1 

Oh, how the thought of God attracts

   And draws the heart from earth,

And sickens it of passing shows

   And dissipating mirth!

 2 

'Tis not enough to save our souls,

   To shun th' eternal fires;

The thought of God will rouse the heart

   To more sublime desires.

 3 

God only is the creature's home,

   Though rough and straight the road;

Yet nothing less can satisfy

   The love that longs for God.

 4 

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.

 5 

A trusting heart, a yearning eye,

   Can win their way above;

If mountains can be moved by faith,

   Is there less power in love?

 6 

How little of that road, my soul!

   How little hast thou gone!

Take heart, and let the thought of God

   Allure thee further on.

 7 

The freedom from all willful sin,

   The Christian's daily task;

Oh! These are graces far below

   What longing love would ask!

 8 

The perfect way is hard to flesh;

   It is not hard to love;

If thou wert sick from want of God,

   How swiftly wouldst thou move!

 9 

Then keep thy conscience sensitive;

   No inward token miss:

And go where grace entices thee —

   Perfection lies in this.