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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


A HYMN OF TURNING by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS

First Line: GOD OF LAW, WHOSE MIGHTY FORM
Last Line: CHRIST, O CHRIST, TO THEE I TURN.

God of law, whose mighty form
Rears the mountain, sways the storm,
Bowed beneath Thy just decree,
Whither shall I turn from Thee?

I will turn, O Crucified,
To the refuge of Thy side.
From my sins that bleed and burn,
To Thy bleeding cross I turn.

I have tested human skill,
Human love and human will,
All devices of the brain,
Reason, honor -- all are vain.

From my self with all its woes,
Shameful prey of shameful foes,
Lo, I turn -- how eagerly! --
Christ, my better self, to Thee.

Field and forest, sea and air, --
All the earth is very fair.
Keen ambition's crafty art
Binds the world upon my heart.

But in Thee, O Christ! I find
All ennoblings of the mind;
Fount of all for which I yearn,
Christ, O Christ, to Thee I turn.



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