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256. Jesu, the very thought of thee

PART ONE -
1 Jesu, the very thought of thee
with sweetness fills the breast;
but sweeter far thy face to see,
and in thy presence rest.

2 No voice can sing, no heart can frame,
nor can the memory find,
a sweeter sound than Jesu's name,
the Saviour of mankind.

3 O hope of every contrite heart,
O joy of all the meek,
to those who ask how kind thou art,
how good to those who seek!

4 But what to those who find? Ah, this
nor tongue nor pen can show;
the love of Jesus, what it is
none but his loved ones know.

5 Jesu, our only joy be thou,
as thou our prize wilt be;
in thee be all our glory now,
and through eternity.

PART TWO -
6 O Jesu, King most wonderful,
thou Conqueror renowned,
thou sweetness most ineffable,
in whom all joys are found!

7 When once thou visitest the heart,
then truth begins to shine,
then earthly vanities depart,
then kindles love divine.

8 Thee, Jesu, may our voices bless,
thee may we love alone,
and ever in our lives express
the image of thine own.

9 Abide with us, and let thy light
shine, Lord, on every heart;
dispel the darkness of our night,
and joy to all impart.

10 Jesu, our love and joy, to thee,
the Virgin's holy Son,
all might and praise and glory be,
while endless ages run.

Text Information
First Line: Jesu, the very thought of thee
Latin Title: Jesu, dulcis memoria
Author: Anonymous
Translator: Edward Caswall, 1814-1878
Meter: C.M.
Language: English
Publication Date: 2010
Topic: General Hymns: God the Son
Tune Information
Name: ST AGNES (DYKES)
Composer: John Bacchus Dykes, 1823-1876
Meter: C.M.
Key: G Major



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