Songs

Thee will I love, my Strength, my Tower

271
					8.8.8.8.8.8.

1	Thee will I love, my Strength, my Tower, 
	Thee will I love, my Joy, my Crown, 
	Thee will I love with all my power, 
	In all Thy works, and Thee alone; 
	Thee will I love, till the pure fire 
	Fill my whole soul with chaste desire. 

2	Ah, why did I so late Thee know, 
	Thee, lovelier than the sons of men! 
	Ah, why did I no sooner go 
	To Thee, the only ease in pain! 
	Ashamed, I sigh, and inly mourn, 
	That I so late to Thee did turn. 

3	In darkness willingly I strayed, 
	I sought Thee, yet from Thee I roved; 
	Far wide my wandering thoughts were spread, 
	Thy creatures more than Thee I loved; 
	And now if more at length I see, 
	’Tis through Thy light and comes from Thee. 

4	I thank Thee, uncreated Sun, 
	That Thy bright beams on me have shined; 
	I thank Thee, who hast overthrown 
	My foes, and healed my wounded mind; 
	I thank Thee, whose enlivening voice 
	Bids my freed heart in Thee rejoice. 

5	Give to mine eyes refreshing tears, 
	Give to my heart chaste, hallowed fires, 
	Give to my soul, with filial fears, 
	The love that all heaven’s host inspires; 
	That all my powers, with all their might, 
	In Thy sole glory may unite. 

6	Thee will I love, my joy, my crown, 
	Thee will I love, my Lord, my God; 
	Thee will I love, beneath Thy frown, 
	Or smile, Thy scepter, or Thy rod; 
	What though my flesh and heart decay? 
	Thee shall I love in endless day!

							Johann Scheffer
							Tr. John Wesley