Love of God

←I. Knowledge of God

Love of God  (1771)  Attributed to Christopher Smart without evidence.

III. Fear of God→

From the APPENDIX to the Hymns Hymns for the Amusement of Children (1771).

HYMN II.

LOVE of GOD.

Great God of Love! — that charming name
Should all my powers controul;
Should make my best affections flame
And kindle all my soul.

Nor I, nor Angels round the throne
Can love to what's thy due;
Beauties divine to them unknown
Pass all they have in view.

When they have stretch'd their wings for flight,
The steep ascent to try; <10>
Struck with the vast and boundless height,
In wonder lost they lie.

Yet they for ever wonder on
And gaze with high delight:
And love the Infinite unknown,
With all their mind and might.

I too would lift mine eyes to see
What Angels can't explore,
With fix'd attention gaze at Thee,
And wonder and adore. <20>

O clear mine eyes, my heart inflame,
With love fill up my soul;
Let this affection reign supreme,
And all my powers controul.

This work published before January 1, 1923 is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.