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.