CCXLVI. Appeal to CHRIST for the Sincerity of Love to him.

DO not I love Thee, O my Lord?
Behold my Heart and see;
And turn each cursed Idol out,
That dures to rival Thee.

Do not I love Thee from my Soul?
Then let me Nothing love:
Dead be my Heart to ev'ry Joy,
When Jesus cannot move.

Is not thy Name melodious still
To mine attentive Ear?
Doth not each Pulse with Pleasure bound
My Saviour's Voice to hear?

Hast Thou a Lamb in all thy Flock,
I would disdain to feed?
Hast Thou a Foe, before whose Face
I fear thy Cause to plead?

Would not mine ardent Spirit vie
With Ange's round the Throne,
To execute thy sacred Will,
And make thy Glory known?

Would not my Heart pour forth its Blood
In Honour of thy Name?
And challenge the cold Hand of Death
To damp th' immortal Flame?

Thou know'st I love Thee, Dearest Lord:
But O! I long to soar
Far from the Sphere of mortal Joys,
And learn to love Thee more.