O God, whose thoughts are brightest light

1 O God, whose thoughts are brightest light,
Whose love always runs clear,
To whose kind wisdom sinning souls
Amidst their sins are dear,
How Thou can’st think so well of us,
Yet be the God Thou art,
Is darkness to my intellect,
But sunshine to my heart.

2 Sweeten my bitter-thoughted heart
With charity like Thine,
Till self shall be the only spot
On earth which does not shine;
For they have caught the way of God,
To whom self lies displayed
In such clear vision as to cast
O’er others’ faults a shade.

3 I need Thy mercy for my sin;
But more than this I need,
Thy mercy’s likeness in my soul
For others’ sin to bleed;
‘Tis not enough to weep my sins;
‘Tis but one step to heaven;
When I am kind to others, then
I know myself forgiven.

4 Hardheartedness dwells not with souls
Round whom Thine arms are drawn;
And dark thoughts fade away in grace,
Like cloud spots in the dawn;
All bitterness is from ourselves,
All sweetness is from Thee;
Sweet God, for evermore be Thou
Fountain and Fire in me.


Source: Hymns of the Kingdom of God: with Tunes #326