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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


A HYMN TO JESUS by BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX

First Line: JESU! THE SOUL THAT THINKS ON THEE
Last Line: THE POW'R OF JESUS AND HIS LOVE.
Subject(s): JESUS CHRIST; SOUL;

JESU! the soul that thinks on thee,
How happy does it seem to be!
What honey can such sweets impart,
As does thy presence to the heart!

No sound can dwell upon the tongue,
Nor ears be ravish'd with a song,
Nor thought by pondering be won,
Like that of God's Beloved Son.

JESU! the penient's retreat,
The wearied pilgrim's mercy-seat:
If they that @3seek@1 thee are carest,
How are the @3finders@1 of thee blest!

JESU! the Source of @3life@1 and @3light@1,
That mak'st the mind so blest and bright;
Fulness of joy Thou dost inspire
Beyond the stretch of all desire.

This can no tongue that ever spoke,
Nor hand express by figur'd stroke:
It is @3experience@1 that must prove
The pow'r of JESUS and His love.



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