Oh, how the thought of God attracts

Oh

how the thought of God attracts

And draws the heart from earth

And sickens it of passing shows

And dissipating mirth!

’Tis not enough to save our souls

To shun th’ eternal fires;

The thought of God will rouse the heart

To more sublime desires.

God only is the creature’s home

Though rough and straight the road;

Yet nothing less can satisfy

The love that longs for God.

Oh

utter but the Name of God

Down in your heart of hearts

And see how from the world at once

All tempting light departs.

A trusting heart

a yearning eye

Can win their way above;

If mountains can be moved by faith

Is there less power in love?

How little of that road

my soul!

How little hast thou gone!

Take heart

and let the thought of God

Allure thee further on.

The freedom from all willful sin

The Christian’s daily task;

Oh! these are graces far below

What longing love would ask!

The perfect way is hard to flesh;

It is not hard to love;

If thou wert sick for want of God

How swiftly wouldst thou move!

Then keep thy conscience sensitive;

No inward token miss:

And go where grace entices thee—

Perfection lies in this.