John 21:17: Peter was grieved because He said unto him, &c

Esus I long that grief to feel
Surpassing all the joys below.
That gracious grief unspeakable,
Which none but Thy true lovers know,
Grief inexpressible, to be
Suspected of not loving Thee.

Beloved by all Thou call'st Thine own.
Dear to the pardon'd soul Thou art;
But hast Thou made Thy goodness known
To me, or visited my heart?
O how shall I the secret find,
Or know the loving Saviour's mind?

Question'd if Thee indeed I love,
Saviour, how can I answer Thee?
The truth of my affection prove
Unless Thy Spirit speaks in me,
Reveals and sheds Thy love abroad,
And fills my simple heart with God?

O could I to the Lord appeal
For what the Lord in me hath wrought,
And (uietly myself conceal,
By man unnoticed and forgot,
Thrice happy that my soul is known,
My love approved by God alone.