Ancient and Modern ‎#751

751. O love divine, how sweet thou art!

1 O love divine, how sweet thou art!
When shall I find my longing heart
all taken up by thee?
I thirst, I faint, I die to prove
the greatness of redeeming love,
the love of Christ to me.

2 Stronger his love than death or hell;
its riches are unsearchable:
the first-born sons of light
desire in vain its depth to see;
they cannot reach the mystery,
the length and breadth and height.

3 God only knows the love of God;
O that it now were shed abroad
in this poor stony heart!
For love I sigh, for love I pine;
this only portion, Lord, be mine,
be mine this better part.

4 For ever would I take my seat
with Mary at the Master's feet:
be this my happy choice;
my only care, delight, and bliss,
my joy, my heaven on earth, be this,
to hear the Bridegroom's voice!

5 Thy only love do I require,
nothing on earth beneath desire,
nothing in heaven above:
let earth and heaven, and all things go,
give me thine only love to know,
give me thine only love.

Text Information

• First Line: O love divine, how sweet thou art!
• Author: Charles Wesley (1707-1788) (alt.)
• Meter: 88 6 88 6
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2013
• Scripture:
  Romans 5:1-8
  ;
  Romans 8:38-39
  ;
  Ephesians 3:14-21
• Topic: God: in mystery; God: Love of; Jesus: Names and images for; Longing; Love for God; Proper 11: Year C

Tune Information

• Name: CORNWALL
• Composer: Samuel Wesley (1766-1837)
• Meter: 88 6 88 6
• Key: D Major