly look,
Should seek and wish a mortal love!

3 I was a traitor doomed to fire,
Bound to sustain eternal pains;
He flew on wings of strong desire,
Assumed my guilt, and took my chains.

4 Infinite grace! almighty charms!
Stand in amaze, ye whirling skies,
Jesus the God, with naked arms,
Hangs on a cross of love, and dies.

5 Did pity ever stoop so low,
Dressed in divinity and blood?
Was ever rebel courted so
In groans of an expiring God?

6 Again He lives, and spreads His hands,
Hands that were nailed to torturing smart;
"By these dear wounds," says He; and stands
And prays to clasp me to His heart.

7 Sure I must love; or are my ears
Still deaf, nor will my passion move?
Then let me melt this heart to tears;
This heart shall yield to death or love.

Text Information

• First Line: Come, let me love: or is my mind
• Title: Desiring To Love Christ
• Author: Isaac Watts
• Meter: LM
• Language: English
• Source: Horae Lyricae Book I, 1706
• Copyright: Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: ABENDS
• Composer: Herbert Stanley Oakeley (1874)
• Meter: LM
• Key: A♭ Major
• Copyright: Public Domain