4 To crowd the narrow span of life With wise designs and virtuous deeds: So shall we wake from death's dark night, To share the glory that succeeds. I Thou hidden love of God, whose 3 'Tis mercy all, that thou has brought height, Whose depth unfathomed no man knows, I see from far thy beauteous light, 2 Thy secret voice invites me still The sweetness of thy yoke to prove: And fain I would; but though my will Seem fixed, yet wide my passions rove; Yet hindrances strew all the way; I aim at thee, yet from thee stray. My mind to seek her peace in thee; Yet, while I seek, but find thee not, No peace my wandering soul shall see. O when shall all my wanderings end, And all my steps to thee-ward tend! 4 Is there a thing beneath the sun, That strives with thee my heart to share? Ah! tear it thence, and reign alone, The Lord of every motion there. Then shall my heart from earth be free, When it hath found repose in thee. Gerhard Tersteegen, 1697 |