Pressing Toward the Mark

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I thank thee, uncreated Sun

Translator: John Wesley; Author: Angelus Silesius
Published in 21 hymnals

Representative Text

1 I thank thee, uncreated Sun,
That thy bright beams on me have shined;
I thank thee, who hast overthrown
My foes and healed my wounded mind;
I thank thee, whose enlivening voice
Bids my freed heart in thee rejoice.

2 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 heavenly light.

3 Give to mine eyes refreshing tears;
Give to my heart chase, hallowed fires;
Give to my soul, with filial fears,
The love that all heaven's host inspires,
That all my powers, with all their might,
In thy sole glory may unite.

4 Thee will I love, my joy, my crown;
Thee will I love, my Lord, my God;
Thee will I love, beneath thy frown
Or smile, thy scepter, or thy rod.
What though my flesh and heart decay?
Thee shall I love in endless day.

Source: The Voice of Praise: a collection of hymns for the use of the Methodist Church #682

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Translator: John Wesley

John Wesley, the son of Samuel, and brother of Charles Wesley, was born at Epworth, June 17, 1703. He was educated at the Charterhouse, London, and at Christ Church, Oxford. He became a Fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford, and graduated M.A. in 1726. At Oxford, he was one of the small band consisting of George Whitefield, Hames Hervey, Charles Wesley, and a few others, who were even then known for their piety; they were deridingly called "Methodists." After his ordination he went, in 1735, on a mission to Georgia. The mission was not successful, and he returned to England in 1738. From that time, his life was one of great labour, preaching the Gospel, and publishing his commentaries and other theological works. He died in London, in 17… Go to person page >

Author: Angelus Silesius

Pen name of Johann Scheffler… Go to person page >

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First Line:	I thank thee, uncreated Sun
Title:	Pressing Toward the Mark
Translator:	John Wesley
Author:	Angelus Silesius
Meter:	8.8.8.8.8.8
Language:	English
Copyright:	Public Domain