Hymns, Selected and Original ‎#408

408. I love the Lord; but ah! how far

1 I love the Lord; but ah! how far
My thoughts from the dear object are!
This wanton heart, how wide it roves!
And fancy meets a thousand loves.

2 If my soul burn to see my God,
I tread the courts of his abode;
But troops of rivals throng the place,
And tempt me oft before his fate.

3 Would I enjoy my Lord alone,
I bid my passions all begone,
All but my love; and charge my will
To bar the door and guard it still.

4 But cares or trifles, make or find
Still new approaches to the mind;
Till I with grief and wonder see
Huge crowds betwixt the Lord and me.

5 This foolish hart can leave its God,
And shadows tempt its thoughts abroad;
How shall I fix this wandering mind?
Or throw my fetters on the wind?

6 Look gently down, almighty grace,
Prison me round in thine embrace;
Pity the soul that would be thine,
And let thy power my love confine.

Text Information

• First Line: I love the Lord; but ah! how far
• Meter: L. M.
• Publication Date: 1828
• Topic: Christian experience: Spiritual Declension; Wandering Thoughts

Tune Information

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