A Pocket hymn book, designed as a constant companion for the pious: collected from various authors LV. Thee will I love, my strength, my tow'r

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LV. Thee will I love, my strength, my tow'r

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1 Thee will I love, my strength, my tow'r,
Thee will I love, my joy, my crown;
Thee will I love with all my pow'r,
In all my works, and thee alone.
Thee will I love, till the pure fire
Fill my whole soul with chaste desire.

2 Ah! why did I so late thee know,
Thee, lovelier than the sons of men?
Ah! why did I no sooner go
To thee, the only ease in pain?
Asham'd I sigh and inly mourn,
That I so late to thee did turn.

3 In darkness willingly I stray'd;
I sought thee, yet from thee I rov'd;
Far wide my wand'ring thoughts were spread,
Thy creatures more than thee I lov'd;
And now if more at length I see,
'Tis thro' thy light and comes from thee.

4 I thank thee, uncreated Sun,
That thy bright beams on me have shin'd:
I thank thee, who hast overthrown
My foes, and heal'd my wounded mind;
I thank thee, whose enliv'ning voice,
Bids my freed heart in thee rejoice.

5 Uphold me in the doubtful race,
Nor suffer me again to stray;
Strengthen my feet, with steady pace,
Still to press forward in thy way;
My soul and flesh, O Lord of might!
Fill, satiate with thy heav'nly light!