Love Pure And Fervent

Jealous, and with love o'erflowing,

God demands a fervent heart;

Grace and bounty still bestowing,

Calls us to a grateful part.

Oh, then, with supreme

His paternal will regard!

If it cost us some dejection,

Every sigh has its reward.

Perfect love has power to

Cares that might our peace destroy,

Nay, does more—transforms them often,

Changing sorrow into joy.

Sovereign Love appoints the measure,

And the number of our pains;

And is pleased when we find

In the trials he ordains.

Translated from the French of Madame de la Mothe Guion.